Exploring Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) as climate change adaptation strategy in brgy. Bagupaye, Mulanay, Quezon, Philippines

Abstract

Farming practices in Brgy. Bagupaye, Mulanay, Quezon, Philippines were assessed as to their conformity with the Ecosystem-based Adaptation (EbA), a concept that utilizes both ecosystem services and biodiversity as integral components for adaptation strategy. The study revealed that despite farmers’ limited knowledge of EbA, some of their agricultural practices were found to be already within the context of EbA as climate change adaptation measures. Using survey questionnaires and field visit, six out of the thirteen documented farm practices were considered to be within the EbA concept of ecosystem-basedness. These were: fallow period during water scare conditions, diversification of farms, cropping with short annual crops, land preparation during the onset of rainy months, modification of their planting practices, and backyard livestock raising. Moreover, farmers’ decisions on their farm management were highly influenced by their local knowledge and past experiences on climatic stress which is an essential element in developing improved science and experience-based adaptation practices. The win-win nature of EbA and its flexibility to fit in with the farmers’ local knowledge and limited resources concludes that it is a promising climate change adaptation measure to the smallholder farmers.