Climate change adaptation strategies of small scale fishermen in coastal communities of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo

Abstract

This study examined climate change awareness and adaptation strategies among 251 small-scale fishermen across eight coastal barangays in Barotac Viejo. Using a mixed-methods approach with structured questionnaires, data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and chi-square tests. Results revealed exceptionally high climate change awareness (95.2% moderate to high levels, mean score 4.62), with income loss from weather disruptions scoring highest (M=4.80). Significant factors influencing awareness included lower income (p=0.003), boat ownership (p=0.024), distance from fishing grounds (p=0.006), and fishing experience (p=0.001). Fishermen employed diverse adaptation strategies: 30.3% engaged in livestock/poultry, 42.2% relied on working spouses, 63.3% used alternative fishing gears, and 76.5% participated in fisherfolk organizations. Chi-square analysis revealed significant relationships between awareness and five adaptation categories: agricultural diversification, family income mobilization, economic diversification, gear diversification, and community engagement. The findings demonstrate that higher climate awareness correlates with proactive adaptation behaviors, highlighting the critical role of local knowledge in building climate resilience among vulnerable coastal communities.