El Niño-induced climate hazards pose significant risks to food security by profoundly affecting agriculture and rural livelihoods.
Farmers, fisherfolk, and small-scale producers are among those who experience the most immediate effects of climate shocks, such as droughts, which can lead to reduced yields and deteriorating quality of produce.
As a global phenomenon, it is crucial that effective actions focus on preventing damage to crops, livestock, productive lands, water sources, and infrastructure in order to protect food at its origin. By safeguarding local food supply, we can also mitigate the broader effects on communities and local economies.
According to the Office for City Agricultural Services (OfCAS), the agricultural sector faces serious challenges during the onset of El Niño, typically from March to June each year.
The production of various commodities, including rice, coffee, vegetables, and corn, fluctuates significantly, resulting in instability in food supply. When farmers produce less, they earn less, which in turn drives prices up, particularly affecting low-income consumers. The rising cost of rice, for instance, is directly linked to its decreasing availability—a situation exacerbated by the impacts of El Niño.
Tabuk City, like many other regions, has experienced drought conditions that have severely affected rice farming. The OfCAS reports that the impacts of El Niño-induced drought have been acutely felt among farmers in the agricultural sector.
Prolonged droughts continue to complicate the lives of farmers due to the extensive damage inflicted on their crops.
A damage assessment report prepared by OfCAS as of April 18, 2024, highlights the severe effects of drought on multiple commodities. For rice, which suffered damage from March to April 2024, a total of 4,178.60 hectares had been planted, but 192.4435 hectares (3.45%) sustained damage, resulting in an estimated cost of loss amounting to 6,033,638.60 pesos. About 393 rice farmers have been affected by this phenomenon.
Similarly, corn crops experienced significant damage from December 2023 to March 2024, with 2,403.577 hectares affected from a total of 4,550 hectares planted, resulting in a staggering 53% loss and a financial impact of 125,221,817.00 pesos affecting 1,738 corn farmers.
The fisheries sector was not spared from El Niño’s effects either, reporting damages between February and April 2024, with estimated losses reaching 4,724,050.00 pesos. Of the 19.8902 hectares utilized for fish production, 11.63145 hectares (55.28%) were reported damaged, which affected 342 fisherfolk from the city.
Drought-related losses were also reported for high-value crops. From January to April 2024, assorted vegetables on 25.3 hectares had 14.08 hectares affected, leading to estimated damages of 780,400.00 pesos. Additionally, 2.1048 hectares of a 3-hectare spring onion plantation were affected. Fruit trees, too, faced challenges, with 9.25 hectares of a total of 67 hectares being impacted. Coffee and banana crops also reported damages, with estimates of 625,940.25 and 2,712,375.00 pesos, respectively.
Furthermore, OfCAS indicates that beyond drought, shifts in weather conditions due to El Niño can facilitate the spread of plant diseases and pests, creating an environment that allows them to thrive and result in reduced yields. Additionally, high temperatures and water shortages can degrade plant quality.
City Agriculturist Lim N. Ducyogen confirms that crops grown under stressful conditions tend to be smaller, less flavorful, and of inferior quality.
Despite these challenges, Ducyogen assures that the city government, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Office, and various organizations are committed to alleviating the hardships faced by affected farmers through various support services. The DA has consistently assisted farmers over the years by providing hybrid rice and corn seeds, fertilizers (both inorganic and organic), fingerlings, farm machinery, and a series of training programs.
Through the Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolks, and Families, affected farmers were given P10,000.00 last October 31,2024, to help them recover from their loss. By Darwin Serion
