Adaptive Capacity of Indigenous Peoples to Changing Climate: The case of the Aytas of Floridablanca, Pampanga, Philippines

Abstract

The livelihoods of Aytas of Floridablanca, Pampanga, Philippines are dependent on natural resources, which are prone to climate change impacts. To assess their adaptive capacity, this paper analyzed the different resources available in their community using the Sustainable Livelihoods Approach Framework. The five livelihood assets (human, natural, financial, social, and physical) of the Aytas were accounted for and used as indicators for the Household Adaptive Capacity Index (HACI).
The resulting HACI was 0.49, indicating a medium-level adaptive capacity, limited by poor infrastructure, high dependence on agriculture for income, high poverty incidence of 72 percent, low level of education, and social capital bounded mostly in interactions. Also, farming income of the Aytas was highly seasonal and vulnerable to typhoons, prolonged drought, and excessive rains. 
Having limited livelihood assets, Aytas will find it difficult to adapt to climate change-related impacts. As such, they need support to enhance their adaptive capacity. This paper recommended that programs and projects, which enhance their adaptive capacity, be formulated in consideration of the existing indigenous knowledge, values, and belief systems, as well as their assets.