Climate Change, Changes in Cropping Systems and Food Security Implications in the Sta

Working Paper No. 2015-10 Climate Change, Changes in Cropping Systems and Food Security Implications in the Sta. Cruz

Watershed, Laguna

Jose Nestor M. Garcia, Pearl B. Sanchez, Teresita H. Boromeo, Precious R. Zara, Raem Dominic Brion, and Agnes C. Rola

Center for Strategic Planning and Policy Studies (formerly Center for Policy and Development Studies) College of Public Affairs and Development University of the Philippines Los Baños College, Laguna 4031 Philippines

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This paper was published as FSE/CIDS Working Paper 2014-08 by the University of the Philippines Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS). The views expressed in the paper are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of CSPPS, the agency with which the authors are affiliated, and the funding agencies, if applicable.

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The Director Center for Strategic Planning & Policy Studies (formerly CPDS) College of Public Affairs University of the Philippines Los Baños College, Laguna 4031 Philippines Email: [email protected]

LIST OF ACRONYMS

BDRRM Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management BMIS Barangay Management Information System CSI Coconut Scale Insect DRRMP Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan DS/WS Dry Season/Wet Season FGD Focus Group Discussion GIS Geographic Information System LGU Local Government Unit LLDA Laguna Lake Development Authority MGB Mines and Geoscience Bureau NAWASA National Water and Sewerage Administration NSIC National Seed Industry Council OFW Overseas Filipino Workers PAGASA Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration UPLB University of the Philippines Los Baños

Note: In this report, "Php" refers to Philippine Peso.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page List of Acronyms i Table of Contents ii List of Tables iii List of Figures vi ABSTRACT vii I. INTRODUCTION 1 II. METHODOLOGY 2 2.1. Site Delineation 2 2.2. Data Collection 4 2.3. Data Analysis 5 III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 5 3.1. The Sta. Cruz Watershed 5 3.1.1 Geographic Location 5 3.1.2 Topography 7 3.1.3 Soils and Water Resources 7 3.1.4 Land Use 8 3.2. Description of the Study Sites 9 3.2.1 Low Elevation Area 9 3.2.2 Medium Elevation Area 11 3.2.3 High Elevation Area 12 3.3. Climate Scenario in the Watershed 13 3.3.1 Existing Climate 13 3.3.1 Climate Hazards 13 3.3.1 Climate Projections 14 3.4. Agricultural Systems in the Study Sites 17 3.4.1 Low Elevation Area 17 3.4.2 Medium Elevation Area 19 3.4.3 High Elevation Area 22 3.5. Changes in the Agricultural Systems due to Climate Change 25 3.5.1 Low Elevation Area 25 3.5.2 Medium Elevation Area 30

3.5.3 High Elevation Area 35 3.5.4 Changes in the Use of Variety 37 3.5.5 Changes in Soil Characteristics and Management 38 3.5.6 Effects of the Changes in the Agricultural Systems on Crop 41 Production IV. FOOD SECURITY IMPLICATIONS 42 V. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION 42 VI. REFERENCES 44

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LIST OF TABLES

No. Title Page

1 Climate hazard susceptibility of the study sites and distribution of 3 respondents in the study sites. 2 Municipalities and barangays covered in the Sta. Cruz Watershed. 6 3 Land cover of Sta. Cruz Watershed. 8 4 Climate related hazards and frequency of occurrence in the study areas. 14 5 Yields and estimated net income in the low elevation area. 19 6 Yield and estimated net income in the medium elevation area. 21 7 Yields and estimated net income in the high elevation area. 24 8 Changes in the crops planted in the past 20 years in the low elevation area. 25 9 Changes in the cropping patterns in the past 20 years in the low elevation 26 area.

10 Changes in the planting months in the low elevation area. 26 11 Reasons for the change in varieties in the low elevation area. 27 12 Farmers’ perceptions on the changes on the rate at which soil dries in the 28 low elevation area. 13 Farmers’ perception on the changes on the rate of soil erosion in the low 28 elevation area. 14 Farmers’ perception on the changes in the soil fertility status in the low 29 elevation area. 15 Farmers’ observation on the changes in the kind of fertilizer used. Low 29 elevation area. 16 Farmers’ observation on the amount of fertilizer used in the low elevation 29 area. 17 Farmers’ perceived effects of the changes in agricultural systems on crop 30 production in the low elevation area. 18 Farmers’ adaptation measures for different climate hazards in the low 30 elevation area. 19 Changes in the crops planted in the medium elevation area. 31 20 Changes in the cropping patterns in the medium elevation area. 31 21 Changes in the planting months in the medium elevation area. 32 22 Reasons for the change in varieties in the medium elevation area. 32 23 Farmers’ perceptions on the changes in the rate at which soil dries in the 33 medium elevation area. 24 Farmers’ perceptions on the changes in the rate of soil erosion in the 33 medium elevation area. iv

25 Farmers’ perceptions on the changes in soil fertility status in the medium 34 elevation area. 26 Farmers’ observation on the changes in the kind of fertilizer used in the 34 medium elevation area. 27 Farmers’ observations on the changes in the amount of fertilizer used. 34 Medium elevation area. 28 Farmers’ perceived effects of the changes in agricultural systems on crop 35 production in the medium elevation area. 29 Farmers’ adaptation measures for different climate hazards in the medium 35 elevation area. 30 Changes in the crops planted in the high elevation area. 36 31 Changes in the cropping patterns in the high elevation area. 37 32 Changes in the planting months in the high elevation area. 37 33 Reasons for the change in varieties in the high elevation area. 38 34 Sources of planting materials in the high elevation area. 38 35 Farmers’ observation on the changes in the rate at which soil dries in the 39 high elevation area. 36 Farmers’ observations on the changes in the rate of soil erosion in the high 39 elevation area. 37 Farmers’ observations on the soil fertility status in the high elevation area. 40 38 Changes in the kind of fertilizer used in the high elevation area. 40 39 Changes in the amount of fertilizer used in the high elevation area. 40 40 Farmers’ perceived effects of the changes in agricultural systems on crop 41 production in the high elevation area. 41 Farmers’ adaptation measures for different climate hazards in the high 41 elevation area.

LIST OF FIGURES No. Title Page 1 Elevation classes and the selected study sites in the Sta. Cruz Watershed. 4 Source: LLDA GIS 2 Geographical map of the Sta. Cruz Watershed. Source: LLDA GIS 6 3 Municipalities covered by the Sta. Cruz Watershed. Source: LLDA GIS 7 4 Land cover map of Sta. Cruz Watershed. Source: LLDA GIS 9 5 Monthly rainfall projection under A1B (above) and A2 (below) scenarios. 15 Sta. Cruz Watershed. Source: Combalicer (per comm). 6 Mean daily temperature projections under A1B and A2 scenarios. Sta. 17 Cruz Watershed. Source: Combalicer (per comm). 7 Cropping patterns in the low elevation area. 18 8 Cropping patterns in the medium elevation area. 20 9 Cropping patterns in the high elevation area. 22

ABSTRACT

This study sought to explain the food security-environment interactions brought about by changes in the cropping systems as a result of climate change in Sta. Cruz Watershed. Different climatic hazards confronting the watershed at three elevation levels (low, medium, high) were identified and the changes in the agricultural systems resulting from these climatic hazards for the past 20 years were assessed. The impact of the climate hazard on agricultural performance was also evaluated and adaptation strategies implemented by the farmers were examined. Crops grown in all elevations were exposed to two closely related climate hazards, typhoon and flooding. In the low elevation areas (10-20 meters above sea level, masl), annual crops like rice and vegetables were at higher risks due to flooding. Submergence of annual crops for more than 5 days can result to high yield reduction or even total crop loss. In the medium (20-470 masl), and high (above 480 masl) elevation areas, typhoons with strong winds are of greater concern. This caused lodging to annual crops and felling of perennial crops. While perennial crops like coconut, lanzones and rambutan may withstand typhoon, strong winds can uproot many fruit trees. Frequent felling of fruit trees and slow replanting can eventually cause reduction in tree population. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns tend to have influenced the infestation of rice black bug in the low and medium elevation areas and coconut scale insect infestation in the medium and high elevation areas. Fruiting pattern has also been inconsistent due to changes in rainfall patterns. Crops grown and cropping patterns remain the same for the past 20 years although modern varieties have been widely adopted. It is evident in the three elevation areas that the identified climate hazards increased the potential for soil erosion and reduced soil quality leading to lower agricultural productivity which can have a negative impact on food security. Farmers in the watershed continue to experience crop losses due to climate hazards but have yet to develop effective adaptation measures to reduce the negative effects of the hazards. Adaptation strategies that will reduce soil erosion, maintain soil productivity over time and contribute to the resilience of cropping systems should be introduced so farmers can respond to the challenges of climate change and food security.

