Community Communication and Coffee Farmers&rsquo; Adaptation to Climate Variability in Amadeo, Cavite, Philippines

Rowena  D. Baconguis,; Bettina Joyce  Ilagan,; Cleofe  Torres,; Ma. Theresa  Velasco,; Serlie  Jamias,

Community Communication and Coffee Farmers’ Adaptation to Climate Variability in Amadeo, Cavite, Philippines

Bettina Joyce Ilagan | Cleofe Torres | Rowena Dt. Baconguis | Ma. Theresa Velasco | Serlie Jamias

Abstract:

The study was conducted to analyze coffee farmers’ engagement in community communication as they adapt their farming practices to climate variability. It was descriptive – correlational research that utilized key informant interviews and survey using an interview schedule for data gathering. There were 12 key informants and 93 respondents. Chi-square was used to test relationship among variables. Majority of the respondents had observed changes in weather patterns / climatic conditions in Amadeo, Cavite in terms of increase in temperature, increased frequency of hot days and warm nights, decreased frequency of cold days and cool nights, and increased intensity of extreme rainfall. Adaptation of farming practices to climate variability included adoption of additional or alternative crops through intercropping, adjustments in the time of fertilizer application and in harvesting, more frequent weeding, regular pruning, less frequent rejuvenation, spraying as needed to control pests and diseases, covering of harvested coffee fruits, and stocking their harvests first before selling them. Replacement of old trees with new ones was also a salient adaptation strategy. They had moderate engagement in community communication. Male respondents whose farms were located outside the barangay and had high farm experience but low media use were predisposed to engage in community communication. Observation of climate variability was not significantly related to level of engagement in community communication and to adaptation of farming practices to climate variability. Respondents’ level of engagement in community communication was significantly related to coffee planting and farming in general, weeding, and control of pests and diseases adaptation strategies. Finally, a community communication framework for enhancing adaptation to climate variability was proposed.

References:

Baker, P. 5 August 2009. Climate change brews up trouble for coffee growers. Retrieved from: http://www.scidev.net/en/opinions/climate-change-brews-up-trouble-forcoffeegrowers-html
Bessette, G. (2004). Involving the Community: A Guide to Participatory Development Communication. International Development Research Center.
Coldevin, G. (2003). Participatory Communication: A Key to Rural Learning Systems. Prepared in collaboration with the Extension, Education and Communication Service, Research, Extension and Training Division, Sustainable Development Department. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Department Of Agriculture. (2010). Coffee. Retrieved from: http://www.da.gov.ph/tips/coffee.html.
Fourteenth Congress of the Philippines. 27 July 2009. Republic Act 9729: An Act Mainstreaming Climate Change into Government Policy Formulations, Establishing the Framework Strategy and Program on Climate Change, Creating for this Purpose the Climate Change Commission, and for other Purposes. Manila, Philippines.
Maslog, C. C. (1995). Community Communication: Concepts and Practices. In Community Communication for People Empowerment: A Book of Readings. Papers Presented at the National Symposium on Community Communication, 30 November to 02 December 1995, SEARCA, UPLB. Philippines: UNESCO Project Tambuli, Institute of Development Communication – UP Los Baños, College of Mass Communication – UP Diliman and UNESCO National Commission.
Ongkiko, I. V. C & Flor, A. G. (1998). Introduction to Development Communication. Philippines: University of the Philippines Open University.
Sajise, A. J., Sombilla, M. & Ancog, R. (2012). Socioeconomics of Climate Change in the Philippines: A Literature Synthesis (1990 – 2010). Philippines: SEARCA and PCAARRD.
Selvaraju, R., Subbia, A. R., Baas, S. & Juergens, I. (2006). Livelihood Adaptation to Climate Variability and Change in Drought-prone Areas of Bangladesh: Developing Institutions and Options. Rome: Asian Disaster Preparedness Center and Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations.
Woodside, C. 07 June 2011. Coffee Growers Facing New Risks; Changing Climate Putting Production at Risk.Retrieved from: http://www.yaleclimatemediaforum.org/2011/06/climate-changesputting-coffee-production-at-risk/