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Adaptation and Vulnerability of Subanen Community to the Adverse Environmental Conditions in Mt. Malindang National Park, Philippines
Abstract:
The study was conducted in Barangay Lake Duminagat, which is located within Mt. Malindang National Park, Don Victoriano, Misamis Occidental, Philippines. It sought to examine the adaptive mechanisms and assess the vulnerability conditions of the Subanen community to the adverse environmental conditions in the area. Data were gathered in April-May 2003 through a combination of various research techniques such as key informant interviews, focus group discussions, household survey, transect walk, and participatory mapping. Eight residents who have been in the barangay for a long time--mostly local officials/leaders--served as key informants. Twenty men and women with ages 35-77 years participated in the focus group discussions.
Secondary data were used to supplement the primary data collected. These were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Vulnerability ranking among respondents was done using the average rank of dependency ratio, capital, and income. Relationship between selected variables and vulnerability rank was established using the Spearman rank correlation and regression analysis.
Findings revealed that the combined effects of continuous and heavy rain, strong winds, pests, diseases, and soil degradation caused a significant decline in agricultural production, which resulted to low income. In response, the people employed several adaptive strategies such as shift in agricultural crops, land and crop rotation, expansion of area of cultivation, out-migration, family planning, formation of organization, and change in food consumption from rice and corn to rootcrops.
Despite the adaptive strategies employed by the Subanens, they remained vulnerable to the impacts of environmental conditions in the area. Their vulnerability was indicated by their low income, low and declining agricultural production, low educational attainment, lack of skills to shift to other livelihood activities, and lack of internal and external institutions to assist them. Statistical analysis revealed that household income, capital, farm size, and education were significantly correlated to their vulnerability. These factors explained 82 percent of the variation of the vulnerability index.