Key words: climate change, agricultural systems, food security, soil erosion

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CLIMATE CHANGE, CHANGES IN CROPPING SYSTEMS AND FOOD SECURITY IMPLICATIONS IN THE STA. CRUZ WATERSHED, LAGUNA

Jose Nestor M. Garcia1, Pearl B. Sanchez1, Teresita H. Borromeo1, Precious R. Zara3, Raem Dominic Brion3 and Agnes C. Rola2

I. INTRODUCTION

It is widely recognized that anthropogenic activities are responsible for the observed and projected climate change (IPCC, 2006; Ramanathan and Xu, 2010). The US Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has reported that “climate change is one of the greatest threats facing our planet” (USDA NRCS, 2010). Several scientists have reported on the connection between climate change, soil and water resources, and population growth, and have noted that these issues will pose severe challenges that can potentially impact food security (Montgomery, 2007; Lal, 2002; Verdin et al., 2005; Bryan et al., 2009; Morton, 2007). According to Godfrey et al. (2010) feeding the increasing population will also be a challenge. Implementing management decisions that maximize agricultural production and increase yields while conserving soil and water quality and mitigating and/or adapting to climate change, will be important in helping to address this century’s emerging food security issues. Management decisions both on and off the field have the potential to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. For example, management decisions about soil C, an element that is tied to soil quality functions (Doran and Jones, 1996), can contribute to conservation and C sequestration. Additionally, N management that considers the N cycle and the potential to reduce direct and indirect emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) can also contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation. Sustainable land management and efforts to restore degraded lands can also contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

For whatever agricultural systems, the best management decisions for maximizing conservation and mitigating and adapting to climate change while considering the site-specific situation need to be applied. It is important to stress that management, not only to the specific practices that may be employed by the farmers or managers but also more generally to the

1College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Baños 2 College of Public Affairs and Development, University of the Philippines Los Baños 3 Project Staff

1 decision-making process the managers must go through as they determine what practices are best suited for the conditions specific to their sites or fields.

It is widely understood that land degradation is reducing the productive capacities of cropland, rangeland and woodland during a time of rising demand for food, fiber, fuel, freshwater, fodder, household energy and income. As stated by FAO (2009), “Whether the problem is expressed as soil or forest loss, reduced water availability, or poor yields on tired soil, such impoverishment of the land is being driven by inefficient or unsustainable land management practices, and inappropriate or competing land uses. Human activities are compromising natural processes and this dynamic is being further amplified by increasing climate variability.”

This study aims to explain the food security-environment interactions in a dynamic setting brought about by climate change with focus on the Sta. Cruz Watershed. In particular, it sought to: 1. Describe the climate hazards confronting the watershed at the different elevation classes; 2. Describe the agricultural systems practices in the watershed; 3. Examine the changes in the agricultural systems since the past 20 years as a result of the climate hazards; 4. Determine the impacts of the climate hazards on the agricultural performance; and 5. Examine the adaptation measures implemented by the farmers in the watershed.

Toward this end, this study attempted to provide policy implications for improving resilience of the agricultural systems and improve food security of farm households based on the findings of the analysis.

II. METHODOLOGY

2.1. Site Delineation The study is mainly focused on the Sta. Cruz watershed. To have a good representation, the watershed was delineated into low (10-20 meters above sea level (masl)), medium (20-470 masl), and high (above 480 masl) elevation classes (Fig 1). The delineation was based on the changes in the crops with elevation from the secondary data, assisted by GIS, and validated through reconnaissance survey. The municipalities of Sta Cruz, Liliw and Nagcarlan were

2 identified to represent the low, medium and high elevation classes, respectively. In each municipality, two barangays with contrasting vulnerabilities to climate hazards were selected for comparison. The vulnerabilities to climate hazard differed with the elevation classes. For the low and medium elevation classes, vulnerability to flooding was considered while for the high elevation class, vulnerability to landslide was considered. The vulnerability data was based on the flood and landslide hazard maps generated by the Mines and Geoscience Bureau. For the low elevation class, the selected barangays were Bgy. Patimbao with low susceptibility to flooding and Bgy. San Pablo Sur with moderate susceptibility to flooding. For the medium elevation class, Bgy. Calumpang with low to moderate susceptibility to flooding and Bgy. Bungkol which is not susceptible to flooding were selected. For the high elevation class, Bgy. San Francisco and Bgy. Bukal with low and high susceptibility to landslide, respectively were selected (Table 1).

Table 1. Climate hazard susceptibility and distribution of respondents in the study sites. Site Climate Hazard Susceptibility Number of Respondents Low Elevation Bgy. Patimbao Low to flooding 30 Bgy. San Pablo Sur Moderate to flooding 10 Total 40

Medium Elevation Bgy. Calumpang Low - moderate to flooding 30 Bgy. Bungkol Not susceptible to flooding 30 Total 60

High Elevation Bgy. Bukal High to landslide 30 Bgy. San Francisco Low to landslide 30 Total 60 Grand total 160

Figure 1. Elevation classes and the selected study sites in the Sta Cruz Watershed. Source: LLDA GIS

2.2. Data Collection Secondary data were collected from the different municipalities and from other related agencies and organizations. Site reconnaissance was conducted in each barangay selected to obtain general visual observations of the sites and to validate the secondary data.

Focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted in each of the barangays selected. The FGDs were designed to obtain general information about climate hazards experienced in the sites and

4 how their farming systems and components are affected. It also served as the basis for the formulation of the questionnaire for the household survey.

Based on the results of the FGDs, household survey questionnaire was prepared. The survey aims to gather information on the changes in agricultural practices and their impacts on the farming systems as a result of climate change. Except for San Pablo Sur, which has only 10 farm households, 30 farm households were randomly selected for each barangay. The respondents comprised respondents of the survey by the Socio-economic team, and additional respondents to complete the 30 respondents in each barangay. The project staff and eight enumerators, conducted the survey. An orientation was done for the enumerators prior to the actual survey.

2.3. Data Analysis The collected data were then inputted in the computer using excel program and then exported to SPSS program, where data cleaning, quality check, verification and validation were made. The raw data were then analyzed. This study employed descriptive statistics (i.e., using frequency counts, percentages, and cross tabulations) to describe the agricultural practices, changes in agricultural practices since the past 20 years, farmers’ perceptions on the changes in the soil characteristics, among others.

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 3.1. The Sta. Cruz Watershed The Sta. Cruz Watershed is an important resource in Region IV. While patches of forests could be found in the upper ridges of Mt. Banahaw, a large portion have been devoted to agricultural production involving a mixture of perennial and annual crops. The watershed drains its waters to the Laguna Lake, irrigating large rice areas in the lowlands of Sta. Cruz, Pila, and Liliw. Strategically located in midst of urban and industrial development, the watershed serves as a critical source for agricultural food commodities and industrial raw materials for the urban and industrial establishments.

3.1.1. Geographic Location The Sta. Cruz watershed is located on the northern part of the entire Laguna de Bay basin. It lies between north latitude 14o2’47” to 14o18’21” and east longitude 121o21’18” to 121o29’32”. It is bounded by Pila and Pagsanjan and extends upward covering portions of several Laguna

5 and Quezon towns which include Cavinti, Luisiana, Lumban, Sta. Cruz, Pagsanjan, Pila, Magdalena, Majayjay, Liliw, Nagcarlan, San Pablo City and Rizal in Laguna, and Lucban, Sampaloc, Tayabas in Quezon. It has a total land area of 14,611.00 ha (Figure 2).

The Sta. Cruz sub-basin covers 141 barangays located in 11 municipalities. Municipalities of Nagcarlan, Liliw, and Sta. Cruz occupy the largest areas in the sub-basin accounting to 5,260.36 ha with 45 barangays, 3,600.31 ha with 33 barangays and 2,284.30 ha with 21 barangays, respectively (Table 2 and Figure 3).

Figure 2. Geographical map of the Sta. Cruz Watershed. Source: LLDA GIS

Table 2. Municipalities and barangays covered by Sta. Cruz Watershed. Number of Municipality Area (ha) Percentage Barangays Covered Liliw 33 3600.31 24.64 Lucban 1 75.17 0.11 Lumban 1 63.83 0.44 Magdalena 15 1325.29 9.07 Majayjay 7 264.18 1.81 Nagcarlan 45 5260.36 36.00 Pagsanjan 4 559.94 3.83 Pila 1 70.54 0.48 Rizal 10 909.26 6.22

San Pablo 3 197.82 1.35 Sta. Cruz 21 2284.30 15.63 Total 141 14611.00 100.00 Source: LLDA GIS

Figure 3. Municipalities covered by the Sta. Cruz Watershed. Source: Source: LLDA GIS

3.1.2. Topography The watershed transects from the lowland in the north to the steep mountain of Mt. Banahaw in the south. From the flat lowland of Sta. Cruz municipality, it gradually ascends in the municipalities of Magdalena, and with slope getting steeper in Nagcarlan and Liliw, and finally to the very steep slopes nearing the peak of Mt. Banahaw.

3.1.3. Soils and Water Resources The headwaters of the Sta. Cruz River watershed originate mainly from the steep slopes of Liliw and Nagcarlan sides of Mt. Banahaw with some coming from the San Pablo City and Rizal side of the mountain. The many tributaries converge into the Sta. Cruz River in Magdalena and drains into the Laguna Lake in Sta. Cruz municipality.

3.1.4. Land Use The watershed is dominated by coconut plantations, which occupy 6,418.64 ha or 42.05% percent of the total watershed land. This is found mostly in the lower and middle portion of the watershed. Forested areas located in the upper portion of the watershed, is about 2,832.12 ha or 18.5% of the total land area. This is followed by brush land and urban areas with 2,463.01 ha or 16.13% and 1,747.35 ha or 11.44%, respectively (Table 3).

The remaining portions of the watershed are occupied by arable lands, grasslands and marsh land areas covering of about 11%. (Figure 4).

