NAVIGATING CLIMATE CHANGE: AGRICULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY AMIDST
CLIMATE CRISIS
First Quarterly Requirement in
English for Academic and Professional Purposes
Members:
Qella Dane Edo
Glenn Adrian Reyes
Frencess May Dela Rama
Celdan Louie Maragañas
Eugene Rex Tabay
Teacher:
Anejane B. Bayang
SEPTEMBER 2024
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
According to international research, climate change has always been seen as a problem
of equity. By the 1980s, when climate change was beginning to be recognized as a policy
problem and large-scale research was starting, it was clear where the problem originated, from
the carbon dioxide emissions of the rich and where the effects would be felt the hardest by the
poor countries in the tropics (Richard, 2004). The reality is that those who have contributed to
the issue minimally, bear the weight of its effects. Poorer nations, smaller in resources with
mostly fragile infrastructures, can be less able to adapt to a shifting climate. This, in return,
makes them more prone to extreme weather events, increased sea levels, and food and water
shortages. However, those who fueled climate change are the least ones who suffer from its
effects.
Climate change is modifying multiple types of climate-related events or hazards in terms
of occurrence, intensity and periodicity. It increases the likelihood of compound hazards that
comprise simultaneously or sequentially occurring events to cause extreme impacts in natural
and human systems (IPCC, 2019)
Based on national studies, in the Philippines, climate change related extreme weather
events such as typhoons, floods, and droughts have detrimental impacts on crop production and
have significantly affected the livelihoods of cash crop focused rural villages. A shift from crop to
livestock production is emerging as a buffer activity to recover from crop losses; however,
whether this adaptive response is viable is still unexplored (Escarcha, 2020). It was quite
challenging for farmers to quickly shift from planting crops to livestock production, and this long-
term sustainability and effectiveness of the adaptive response are still uncertain, posing
significant concerns about how agricultural methods may develop in the midst of ongoing
climate change issues.
Local findings suggest that temperature in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, steadily rises with
the capricious weather. This is seriously affecting agriculture and daily living. The farmers would
have to suffer from a low yield because of erratic rainfall and spells of dryness. In addition, heat-
related illnesses and erratic water supply pose additional concerns. It is heartwarming to see
local officials adopt measures regarding water management and sustainable agricultural
methods. Indeed, community workshops are done to enhance climate adaptation and resilience
(Benagallo, 2024). Overcoming these challenges is critical for both agricultural productivity and
community well-being. In response, the local government has pursued sustainable agricultural
practices and adopted better water management policies into action. Such proactive measures
are needed to ensure the long-term profitability of agriculture, help the community in adapting to
climate change, and enhance general quality of life in the face of changing climatic conditions.
Research Gap
Agriculture and fisheries are highly dependent on the climate. Increases in temperature
and carbon dioxide (CO2) can increase some crop yields in some places. But to realize these
benefits, nutrient levels, soil moisture, water availability, and other conditions must also be met.
Changes in the frequency and severity of droughts and floods could pose challenges for farmers
and ranchers and threaten food safety (US Environmental Protection Agency, 2023). In the
context of climate change, little is known about the long-term viability and effectiveness of such
an adaptive reaction. For instance, there is not enough research on this strategy's potential
effects on the Philippines' food security, economic stability, and community resilience.
