Lao PDR and the Philippines are among the Asian countries whose exposure to climate risks seriously threatens the agriculture sector. Rice, the staple food for both countries, is a highly vulnerable crop to climate change because of its critical dependence on water supply. In Lao PDR, agriculture is the dominant livelihood source but farm production is low and poverty incidence is high. Previous extreme climatic events have caused significant losses but the national government’s measures to manage climate risks are limited in scope and scale. The case of the Philippines also calls for urgent attention because of its large population and the nature of its economic development pathway. An average of 20 typhoons per year hits the country and the intensity of these typhoons is increasing.

This paper, Improving Adaptive Capacity of Small-Scale Rice Farmers: Comparative Analysis of Lao Pdr and the Philippines, provides a comparative analysis of the adaptive capacity and current adaptation strategies of small-scale rice farm households in these countries. The analysis focused on two top rice-producing provinces in each country that are vulnerable to climate risks. It covered three rice production environments or ecozones - irrigated lowland, rainfed lowland and rainfed upland in two cropping seasons, wet and dry. Sources of data include survey of rice farmers; key informant interviews with local government officials; focus group discussions with farmer and village leaders and extension workers; and local government reports.

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This project and publication has been produced as part of the SUMERNET research call for research on climate change implications to food security and livelihoods of small scale farmers.

SUMERNET Homepage: SUMERNET

Local Power to Act: Reducing Climate Risks for Rice Farmers (Philippines)
Compelling reason for local action: climate risk reduction and adaptation (Lao PDR)

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