Table 3. Land cover of Sta. Cruz Watershed. Land Cover Area (ha) Percentage Urban 1,747.35 11.45 Forest 2,832.12 18.55 Arable 1,263.04 8.27 Plantation 6,418.64 42.05 Grassland 316.78 2.08 Brushland 2,463.02 16.14 Marsh 164.77 1.08 Water 53.56 0.35 Cloud 4.33 0.03 Total 15,263.61 100.00 Source: LLDA GIS

Figure 4. Land cover map of Sta. Cruz Watershed. Source: LLDA GIS

3.2. Description of the Study Sites 3.2.1. Low Elevation Area a. Barangay San Pablo Sur, Sta. Cruz Bgy. San Pablo Sur, one of the urban–typed barangays of Santa Cruz, Laguna, lies half kilometer away from the municipal proper and is situated north of Pagsawitan and East of Laguna Lake.

Bgy. San Pablo Sur has a population of 2,573 inhabitants of which 1,321 are female and 1, 246 are male. The barangay is composed of 700 households (Barangay Profile). Residents have diverse livelihoods, namely, farmer (owner or lessee), employees (government or private), self-employed and over-seas workers (OFW). Only 10 households are engaged in lowland rice production.

The dominant land cover types observed in the barangay are built-ups and annual crops. Most of its agricultural lands were converted to built-ups and residential areas. However, large proportion of the barangay‘s income comes from the farming industry with rice, vegetables, poultry and livestock as their main products. Residents use private car/van, motorcycles, tricycles, and jeepneys as their means of transportation and for hauling of produce. They also rely on NAWASA and artesian wells for the water source.

The barangay experienced number of typhoons and floods. The Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) has placed the barangay as moderately susceptible to flooding. Typhoon Ondoy caused massive destruction to properties, infrastructure and residents’ livelihood. Nevertheless, the barangay is measured as prone to the risk of flooding.

b. Barangay Patimbao, Sta. Cruz Bgy. Patimbao, one of the rural–typed barangays of Santa Cruz, Laguna, is located two kilometers away from the municipal proper. It is classified as lowland, with elevation ranging from 10-20 meters above sea level (masl). The barangay has a total area of 236.85 ha and a population of 6, 910 inhabitants with 1,663 households.

Residents make use of private vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles, jeepneys and draft animals like horse and carabao as their means of transportation and hauling of produce. “Banca” is also used given that the area is situated near the Laguna Lake.

The barangay’s economic source comes mainly from agriculture. Some 78.16 ha or one third of the barangay’s total land area is for the production of rice. Rice is continuously planted twice a year, making rice as one of the top products of the area. Coconut and sampaguita are also widely grown in the barangay. However, most agricultural lands in the barangay had been converted to residential, commercial and industrial areas. Based on the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan (BDRRM), flooding is identified as one of the major hazards in the area. However, the Mines and Geoscience Bureau (MGB) has placed the barangay’s susceptibility to flooding as low.

3.2.2. Medium Elevation Area a. Barangay Calumpang, Liliw Bgy. Calumpang, one of the rural–typed barangays of Liliw, Laguna, is located 11 kilometers away from the municipal proper. The barangay has a total area of 159.85 ha with six “puroks”.

Bgy. Calumpang has a population of 3,754 inhabitants of which 1,888 are female and 1,870 are male. There are 748 households in the barangay (Barangay Profile, 2013), Most residents (51.39 %) work as employees, followed by farmers (32.12%), businessmen (7.13%) and fisherfolks (0.86%). The residents use private vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles and jeepneys as means of transportation and hauling of produce.

Agriculture plays a major role in their economic growth of the barangay. Agricultural land is the highest on land use allocation with 333 ha. This is followed by residential areas with 170 ha, idle lands with 50 ha and 100 ha for commerce purposes. The barangay’s main products are coconut and rice. Some residents also operate backyard livestock-raising. The barangay has the largest number of poultry in the municipality of Liliw with 317 heads of chickens comprising 79.25% of the poultry produced (Liliw LGU, 2008).

Bgy. Calumpang is vulnerable to typhoon. Information from the residents of the barangay revealed that typhoons had destroyed crops, properties, livelihood and infrastructures. Flood on the other hand, has minimal effects to the barangay due to its elevation. MGB has placed the barangay as moderately susceptible to flooding. Coconut scale insect is also one of the biggest problems encountered by the residents since coconut is one of their main crops.

b. Barangay Bungkol, Liliw Bgy. Bungkol, one of the rural–typed barangays of Liliw, Laguna, lies north of Bgy. Tuy, Baanan and South of Bgy. Ibabang Taykin. The barangay has a total area of 81,248.5 ha with four “puroks”.

Bgy. Bungkol has a population of 759 inhabitants of which, 369 are female and 348 are male. There are 172 households (Barangay Profile, 2014). Around twenty-nine

(28.9% ) of the households are farmers, 8.7% employees, 10.6% OFWs, 8.0% skilled workers, 14.1% business, and 0.8% pensionados. The residents use private vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles and jeepneys as means of transportation and hauling of produce.

From the total area of the barangay, 87% are devoted to agriculture. Forty percent (40%) of the residents are dependent on farming as means of livelihood. Most of them are vegetable growers.

3.2.3. High Elevation Area a. Barangay San Francisco, Nagcarlan Bgy. San Francisco is one of the rural–typed barangays of Nagcarlan, Laguna. It has a population of 2,556 inhabitants of which 1,256 are female and 1,300 are male. The barangay has 601 households. Thirty one percent (186/601) of the residents get their main income from farming, forest works and fishing (Barangay Profile, 2013). The barangay produces coconut, lanzones, banana, chayote, green beans, cabbage, calamansi, sweet potato, taro, squash, tomato and rice.

The residents use private vehicles, motorcycles, tricycles, jeepneys and horses as means of transportation and hauling of produce.

b. Barangay Bukal, Nagcarlan Bgy. Bukal, one of the rural–typed barangays of Nagcarlan, Laguna, is located seven kilometers away from the municipal proper and lies at the foot of Mount Banahaw. The barangay has a total area of 49.66 ha and is surrounded by nine mountains, namely Banahaw, Mabuna, Tanasyo, Sumansal, Siapo, Ganit, Gudya, Kabagan and Bunsuran. Bgy. Bukal has a population of 779 inhabitants of which 367 are female and 412 are male. There are 220 households (Barangay Profile 201_). Most of them are farmers and and off-farm workers.

The barangay’s soil is black to dark brown which is high in organic matter and favorable for growing of crops. The barangay produces crops like banana, coconut, lanzones, tobacco and vegetables including bitter gourd, cabbage, chayote, cucumber, green beans, pechay, radish, sweet potato and tomato. The residents also engage in backyard raising of native chicken, broiler chicken and swine. The residents use private vehicles,

12 motorcycles, tricycles and jeepneys as means of transportation and hauling of produce. Draft animals like horses and carabaos are also used particularly in elevated areas.

The barangay continuously received support from the local government for the development of its agricultural industry. Green houses and tramline are two of the facilities that the government built. The tramline is 1.8 km long from Mount. Kabagan down to the barangay; and is use mainly for hauling of produce from elevated areas down to the barangay proper.

In the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management (BDRRM) Plan, erosion was identified as one of the problems of the barangay particularly during typhoons. Erosions are mostly seen on hilly and elevated regions of the barangay.

3.3. Climate Scenario in the Watershed 3.3.1. Existing Climate The local and seasonal climatic variations within Laguna are influenced by the numerous airstreams and the mountainous topography of the area. According to the Modified Coronas Classification of PAGASA, which is based on the average monthly distribution of rainfall, Sta. Cruz Watershed has Type III climate. This is characterized by no pronounced maximum rain period, with dry season lasting only from one to three months either during the period from December to February or from March to May. A simulated and calibrated data from the UPLB Agrometrological Station recorded a monthly rainfall range of15.15 mm to 271.88 mm for 1961 to 2010. The amount of rainfall starts to increase during the month of May with maximum rain period from July to November then subsides during the month of December. This is consistent with the description of the Type III climate. Rainfall above the normal range has been observed to cause flooding in the Sta. Cruz Watershed particularly in the low lying areas.

3.3.2. Climate Hazards The focus group discussions and the household survey conducted in the six study sites revealed that the common important climate hazard experienced by respondents is typhoon. (Table 4). They experienced typhoons 2-3x a year. Flooding, which is associated with typhoon, is a problem in the low elevation areas notably in Bgy. San Pablo Sur. Lodging/submergence in rice and other annual crops, felling of trees and

damaged houses were commonly experienced by residents during typhoons. Flood is also experienced in the medium elevation areas particularly in Bgy. Calumpang. Typhoon and flooding are related hazards, the occurrence of typhoon usually results in the rise of the water level of the rivers and the lake that inundates the nearby low lying areas. However, flooding may also be due continuous rain, which results in the rise of the water level in the lake.

Pest infestation maybe a normal occurrence in the low elevation areas, however, respondents from Bgy. San Pablo Sur and Bgy. Patimbao claimed that pest infestation particularly black bug and golden snail has become more frequent than before. In the medium and high elevation areas, pest infestation was a problem only recently with the occurrence of coconut scale insects.

Other climate hazards like monsoon rain and drought were mentioned by some respondents particularly in the high elevation areas.

In the timelines of climate hazards developed by the residents of the study sites, typhoon is the most remembered. The more damaging are Typhoons Rosing, Milenyo (2006), Santi and Ondoy.

