Social Vulnerability to Climate Variability and Extremes of Farming Households in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines

Authors

Joan U. Ureta, Leonardo M. Florece, Juan M. Pulhin, and Ma. Victoria O. Espaldon

ABSTRACT

Climate-sensitive livelihoods are in the frontline of sectors which will be affected most by climate change. Without proper intervention, smallholder farmers would suffer from declining crop production, yield, and on-farm income, among others. Hence, this study aims to assess the social vulnerability of farming households residing in northern part of Puerto Princesa City, Philippines. Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) was used in developing separate social vulnerability indices for drought, typhoon, and early onset of rains. Unbalanced weighted approach through principal component analysis (PCA) was employed in assigning weights to the variables. Findings showed that financial capital has the highest contribution to the three indices generated through PCA. Results of independent t-test statistics show that farmers are more vulnerable to typhoon and early onset of rain compared to drought. The results of the study can generate new knowledge on how to determine the social vulnerability of a community in terms of livelihood.

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Social Vulnerability to Climate Variability and Extremes of Farming Households in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines