Report on Climate Resilient Agriculture in the Philippines and Its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction to Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA)

Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) is defined as the adoption of agricultural practices and systems that can withstand and recover from climate-related stresses or challenges. This approach is crucial for the Philippines, a country highly vulnerable to extreme weather events and climate change impacts.

Climate Vulnerability of the Philippines

• The Philippines ranks 7th globally in the Global Climate Risk Index for extreme weather impact.
• It is ranked 54th out of 163 countries in the World Risk Index for climate change risk.
• From 2011 to 2021, the country incurred approximately PHP 463 billion in damages due to extreme weather, with agriculture accounting for PHP 290 billion of these losses.
• Annual losses in agriculture due to climate challenges are estimated at PHP 29 billion, likely increasing with intensifying weather events.

Government Policies and Legislative Framework Supporting CRA

1. Republic Act (RA) 9729 – Climate Change Act of 2009: Established the Climate Change Commission to mainstream climate change responses nationally and locally.
2. RA 10121 – Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010: Strengthens institutional capacity for proactive disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation across sectors including agriculture.
3. RA 10174 – People’s Survival Fund Act of 2013: Institutionalizes a long-term financing mechanism for local government units (LGUs) and community organizations to implement climate adaptation and mitigation projects.

Department of Agriculture Initiatives

• In 2013, the Department of Agriculture (DA) launched the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiatives in Agriculture (AMIA) project targeting climate-vulnerable areas for CRA adoption.
• In 2020, the DA established the Climate Resilient Agriculture Office to oversee systematic CRA implementation.
• Despite expanded coverage, AMIA has not reached the scale necessary to significantly mitigate climate change impacts in agriculture.

Challenges in Implementation

• Centralized decision-making and knowledge dissemination limit effective local adaptation, as strategies and fund allocations are determined mainly by central offices in Metro Manila.
• Planning and budgeting are commodity-specific (e.g., rice, corn), whereas climate impacts are cross-sectoral and affect all agricultural commodities.
• Limited capability and resources at the provincial, municipal, and barangay LGU levels hinder localized climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
• Centralized procurement practices are justified as anti-corruption measures but may restrict efficient fund distribution to local levels.

Recommendations for Enhancing Climate Resilience in Agriculture

1. Decentralize climate adaptation and mitigation actions to LGUs to address local environmental and vulnerability contexts.
2. Upgrade capabilities of LGU personnel for planning and implementing climate-related agricultural projects.
3. Implement a funding mechanism that allows direct disbursement of resources from the DA to LGUs and community organizations based on performance.
4. Adopt models similar to the US Department of Agriculture, focusing central agencies on research, knowledge generation, and emergency response, while empowering local governments with funds and accountability.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: Enhancing agricultural resilience contributes to food security by reducing losses from climate-related events.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: Implementing CRA and strengthening disaster risk reduction directly address climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• SDG 1 – No Poverty: Protecting agricultural livelihoods from climate shocks supports poverty reduction in rural communities.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Empowering LGUs to manage climate risks promotes resilient local communities.
• SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals: Collaboration between national agencies, LGUs, and communities is essential for effective climate action in agriculture.

Conclusion

To overcome stagnation in agricultural growth and effectively mitigate climate change impacts, the Philippines must adopt a decentralized, locally empowered approach to climate resilient agriculture. This strategy aligns with multiple SDGs and is critical for sustainable rural development, improved food security, and climate adaptation. Strengthening local capacities, revising funding mechanisms, and learning from international best practices will be vital steps toward achieving these goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article focuses on climate resilient agriculture (CRA) to protect and sustain agricultural productivity in the Philippines, which directly relates to ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The article discusses climate change impacts, laws, and adaptation measures, highlighting the need for urgent action to combat climate change and its effects.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • References to local government units (LGUs) and community-based organizations implementing climate adaptation measures relate to building resilient and sustainable communities.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article mentions coordination between national agencies, LGUs, and community organizations, emphasizing partnerships and institutional capacity building.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, help maintain ecosystems, and strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.b: Increase the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards inclusion, resource efficiency, mitigation, and adaptation to climate change.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.9: Enhance international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries to support national plans to implement all the SDGs.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article

1. Indicator for SDG 2.4
   • Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture (implied through the adoption of climate resilient agriculture practices).
   • Annual losses in agricultural production due to climate-related disasters (e.g., the P29 billion annual loss mentioned).
2. Indicators for SDG 13.1 and 13.2
   • Number of national and local climate change adaptation policies and laws enacted (e.g., RA 9729, RA 10121, RA 10174).
   • Existence and functionality of dedicated climate adaptation offices (e.g., Climate Resilient Agriculture Office).
   • Financial resources allocated to climate change adaptation and mitigation (e.g., People’s Survival Fund).
3. Indicator for SDG 11.b
   • Number of LGUs implementing climate change adaptation projects and plans.
4. Indicator for SDG 17.9
   • Capacity-building programs and funds disbursed to LGUs and community organizations for climate adaptation.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: manilatimes.net