Table 4. Climate related hazards and frequency of occurrence in the study areas. Low Elevation Medium Elevation High Elevation Climate Hazard San Pablo Patimbao Bungkol Calumpang San Bukal Observed Sur Francisco Typhoon 30 20 20 20 20-30 20 Flood 10 1 - 1 - - Pests 10 10 1 - 1 - Drought - - - - - 2 Monsoon rain - - - - - 10

3.3.3. Climate Projections A comparison of the base period (1961-1990), present period (2001-2010), 2020 period (2011-2040), 2050 period (2041-2070), and 2080 period (2071-2100) was provided and simulated by Combalicer (pers comm), using the Third Generation Coupled Global Climate Model (CGCM3) under two scenarios: A1B, characterized by rapid growth in economy and development, and A2, characterized by a heterogeneous world with

14 continuous increasing population, low technological change and slower economic growth. The future climate will be warmer compared to current generation.

a. Rainfall Projections Models indicate that generally precipitation will increase in tropical regions and over tropical Pacific. In A1B Scenario (Figure 5) it can be observed that there is an increase rate of rainfall in June in base period (188.73 mm) to present period (227.97 mm) while decreasing rate of rainfall from present period (227.97 mm) to 2080 period (189.12 mm). From January to May and November to December the rate of precipitation is relatively increasing. In September and October, there is a significant increase of rate from base period up to 2080 period. The highest simulated rainfall is in November 2020 period with 300.57 mm while the lowest is in February base period with 15.15 mm.

350 1961-1990 (Base Period) 300 2001-2010 (Present) 2011-2040 (2020 Period) 250 2041-2070 (2050 Period) 2071-2100 (2080 Period) 200

150

100

Monthly Rainfall (mm) 50

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

350 1961-1990 (Base Period) 300 2001-2010 (Present) 2011-2040 (2020 Period) 250 2041-2070 (2050 Period) 2071-2100 (2080 Period) 200

150

100 Monthly Rainfall (mm) 50

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Figure 5. Monthly rainfall projections under A1B (above) and A2 (below) scenarios, Sta. Cruz Watershed. Source: Combalicer (per comm).

In A2 Scenario (Figure 5), there is an increase rate of rainfall from January to May and November to December. In 2020 period, June records 183.23 mm but declines to 139.00 mm in 2080 period. September also records the high rate of change from base period 2080 period, the rainfall will increase from 233.49 mm to 277.40 mm. In October the rate of rainfall will also increase from 177.16 in base period to 340.81 in 2080 period. The highest rainfall simulated is in October 2080 period with 340.81 mm while the lowest is in February base period with 15.15 mm.

b. Temperature Projections Air temperature is projected to increase. A further increase of about 0.1°C per decade is foreseen even if the concentrations of greenhouse gases will be held constant at year 2000s. In A1B scenario (Figure 6), the highest temperature simulated will be in May 2080 period at 31.4 °C, while the lowest temperature simulated is on January present period at 25.9 °C. In every period there is an increase in temperature that ranges from 0.1-0.9 °C monthly. A 0.1 °C increase in temperature is simulated in the month of May and 0.9 °C in November. It is projected that the global air temperature will increase every month.

26 24 Present 2020s 2050s 2080s 22 Mean Daily Tmean (deg C) 20 J F M A M J J A S O N D

22 Present 2020s 2050s 2080s

20 MeanDaily Temperature (deg C) J F M A M J J A S O N D

Figure 6. Mean daily temperature projections under A1B and A2 scenarios, Sta. Cruz Watershed. Source: Combalicer (per comm).

At 32.7 °C, it is 1.3 °C higher compared to A1B scenario. On the other hand, the lowest temperature is 25.9 °C in January, in the present period which is the same asA1B scenario. There is an increase of 1.3 °C in November from 2050 to 2080 period; in April there is a 0.2 °C increase from present to 2020 period. In this scenario the range of increase in temperature through time is 0.2 to 1.3 °C, which is higher compared to A1B scenario.

3.4. Agricultural Systems in the Study Sites 3.4.1. Low Elevation Area a. Crops and Cropping Patterns The low elevation areas in both Bgy. San Pablo Sur and Bgy. Patimbao are practically lowland rice areas with small portion planted with coconut, and fruit trees. Around 90% of the respondents in both sites are planting rice. The others are raising swine. Rice is continuously planted all year round.. Some farmers plant watermelon or eggplant after the first rice crop. The time of rice planting is dependent on the availability of irrigation water in the area, which is provided by the irrigators’ association. The first rice crop is usually planted in June or July and harvested in October or November. The second rice crop is usually planted in December or January (Table 5).

b. Variety Use The rice varieties used for irrigated lowland ecosystem for the dry and wet seasons are modern varieties. In general the modern varieties adopted by farmers are high yielding and have good eating quality. Among the modern rice varieties grown, NSIC Rc 222 is the most preferred due to its high yielding characteristics. Interestingly, PSBRC 1, Makiling, an upland variety is planted by farmers in the low, medium and high elevation areas. It has lower yield compared to the other lowland varieties but this variety may have stable yield in normal and extreme conditions. For irrigated-lowland rice, varieties used are limited to those that are distributed through the LGUs. Other farmers access seeds from seed growers and private seed companies especially for hybrid rice varieties (Table 5).

Figure 7. Cropping patterns in the low elevation area.

c. Soil Management All respondents in both sites are using fertilizers for their crops. The most common fertilizers used for rice are urea, complete and ammonium sulfate during the dry and wet seasons for both sites. Only few are using organic fertilizers mostly during the wet season (Table 6). The fertilizers are mostly applied as broadcast.

d. Sensitivity to Climate Hazards Typhoons can cause damage to the crops when there is high wind velocity, high rainfall intensity, and flooding. Depending on the gustiness of the typhoon, high wind velocity can fell both annual and perennial crops. Rice is sensitive to typhoon, causing rice

plants to lodge. Lodging causes yield reduction or total yield loss due to submergence. During the focus group discussion, the farmers estimated a reduction in the yield of around 51-100% in Bgy. San Pablo Sur and 30% in Bgy. Patimbao.

The black bug infestation in the area caused 65%.reduction in yield.

e. Productivity Levels Rice yield in Bgy. Patimbao is higher than that of Bgy. San Pablo. There is also a yield difference during the wet season dry seasons. Average rice yield was 7.52 t/ha in Bgy. Patimbao and 4.56 t/ha in Bgy. San Pablo Sur (Table 5). This could be attributed to the frequent flooding during the wet season in the Bgy. San Pablo. Consequently, income of farmers in Bgy. Patimbao is higher by 100% and 133% in the dry and wet season, respectively than the income of Bgy. San Pablo Sur.

Table 5. Yields and estimated net income of farmers in the low elevation area. San Pablo Sur Patimbao Sig. Particulars Dry Season Wet Season Dry Season Wet Season Dry Season Wet Season Yield (t/ha) 3.39 (9) 4.56 (7) 4.75 (13) 7.52 (25) NS NS Estimated net 29,571 (7) 23,623 (7) 69,000 (20) 47,250 (20) NS income (Php)

3.4.2. Medium Elevation Area a. Crops and Cropping Patterns The farmers in the medium elevation areas grow diverse crops. They grow crops that are adapted and grown in both the low and high elevation areas. The major crops planted include rice, vegetables, fruit trees, banana and coconut. The cropping pattern in the medium elevation areas is shown in Fig.7. Rice is planted once a year and is followed by upland crops like corn and vegetables. Corn is also planted twice a year and is followed by cassava. The coconut areas are usually intercropped with lanzones or rambutan.

b. Variety Use In medium elevation areas, 12 modern rice varieties including hybrid rice varieties and three traditional varieties (in Bgy. Calumpang) are planted. They also grow vegetables, lanzones, banana, and coconut. D max (tomato) and Galaxy (ampalaya) are most commonly grown vegetable varieties by most farmers.

Figure 8. Cropping patterns in the medium elevation area.

c. Soil Management Rice In Bgy. Calumpang, most of the respondents use urea (50%) and complete fertilizers (34%) in both dry and wet seasons. Other inorganic fertilizers applied include ammonium sulfate (8% during DS and 10% during WS) and ammonium phosphate (6%). Only 2% of the farmers apply organic fertilizers during the DS. These fertilizers are generally applied by broadcast. About 7% of the famers apply foliar fertilizers during the DS and WS. In Bgy. Bungkol site, 44% of the farmers use urea, 29% use ammonium sulfate and 9% use complete fertilizers during both wet and dry seasons which are applied by broadcast.

Tomato The only fertilizer applied by the respondents in Bgy. Calumpang is urea while farmers in Bgy. Bungkol site use: urea, ammonium sulfate, complete and organic fertilizers. Fertilizers are applied by broadcast in both sites.

Bitter gourd Only urea is applied by farmers in Bgy. Calumpang while farmers in Bgy. Bungkol use: urea, ammonium sulfate, complete and organic fertilizers. Fertilizers are applied by broadcast in both sites. In Bgy. Calumpang, farmers apply fertilizers by broadcast while

in Bgy. Bungkol, they use the following methods of fertilizer application; broadcast, side dress and foliar.

Eggplant The farmers in Bgy. Bungkol use urea, ammonium sulfate, complete and organic fertilizers using broadcast and side dress methods.

d. Sensitivity to Climate Hazards Almost all crops in the medium elevation areas are sensitive to typhoon. Depending on the strength of the typhoon, it may fell the lanzones, coconut palms, banana, and destroy vegetable crops. In general, perennial crops like coconut and lanzones can withstand strong winds brought about by typhoons. However, considerable reduction in yield is observed. Recovery would usually take around 2 to3 years. Once felled, the reestablishment of these crops would require high cost and will take longer period to bear fruits. In both Bgy. Bungkol and Bgy. Calumpang, damage due to typhoon was estimated to range from 25 to 100% for vegetables and lanzones.

