Climate change impact on food security and nutrition in farming and fishing communities in Quezon, Philippines

Introduction: Climate change is a growing concern that affects many facets of public health. Despite this, very little research has directly linked its effects on food security and in turn, how that affects nutrition. Loma Linda School of Public Health Global Health students partnered with the International Institute of Rural Reconstruction to assess the links between climate change, food security, and nutrition within the municipality of Guinayangan, Quezon.

Methods: A mixed-methods assessment was conducted in three communities to identify perceptions of climate change and its impact on food security and nutrition through key informant interviews (n=14), focus group discussions (n=3), and household case studies and surveys (n=9). Four themes were discussed in these sessions: indicators of climate change; impacts of climate change on agriculture and food security; impacts of climate change on nutritional status; and governmental involvement to address climate change and its impacts on agriculture.

Findings: Not all participants were familiar with climate change terminology, but most identified indicators such as changes in weather patterns. Participants also provided examples of how these changes have reduced their crop/fishing yields which in turn have contributed to a decrease in household income. Under-nutrition was identified as the most prevalent nutritional disease and lack of income was the greatest contributing factor.

Discussion: Climate change is negatively impacting low-income farmers and fishermen in the Philippines. The variance in weather patterns is intensifying, thus severely affecting the livelihoods of most community members. Participants made recommendations to train farmers and fishermen in more efficient practices. Although policies are in place to address agriculture and nutrition, none currently take climate change into account. Addressing climate change in economic and agricultural policies will positively affect food insecure regions.