Knowledge sharing of farmers’adaptation strategies on climate stresses in Benguet, Philippines

Abstract

This study analyzed the knowledge sharing of adaptation strategies to climate stresses among selected upland farmers in Benguet, Philippines. Mixed method research design was employed, and survey questionnaire and in-depth interviews were used in gathering responses. Fifty-three farmers served as survey respondents in the study while selected individuals from the agriculture sector served as key informants. The four climate stresses identified were: frost, strong typhoons, drought and hail. All of the adaptation strategies for the four climate stresses were categorized based on water management, nutrient management, and pest and diseases management for specific crops. Descriptive statistics and UCINET software were used to analyze knowledge sharing flow. Results showed that knowledge sharing dynamics of farmers were limited to the people they know and trust, and dependent on expected reciprocal exchanges. The results reveal the need for strategies to enhance knowledge dissemination in dispersed, upland areas, given the restricted knowledge sharing behaviour revealed in these findings.