The recent attack of coconut scale insects (CSI) has become a concern of farmers in both sites. CSI is considered an emerging pest of coconut. In Batangas Province, CSI devastated a large coconut area.

e. Productivity Levels Rice yields in the medium elevation area are generally lower than those in the low elevation area (Table 6). Yields of common vegetables, tomato and beans are not significantly different between the two sites. Estimated net income is relatively higher in Bgy. Calumpang but was not significantly different from that of the Bgy. Bungkol site.

Table 6. Yields and estimated net income in the medium elevation area. Yield Bungkol Calumpang Sig. (t/ha)/Income Dry Season Wet Season Dry Season Wet Season Dry Season Wet Season (Php) Rice 2.50 (1) 2.50 (9) 3.04 (4) 3.22 (21) NS NS Tomato 0.90 (3) 5.00 (1) 7.5 (1) 0.08 (1) NS NS Beans 0.03 (1) 0.08 (1) NS Estimated net 33,927 (22) 43,592 (26) NS income (Php)

3.4.3. High Elevation Area a. Crops and Cropping Patterns In general, more crop species are planted in Bgy. San Francisco than in Bgy. Bukal. The most common crops planted in both sites are tomato, radish, beans and cucumber. Other crops grown include cabbage, cassava, sweet potato, chayote, and mustard. There is no definite planting months for the vegetables. They are planted anytime of the year when rainfall permits, which is during the wet season.

From the ocular observation and community mapping made during the focus group discussion, coconut was observed to occupy greater land area in both sites. This however was not reflected in the survey since most of the respondents only considered the annual crops planted. Aside from coconut, other perennial crops observed are lanzones and rambutan, which are usually planted under coconut.

b. Variety Use Variety used for the major vegetable crops are usually obtained from seed companies. Examples are Dmax or Diamante for tomato, Negrostar and Brillante for beans, Suprema for squash, Galaxy for bitter gourd, among others. Traditional varieties of chayote, sweet potato, taro are also planted and planting materials are taken from previous harvest of the crops.

Figure 9. Cropping patterns in high elevation area.

c. Soil Management Rice In Bgy. Bukal , most of the respondents use urea (67%) and other fertilizers (33%) in both dry and wet seasons. These fertilizers are generally applied using broadcast method. In Bgy. San Francisco, 50% of the respondents use urea, 17% use ammonium sulfate and 33% use complete fertilizers during both wet and dry seasons which are applied by broadcast.

Tomato About 59% of the respondents in Bgy. Bukal apply urea, 15% apply complete, 7% ammonium sulfate, 7% ammonium phosphate and 11% organic. These fertilizers are generally added through broadcast and side dress applications. In Bgy. San Francisco, majority of the respondents (58%) apply urea, 17% complete, 8% ammonium sulfate and 17% organic. These fertilizers are generally applied by broadcast and side dress methods.

Beans Majority of the respondents (65%) in Bgy. Bukal apply urea, 11% complete, 8% ammonium phosphate and 15% organic. The methods of application include broadcast (76%), side dress (12%) and foliar (6%). In Bgy. San Francisco, 53% of farmers use urea, 12% ammonium sulfate, 18% complete and 18% organic fertilizers. Fertilizers are applied by broadcast (60%), drill (20%) and side dress (20%).

Radish The respondents in Bgy. Bukal use urea (57%), ammonium sulfate (21%), complete (14%) and organic fertilizers (7%) and 73% of them apply by broadcast and 27% by side dress methods. In Bgy. San Francisco, 57% use urea, 21% use ammonium sulfate, 2% use complete and 1% use organic fertilizer. Majority of the farmers (78%) apply by broadcast and 22% by drill method.

Cucumber Majority of the respondents (54%) in Bgy. Bukal apply urea, 8% ammonium sulfate and 38% organic. The methods of application include broadcast (38%), side dress (38%) and foliar (25%). In Bgy. San Francisco, 40% of farmers use urea, 20%

ammonium sulfate, 20% complete and 20% organic fertilizers. Fertilizers are applied by broadcast (50%), drill (38%) and side dress (12%).

d. Sensitivity to Climate Hazards In general, the crops grown in high elevation areas are similar to the crops grown in the medium elevation areas. Hence, the four barangays have similar sensitivities to the climate hazards. Typhoon especially if accompanied by strong winds can cause lodging in vegetable crops and felling of perennial crops like lanzones, coconut palms, and banana. Perennial crops like coconut and lanzones can withstand strong winds but considerable yield reduction is observed. Recovery period of perennial crops may take 2 to3 years. Rejuvenation of felled trees requires additional cost and causes delay in fruit bearing.

Infestation of coconut scale insect (CSI) is a felt threat to coconut trees in the high elevation areas but it is not as severe as those expressed by farmers in the low and medium elevation areas.

e. Productivity Levels Except for radish, the yields of crops grown in the wet season are not significantly different between the two sites. Bgy. San Francisco has significantly higher radish yield in the wet season than Bgy. Bukal (Table 7). Estimated net income is higher in Bgy. San Francisco but was not significantly different from that of Bgy. Bukal.

Table 7. Yields of major crops and estimated net income in high elevation area. Yield Bukal San Francisco Sig. (t/ha)/Income Dry Season Wet Season Dry Season Wet Season Dry Season Wet Season (Php) Tomato 1.22 (4) 1.22 (11) 1.70 (7) 1.96 (7) NS NS Beans 1.03 (5) 0.96 (12) 4.07 (2) 1.04 (4) NS NS Radish 0.93 (3) 0.65 (8) 2.52 (4) 3.21 (7) NS * Cucumber 1.10 (3) 1.40 (3) 3.17 (3) 1.00 (3) NS NS Estimated net 39,950 (22) 67,455 (24) NS income (Php)

3.5. Changes in the Agricultural Systems due to Climate Change 3.5.1 Low Elevation Areas a. Changes in Crops Planted and Cropping Patterns There was only a little change in the crops being planted in the current years from the crops grown in the past 20 years. Rice is still the most common crop planted some 20 years ago, though most farmers now grow modern rice varieties. They also grow upland crops like watermelon and eggplant before in Bgy. San Pablo Sur. In Bgy. Patimbao, a coconut area was converted into rice area. Reasons for the change in crops planted were climate change and pest/disease outbreak (Table 8) and availability of planting materials.

Continuous planting of rice is still the dominant cropping pattern in both study sites in the low elevation areas. Slight change was reported with the decline in the planting of upland crops after rice. The reasons cited of which are climate change related (Table 9).

For both study sites, planting months for rice still remain the same, i.e. November to January for the dry season and July-August for the wet season (Table 10). Only a few have changed their planting month and majority of the reasons cited are climate change related.

Table 8. Changes in the crops planted in the past 20 years in the low elevation area. San Pablo Sur Patimbao Current Years Past 20 Years Reason(s) for Current Years Past 20 Years Reason(s) for the Change the Change Rice – 8 Rice – 5  Climate Rice - 19 Rice - 16  Availability Watermelon - 2 change (1) Coconut - 1 of planting Eggplant - 1  Disease/pest materials (1) outbreak (1)

Table 9. Changes in the cropping patterns in the past 20 years in the low elevation area. San Pablo Sur Patimbao Current Years Past 20 Years Reason(s) for Current Years Past 20 Years Reason(s) for the Change the Change Rice – rice (6) Rice – rice (4)  Continuous Rice – rice (19) Rice – rice (18)  Continuous Rice + upland Rice – upland drought (2) Coconut + drought (1) crops (1) crops (3)  Climate upland crops (1) change (1)  Pest infestation (1)

Table 10. Changes in the planting months in the low elevation area. San Pablo Sur Patimbao Month Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Years Years Change Years Years Change January 3 (13.6) 2 (9.5)  Availability of 3 (7.0) 4 (11.8)  Availability of inputs (3) inputs (5) February 1 (4.5) 2 (9.5) 1 (2.3) 1 (2.9)  Continuous drought  Continuous March - (2) - 1 (2.9) drought (6) May 1 (4.5) 1 (4.8)  Pest infestation (1) - 2 (5.9)  Climate change (6) June 1 (4.5) 2 (9.5)  Climate change (3) 4 (9.3) 2 (5.9)  Others (1)

14 10 2 (9.5) July 4 (18.2) (32.6) (29.4) 3 5 (11.6) August 4 (18.2) (14.3) 2 (5.9) September 1 (4.5) - - 1 (2.9) October - - - 1 (2.9) 6 November 3 (13.6) (28.6) - - 3 16 10 December 4 (18.2) (14.3) (37.2) (29.4)

a. Changes in the Use of Variety The use of variety has changed since the past 20 years. Traditional rice varieties are no longer being used. The reasons for the change in the variety used are similar for both study sites, i.e. availability of seeds, and for higher yield (Table 11). Only a few mentioned climate change as the reason for the change.

Table 11. Reasons for the change in varieties in the low elevation area. San Pablo Sur Patimbao Reason Freq % Freq % Seed availability 3 16.7 13 28.9 For higher yield 6 33.3 12 26.7 Pest infestation 2 11.1 7 15.6 For higher income 5 11.1 Imitate other farmers 3 16.7 4 8.9 Climate change 1 5.6 2 4.4 DA endorsement/Advise of 2 11.1 1 2.2 technician Soil suitability 1 2.2 For higher income 1 5.6 - - Total 18 100.0 45 100.0

b. Changes in Soil Characteristics and Management Farmers’ perceptions on the rate of which soil dries in the current years compared with the past 20 years generally shows a shift from dries slowly or less quickly to dries quickly or more quickly in the current years for both sites (Table 12). The reasons cited for the change were related to climate change and soil characteristics, i.e. very high temperature and low water holding capacity. Some attributed the change to irrigation patterns.

