Impacts and Adaptation Strategies on Climate Variability and Change of Coastal Communities along Banate Bay

Abstract

People living in the coastal communities are first and foremost vulnerable to climate change, both socio-economically and environmentally. This paper discusses the adaptation strategies used by the local people of Banate Bay in combating the impacts of climate variability and change. A questionnaire was constructed and administered to the residents of the different communities along Banate Bay. Results showed that majority of the respondents are males, aged 30-40 years, married with no education, with less than five family members with the income of less than P50, 000 per annum and have stayed in the community for ten years but less than 20 years. In terms of respondents’ perceptions on climate variability and change, all categories are rated and interpreted as strongly agree, which means that the respondents are knowledgeable and aware of the situation in relation to climate change and variability. On the causes of climate change variability and change the respondents were highly aware; this indicates that the respondents are knowledgeable of the causes of climate variability and change. Further, the study implies that people living in the coastal areas of Banate Bay are aware of the impacts of climate variability and change. The residents are highly aware of the adaptation strategies which will make them resilient to climate variability and change.