The Vulnerability of Philippine Local Farmers to Climate Change a Threat to Food Security and Public

Health
Jessa Kristine P. Pis-an, RND, MPH
Silliman University Dumaguete City, Philippines

Objective:
The purpose of a pilot study examined the vulnerability of farmers in Valencia, Negros Oriental
Philippines and the effects of climate change, which is annually felt due to poor weather condition in the
region. The study assessed the effects of drought season in relation to food security among farming
households and other implications to economic, socio-cultural and environmental conditions that may
contribute to the decline to food supply. The study assessed the present nutritional status and
susceptibility to the prevalence of malnutrition and health risks.

Methods:
Anthropometric assessments using the Body Mass Index (BMI), Nutritional assessment and Knowledge
Attitude and Practice (KAP) survey questionnaire was distributed among farmer respondents.

Results:
The present nutritional status of farmers of Valencia Farmers Credit Cooperative was assessed using
body mass index (BMI). Anthropometric assessment showed that women in child bearing age, has the
greater risk of Chronic Energy and Nutrient Deficiency Grade 1 scale of prevalence rate 17% and 28.57%
as Below Normal. Among males, prevalence were 10%, 18.33%, 31.67% for Chronic Energy and Nutrient
Deficiency Grade 1 to Low Normal and Obese Grade 1, respectively. Based on BMI levels, female farmers
are more vulnerable to climate change than male farmers. In addition to current poor nutritional
conditions, other factors that increased the farmers’ vulnerability to future bouts of adverse effects of
climate change were large family size with low income level.

Conclusions:
As agriculture is the primary backbone of Philippine economy in trade within the ASEAN region and
beyond. As farmers primarily rely on agriculture to support their own food supply and income. The
results in the reduction in farm production affects farmers economically and irreversible health
condition due to inadequate dietary intake resulting to nutritional deficiency. Integration among
international stakeholders is imperative to further intensify local policies to implement programs by
cascading it to the local government units to establish firm partnerships to promote development and
integration. Relevant programs that aide to increase food resilience and productivity among farming
communities.