Although their farms are located in the low elevation areas, the respondents still indicated that soil erosion occurs because they observed sediments being carried by water during periods of high rainfall intensity. Generally, there were more respondents who perceived that there was no erosion or low erosion in the both the past and the current years but there were more respondents who perceived there was no erosion in the past 20 years than in the current years in both sites (Table 13).

Table 12. Farmers’ perceptions on the changes on the rate at which soil dries in the low elevation area. San Pablo Sur Patimbao Characteristics Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Curren Past 20 Reason(s) for the Years Years Change t Years Years Change Dries more  Very high  Very high 0 0 temperature (4) 14 6 temperature (15) quickly  Low water holding Dries quickly 3 0 5 5 capacity (2) Dries less  Irrigation patterns 0 3 3 9 quickly (3) Dries slowly 4 4 1 3 7 7 23 23

Table 13. Farmers’ perception on the changes on the rate of soil erosion in the low elevation area. San Pablo Sur Patimbao Rate of soil Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the erosion Years Years Change Years Years Change No erosion 4 5  Heavy rain (2) 13 18  Heavy rain (12)  Steep slope (1) Low erosion 2 1 9 4 Moderate 1 2 1 - erosion High erosion - - 1 1 7 8 24 23

With regards to the relative soil fertility status, more respondents perceived moderate to high fertility status in the past 20 years and more perceived a low fertility in the current years. This indicates a decline in the relative soil fertility from the past 20 years (Table 14). The major reasons cited for the change are continuous cropping and non- application of fertilizer. Only few cited soil erosion and climate change as the reasons.

No noticeable change in the kind of fertilizer used was noted. Urea, and complete fertilizer are still the most common fertilizers used (Table 15). Other respondents answered the brand of the fertilizer rather than the kind, which cannot be determined.

Most of the respondents claimed that they used fewer amounts of fertilizers in the current years compared to the past 20 years and a considerable number claimed they applied the same amount as before. The common reason cited was low soil fertility (Table 16).

Table 14. Farmers’ perception on the changes in the soil fertility status in the low elevation area. San Pablo Sur Patimbao Soil fertility Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Curren Past 20 Reason(s) for the status Years Years Change t Years Years Change Low fertility 5 0  Continuous 13 3  Continuous cropping (5) cropping (15) Moderate 1 3  Non-application of 8 11  Non-application of fertility fertilizer (3) fertilizer (6) High Fertility 1 3 2 9  Soil erosion (1) 7 6 23 23  Climate change (2)

Table 15. Farmers’ observation on the changes in the kind of fertilizer used in the low elevation area. San Pablo Sur Patimbao Kind of Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Curren Past 20 Reason(s) for the Fertilizer Years Years Change t Years Years Change Urea 6 4  Low soil fertility 23 22  Low soil fertility (5) (2)  Effectiveness (8) Ammosul 1 1 5 3  Effectiveness (3)  Availability (1) Complete 1  Climate change 14 12 Organic - - (1) 1 1 Others 5 - - 8 43 38

Table 16. Farmers’ observation on the amount of fertilizer used in the low elevation area. San Pablo Sur Patimbao Amount of Reason(s) for the Reason(s) for the fertilizer used Freq % Freq % Change Change Less amount 6 75.0  Low soil fertility (4) 18 72.0  Low soil fertility (15)  Availability (1)  High price of fertilizer More amount 1 12.5 - -  Climate change (1) (1) Same amount 1 12.5 7 28.0  Effectiveness (3)  Availability (2) Total 8 100.0 25 100.0

c. Effects of the Changes in the Agricultural Systems on Crop Production Majority of the farmers in both sites claimed that they obtain the same crop yields even with the changes in agricultural systems (Table 17).

Table 17. Farmers’ perceived effects of the changes in agricultural systems on crop production in the low elevation area. San Pablo Sur Patimbao Effects Freq % Freq % Increase 1 20.0 2 22.2 Decrease 0 0 1 11.1 Same yield 4 80.0 6 66.7 Total 5 100.0 9 100.0

Table 18. Farmers’ adaptation measures for different climate hazards in the low elevation area. San Pablo Sur Patimbao Adaptation Measures Freq % Freq % Typhoon Prunning 2 50.0 Use of early maturing 1 25.0 varieties Early harvesting 6 100.0

Monsoon rains Early harvesting 0 2 100.0 Prunning 1 50.0 0 Use of early maturing 1 50.0 0 varieties

Pest infestation Propping 5 100.0 7 100.0

3.5.2 Medium Elevation Areas a. Changes in Crops Planted and Cropping Patterns Greater number of crop species was planted in the current years than in the past 20 years for both sites. However, the number of farmers who are planting rice has increased since the past 20 years in Bgy. Bungkol but remains almost the same for Bgy. Calumpang (Table 19). The reasons cited for those who change in the crops planted are climate change and availability of planting materials, and high market demand. Cropping patterns followed by farmers still remains the same as in the past 20 years.

There was no change in the cropping patterns practiced by the respondents from the past 20 years. Monoculture of rice remains the most dominant cropping pattern in both sites (Table 20).

The planting months in Bgy. Calumpang are the same in the current years compared to the past 20 years, i.e. in the months of May and December (Table 21). In Bgy. Bungkol site, there is no definite planting month in the current and past 20 years.

Table 19. Changes in the crops planted in the medium elevation area. Bungkol Calumpang Current Years Past 20 Years Reason(s) for Current Years Past 20 Years Reason(s) for the Change the Change Rice (11) Rice (6)  Change in Rice (17) Rice (19)  Change in Climate (2) Climate (1) Coconut (4) Coconut (3) Coconut (2) Tomato (1)  Availability  High market Tomato (3) Tomato (2) of planting Tomato (1) Beans (1) demand (1) Beans (3) Beans (2) materials (1) Beans (1) Bittergourd (1)  Higher Bittergourd Bittergourd income (2) Cabbage (1) Corn (1) (4) (1) Bittergourd Eggplant (1) Pechay (1) (4) Radish (1) Lanzones (3) Avocado (1) Papaya (1) Rambutan (1) Sweet potato Cucumber (1) (1) Lanzones (3)

Table 20. Changes in the cropping patterns in the medium elevation area. Bungkol Calumpang Current Years Past 20 Years Reason(s) for Current Years Past 20 Years Reason(s) for the Change the Change Monoculture Monoculture  Soil fertility Monoculture Monoculture (1) (9) (9) (18) (18) Rotational Rotational Rotational Rotational Cropping (3) Cropping (3) Cropping (0) Cropping (0) Intercropping Intercropping Intercropping Intercropping (3) (2) (0) (0) Multiple Multiple Multiple Multiple cropping (1) cropping (0) cropping (1) cropping (1)

Table 21. Changes in the planting months in the medium elevation area. Bungkol Calumpang Month Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Years Years Change Years Years Change 2  Availability of  Availability of Jan - inputs(6) - 1 (2.6) inputs (5) (12.5)  Soil fertility (1)  Climate change (5) Feb - -  Heavy rains (1) - 2 (5.1) 2  Pest infestation (2) March 5 (20.0) - 1 (2.6) (12.5)  Climate change (5) April - - 1 (2.7) 1 (2.6) 10 May 4 (16.0) - 11 (29.7) (25.6) 6 June 2 (8.0) 3 (8.1) 2 (5.1) (37.5) 3 July 4 (16.0) 2 (5.4) 3 (7.7) (18.8) August - 1 (6.2) 1 (2.7) 1 (2.6) Sep - - - 1 (2.6) 2 October 2 (8.0) 2 (5.4) 2 (5.1) (12.5) Nov 3 (12.0) - 1 (2.7) - 15 Dec 5 (20.0) - 16 (43.2) (38.5)

b. Changes in the Use of Variety As in the low elevation area, variety used by farmers has changed since the last 20 years. The reasons cited changing the variety are higher yield and the availability of seeds (Table 22). Only a few mentioned climate change as the reason.

Table 22. Reasons for the change in varieties in the medium elevation area. Bungkol Calumpang Reason Freq % Freq % Seed availability 3 16.7 13 28.9 For higher yield 6 33.3 12 26.7 Pest infestation 2 11.1 7 15.6 For higher income 5 11.1 Imitate other farmers 3 16.7 4 8.9 Climate change 1 5.6 2 4.4 DA endorsement/Advise of 2 11.1 1 2.2 technician Soil suitability 1 2.2 For higher income 1 5.6 - - Total 18 100.0 45 100.0

c. Changes in Soil Characteristics and Management When asked about the rate at which soil dries, many perceived the soil to dry quickly or less quickly in the past 20 years but in the current years, many perceived the soil to dry more quickly for both sites (Table 23). The major reasons cited are high temperature and low water holding capacity of the soil.

Many of the farmers perceived that there is no erosion in the current years and in the past 20 years. A few perceived low and moderate erosion. The major reasons cited are heavy rain, steep slope (Table 24).

Table 23. Farmers’ perceptions on the changes in the rate at which soil dries in the medium elevation area. Bungkol Calumpang Characteristics Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Curren Past 20 Reason(s) for the Years Years Change t Years Years Change Dries more  Very high  Very high 14 3 temperature (15) 15 8 temperature (9) quickly  Low water  Low water holding Dries quickly 9 11 holding capacity 4 10 capacity (5) Dries less (10)  Crops more water 1 10 5 5 quickly  Crops more water demanding (1) demanding (2)  Irrigation patterns Dries slowly 1 1 0 1 (3) Total 25 25 24 24

Table 24. Farmers’ perceptions on the changes in the rate of soil erosion in the medium elevation area. Bungkol Calumpang Rate of soil Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Curren Past 20 Reason(s) for the erosion Years Years Change t Years Years Change No erosion 14 15  Heavy rain (8) 14 17  Heavy rain (9)  Steep slope (5)  Low vegetative (1) Low erosion 6 9 5 5 Moderate 2 2 1 - erosion High erosion 3 - 4 2 Total 25 26 24 24

There are more farmers in both sites who perceived that their soil have low fertility in the current years than in the past 20 years (Table 25). The major reasons cited are continuous cropping and non-application of fertilizers. Climate change was also cited in Bgy. Bungkol and Bgy. Calumpang.

The kind of fertilizer used remains the same since the past 20 years for both sites except for the increase in the use of complete fertilizer in Bgy. Bungkol in the current years (Table 26). Changes in the kind of fertilizer used are due to low soil fertility, effectiveness of the fertilizer, and high price of fertilizer.

In terms of the amount of fertilizer used, more farmers were observed to use less fertilizer in the past 20 years and more in the current years in both sites (Table 27).

Table 25. Farmers’ perceptions on the changes in soil fertility status in the medium elevation area. Bungkol Calumpang Soil fertility Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Curren Past 20 Reason(s) for the status Years Years Change t Years Years Change Low fertility 17 10  Continuous 17 6  Continuous cropping (15) cropping (11) Moderate 8 10  Non-application of 1 15  Non-application of fertility fertilizer (3) fertilizer (8) High Fertility 0 5  Climate change 6 3  Climate change (1) Total 25 25 (5) 24 24

Table 26. Farmers’ observation on the changes in the kind of fertilizer used in the medium elevation area. Bungkol Calumpang Soil fertility Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Curren Past 20 Reason(s) for the status Years Years Change t Years Years Change Urea 25 24  Low soil fertility 24 22  Low soil fertility (1) (2)  High price of Ammosul 8 7 3 1  Effectiveness (3) fertilizer (3) Complete 10 1  Climate change 14 14  Effectiveness (5) Organic 4 8 (1) 2 - Others - 7 - - 47 47 43 37

Table 27. Farmers’ observations on the changes in the amount of fertilizer used in the medium elevation area. Bungkol Calumpang Soil fertility Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Curren Past 20 Reason(s) for the status Years Years Change t Years Years Change Less amount 4 17  Low soil fertility 5 13  Low soil fertility (7) (9)  High price of More amount 13 0 9 1  Effectiveness (10) fertilizer (1) Same amount 8 8 10 10  Effectiveness (4)  Availability (1) 25 25 24 24

d. Effects of the Changes in the Agricultural Systems on Crop Production Despite the observed changes in the agricultural systems, most of the farmers did not observe a change in their crop production (Table 28).

Despite the long period of experiencing the climate hazards, only few of the farmers are implementing adaptation measures (Table 29).

Table 28. Farmers’ perceived effects of the changes in agricultural systems on crop production in the medium elevation area. Effects on crop Bungkol Calumpang production Freq % Freq % Higher yields 1 10.0 2 20.0 Bigger produce 1 10.0 0 0 Same yield 8 80.0 8 80.0 Total 10 100.0 10 100.0

Table 29. Farmers’ adaptation measures for different climate hazards in the medium elevation area. Bungkol Calumpang Adaptation Measures Freq % Freq % Typhoon Prunning 1 33.3 2 50.0 Early harvesting 1 33.3 Others 1 33.3 2 50.0

Monsoon rains Propping 2 100.0 5 100.0

Drought Propping 5 100.0 4 100.0

3.5.3 High Elevation Areas a. Changes in Crops Planted and Cropping Patterns The crops planted in the past 20 years are the still the same crops planted in the current years except for the few additional perennial crops, namely lanzones, avocado, rambutan and rice in Bgy. San Francisco site (Table 30). The reasons cited for the change of crops over the years are availability of planting materials for both sites, labor

requirement for Bgy. San Francisco, and high market demand, higher income and limited capital for Bgy. Bukal.

For cropping patterns, there is a general shift from a monoculture in the past 20 years to rotational cropping and intercropping in the current years. The common reasons cited for the change are availability of inputs, and soil fertility. Although to a few farmers, reasons given are climate related like continuous drought, and heavy rains (Table 31).

The planting months for most of the crops in the study sites still remain the same since the past 20 years. Vegetables, which are the common crops in both sites are planted anytime of the year depending on the availability of moisture (rainfall). The planting months are June-July and December (Table 32). The common reason cited for changes in planting time in both sites is related to the availability of inputs. In Bgy. Bukal, additional reasons for the change are related to climate change like heavy rains, and climate change.

Table 30. Changes in the crops planted in the high elevation area. San Francisco Bukal Current Years Past 20 Years Reason(s) for Current Years Past 20 Years Reason(s) for the Change the Change Coconut (2) Coconut (1)  Availability Coconut (1) Coconut (1)  Availability of planting of planting Sweet potato Sweet potato Sweet potato Sweet potato materials (2) materials (2) (2) (4)  Labor (3) (3)  High market Tomato (12) Tomato (14) intensive (2) Tomato (18) Tomato (18) demand (3) Beans (14) Beans (12) Beans (18) Beans (15)  Higher income (2) Cabbage (1) Cabbage (3) Cabbage (5) Cabbage (4)  Limited Radish (8) Radish (12) Chayote (4) Chayote (4) capital (2) Squash (5) Squash (3) Radish (6) Radish (7) Bittergourd Cucumber (6) Cucumber (6) Bittergourd (1) (1) Chili (2) Chili (1) Eggplant (2) Eggplant (1) Rambutan (1) Pechay (1) Cucumber (8) Cucumber (5) Lanzones (1) Taro (1) Chili (1) Chili (2) Rice (3) Cassava (1) Banana (1) Avocado (1) Pechay (1) Taro (1) Rice (2) Squash (1)

Table 31. Changes in the cropping patterns in the high elevation area. San Francisco Bukal Current Years Past 20 Years Reason(s) for Current Years Past 20 Years Reason(s) for the Change the Change Monoculture Monoculture  Availability Monoculture Monoculture  Availability of inputs (2) of inputs (4) (2) (7) (4) (8)  Soil fertility  Soil fertility Rotational Rotational (3) Rotational Rotational (2) Cropping (15) Cropping (13)  Continuous Cropping (19) Cropping (16)  Heavy rains Intercropping Intercropping drought (1) Intercropping Intercropping (1) (7) (4) (2) (1)  Continuous drought (1)

Table 32. Changes in the planting months in the high elevation area. San Francisco Bukal Month Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Years Years Change Years Years Change Jan 7 (17.5) 7 (17.9)  Availability of 7 (21.2) 6 (20.0)  Availability of inputs(6) inputs (5) Feb - 1 (3.0) 1 (3.3)  Heavy rains (1) Mar 3 (7.5) 3 (7.7) 1 (3.0)  Climate change Apr 4 (10.3) 2 (6.1) (5) May 2 (5.0) 2 (5.1) 7 (21.2) 5 (16.7) 13 13 Jun 7 (21.2) 11 (36.7) (32.5) (33.3) Jul 9 (22.5) 5 (12.8) 7 (21.2) Aug 2 (5.0) 1 (2.6) - Sep 1 (2.5) 1 (2.6) - Oct 2 (5.0) 2 (5.1) - 1 (3.3) Dec 1 (2.5) 1 (2.6) - 1 (3.3) Total 40 (100) 39 (100) 33 (100) 30 (100)

3.5.4 Changes in the Use of Variety Since the past 20 years, the varieties of crops planted have changed. The major reasons cited for the change are for higher yield, and higher income, and seed availability (Table 33). Climate change was also cited by around 15% of the respondents in Bgy. San Francisco and 18% in the Bgy. Bukal.

The two sites have similar sources of planting materials. However, higher number of respondents obtained their planting materials from government agencies and seed growers in Bgy. Bukal than in Bgy. San Francisco (Table 34).

Table 33. Reasons for the change in varieties in the high elevation area. San Francisco Bukal Reason Freq % Freq % Seed availability 7 17.1 7 17.9 For higher yield 16 39.0 14 35.9 Pest infestation 1 2.4 2 5.1 For higher income 9 22.0 8 20.5 Imitate other farmers 2 4.9 1 2.6 Climate change 6 14.6 7 17.9 Total 41 100.0 39 100.0

Table 34. Source of planting materials in the high elevation area. San Francisco Bukal Source Freq % Freq % Previous harvest 5 20.0 1 4.8 Other farmers 1 4.8 Seed growers 6 24.0 7 33.3 Government agencies 7 28.0 9 42.9 Agri-store 7 28.0 3 14.3 Total 25 100.0 21 100.0

3.5.5 Changes in Soil Characteristics and Management With regards to the farmers’ perceptions on the change on the rate at which soil dries, more of the respondents in Bgy. San Francisco perceived their soil dries quickly or more quickly in the current and past 20 years but in Bgy. Bukal, more of the respondents perceived their soil dries less quickly in the current and past 20 years (Table 35). The common reasons cited for the change in both sites are very high temperature and low water holding capacity. In Bgy. Bukal, additional reason is that crops are more water- demanding.

The number of those who perceived that there is no erosion in their soil remains the same in the current years from the past 20 years. However, there was a decrease in the number of respondents who perceived that there is low erosion in their soil and an increase in those who perceived that their soils have moderate or high erosion in the current years (Table 36). The common reasons cited in both sites are heavy rains. There is an additional reason of steep slope in Bgy. San Francisco and low vegetation in Bgy. Bukal.

Table 35. Farmers’ observation on the changes in the rate at which soil dries in the high elevation area. San Francisco Bukal Characteristics Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Curren Past 20 Reason(s) for the Years Years Change t Years Years Change Dries more  Very high  Very high 13 12 temperature (12) 6 6 temperature (11) quickly  Low water  Low water holding Dries quickly 8 11 holding capacity 4 5 capacity (6) Dries less (5)  Crops more water 3 2 14 14 quickly demanding (5) Dries slowly 1 0 1 0 25 25 25 25

Table 36. Farmers’ observations on the changes in the rate of soil erosion in the high elevation area. San Francisco Bukal Rate of soil Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the erosion Years Years Change Years Years Change 7  Heavy rain (10) 7  Heavy rain (10) No erosion 7 (28.0) 6 (24.0) (28.0)  Steep slope (5) (28.0)  Low vegetative (7) 7 12 7 14 Low erosion (28.0) (48.0) (28.0) (56.0) Moderate 6 7 5 (20.0) 4 (16.0) erosion (24.0) (28.0) 5 4 High erosion 1 (4.0) 1 (4.0) (20.0) (16.0) 25 25 25 (100) 25 (100) (100) (100)

There was a general shift of farmers’ perception on the change of soil fertility status from a high fertility in the past 20 years to low fertility in the current years for both sites (Table 37). The same reasons were cited for both sites, i.e. continuous cropping and climate change.

There was an increase in the number of respondents who are using urea fertilizer from the past 20 years. The use of complete and organic fertilizers has increased among respondents in Bgy. San Francisco but not in Bgy. Bukal (Table 38). The common reasons cited are low soil fertility, effectiveness of the fertilizers, and availability of the fertilizers.

As far as the amount of fertilizer used is concern, there was a general shift in farmers’ practice of using less fertilizer in the past 20 years and more fertilizers in the current years. The common reasons cited are low soil fertility and effectiveness of the fertilizers (Table 39).

Table 37. Farmers’ observations on the soil fertility status in the high elevation area. San Francisco Bukal Soil fertility Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Curren Past 20 Reason(s) for the status Years Years Change t Years Years Change Low fertility 15 4  Continuous 15 1  Continuous cropping (17) cropping (25) Moderate 8 9  Climate change 9 11  Climate change (5) fertility (5) High Fertility 2 12 1 13 Total 25 25 25 25

Table 38. Changes in the kind of fertilizers used in the high elevation area. San Francisco Bukal Soil fertility Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the status Years Years Change Years Years Change 21 15  Low soil fertility 24 20  Low soil fertility Urea (5) (4) (53.8) (45.5) (61.5) (58.8)  Effectiveness (1)  High price of Ammosul 3 (7.7) 2 (6.1)  Availability of 1 (4.0) 1 (2.9) fertilizer (1) 5 fertilizers (1) 5  Effectiveness (4) Complete 1 (3.0) 5 (12.8) (12.8) (14.7)  Availability of fertilizers (1) 10 8 Organic 6 (18.2) 9 (23.1) (25.6) (23.5) Others - 9 (27.3) - - 39 39 (100) 34 Total 33 (100) (100) (100)

Table 39. Changes in the amount of fertilizer used in the high elevation area. San Francisco Bukal Soil fertility Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the Current Past 20 Reason(s) for the status Years Years Change Years Years Change 17  Low soil fertility 3 19  Low soil fertility Less amount 1 (4.0) (18) (16) (68.0) (12.0) (76.0)  Effectiveness (7)  High price of 18 18 More amount 4 (16.0) 0 fertilizer (1) (72.0) (72.0)  Effectiveness (11) 6 4 Same amount 4 (16.0) 6 (24.0) (24.0) (16.0) 25 25 25 (100) 25 (100) (100) (100)

3.5.6 Effects of the Changes in the Agricultural Systems on Crop Production Despite observed changes in the farming systems, majority of the respondents claimed that they still get the same yield as before (Table 40). Around 38.5% and 27.2% of respondents in Bgy. San Francisco and Bgy. Bukal, respectively claimed to have increased their yield from the past 20 years.

Farmers’ adaptation measures to the climate hazards have been very limited (Table 41).

Table 40. Farmers’ perceived effects of the changes in agricultural systems on crop production in the high elevation area. San Francisco Bukal Effects Freq % Freq % Increase 5 38.5 3 27.2 Decrease 0 0 1 9.0 Same yield 8 61.5 7 63.6 Total 13 100.0 11 100.0

Table 41. Farmers’ adaptation measures for different climate hazards in the high elevation area. San Francisco Bukal Adaptation Measures Freq % Freq % Typhoon Early harvesting 1 100.0 4 100.0

Monsoon rains Early harvesting 1 100.0 - -

Drought Propping 2 100.0 3 100.0

IV. FOOD SECURITY IMPLICATIONS

Crops in all areas of the watershed are constantly exposed to climate hazards particularly typhoons and flooding. All crops in the watershed are sensitive to typhoon though with varying degrees depending on the strength of the typhoon. Damages to crops caused by typhoons include lodging, washing out by flash flood, or submergence from inundation particularly in the low lying areas near the lake. While perennial crops can withstand moderately strong typhoons, their yields could be greatly reduced and can take 2-3 years to recover. Replanting perennial crops could take around 5-7 years to bear fruits. Annual crops can easily be replanted after being damaged. Farmers in the watershed claimed to experience 2-3 damaging typhoons each year. The frequent exposure to climate hazards and the high sensitivities of the crops in the watershed would have great implication on food security. Every year, the watershed experiences damages to crops at least 2-3 times a year due to typhoon. Crop yields are greatly reduced when hit by climate hazards though in times with good weather, farmers may be able to recover the crop losses.

V. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

The climate hazards that the farmers in the Sta Cruz Watershed are exposed to and are concerned of are basically the two related hazards, typhoon and flooding. Typhoon is experienced 2-3 times a year yet, only those typhoons that caused heavy damage to their crops and properties are remembered.

Crops grown in all elevations are exposed to climatic stresses like typhoon and flooding. The annual crops like rice and vegetables have higher risks to these stresses. Typhoons can cause lodging in rice and vegetables causing yield reduction or total crop losses. Another concern with typhoon in the low elevation areas and partly in the medium elevation areas is flooding. Similarly, submergence of rice and vegetables from flooding for more than 5 days can cause large yield reduction if not total damage. Flooding is also caused by continuous rain, causing the rise in the water level of the lake and subsequently inundating the low lying areas near the lake. For the medium and high elevation areas with more perennial crops, only typhoons with strong winds are of concern. Perennial crops like coconut, lanzones and rambutan may

42 withstand typhoon but yield maybe reduced. Strong winds can damage the crops planted and can uproot many fruit trees. It will take 2 to 3 years for damaged trees to recover and regain their productivity. When coconut palms or fruit trees are felled, replanting may take some time if at all replanted. Hence, frequent felling of the trees from strong typhoon, and slow replanting will cause a reduction in the population of the trees.

Another serious concern of the agricultural systems in the watershed is pest infestation. Rice, which is an important crop particularly in the low and medium elevation areas, is always infected by rice diseases and infested by insect pests including rice black bug. Farmers’ control of the rice bug has not been so effective. Coconut is an important crop in the medium and high elevation areas and coconut trees are now threatened of devastation because of coconut scale insect infestation. Control measures have not yet been so effective.

Another concern for the fruit trees is the change in rainfall pattern. Fruit trees are seasonal crops harvested in August to October. Fruiting is highly affected by changes in the rainfall pattern. With unpredictable rainfall, fruit production may be inconsistent. For instance, low fruit yield has been experienced by farmers in the last five years. But in 2013 season, there was very high fruit yield in rambutan.

The study would show that climate hazards brought damage to the crops yet most of the farmers in the watershed have observed that their crop yields remain the same as before and some even claimed to have increased their yields. But this has to be placed in proper perspective as farmers may think of their yield in a single harvest only but may not have considered the losses that they got when they experienced climate hazards. They may be getting high yield in a single cropping but when taken in a long cropping years with the losses they got, the overall yield maybe less.

There have been some changes in the cropping systems in the watershed since the last 20 years but only few of the respondents attributed them to climate change. Crops cultivated in the past 20- years are still being cultivated in the current years in addition of few new crops. Cropping patterns has remained the same since then. Varieties used however, has changed since the past 20 years but most of the reasons cited are related

to the search to get higher yields and better income, and the availability of seeds. Only few farmers attributed the change to climate change.

There is an increasing number of farmers who observed that their soil dries quickly in the current years as compared to the past 20 years, which was attributed largely to high temperature. Generally, more farmers have also noted more erosion in the current years compared to the past 20 years, which was attributed to heavy rainfall. Soil fertility was generally observed to decrease in the current years from the past 20 years but this was largely attributed to continuous cropping. There was no noticeable change in the kind of fertilizer used but the amount of fertilizer used has increased compared to the past 20 years.

The results would show that farmers in the watershed continuously experience crop losses due to climate hazards but have not developed effective adaptation measures to reduce the negative effects of the hazards. While there may be technologies or measures that can be used to reduce the damage that the climate hazards may bring, these have not reached to farmers’ knowledge. The use of rice varieties with submergence tolerance for instance has not been introduced/used in areas frequently visited by flood. Hence, a more climate change based extension messages maybe instituted in the area for farmers to cope with the hazards.

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