Understanding local context and intra-household dynamics to increase participation of women farmers in implementing climate-smart agriculture (CSA) approaches in the rice-based farming systems in Guinayangan, Quezon, Philippines

An enabling environment can help poor smallholder farmers adapt to climate change by providing them support and incentives to increase production and income, and by enhancing the participation of women to achieve a greater outcome. Understanding the local context and intra-household dynamics between husband and wife are important to tailor-fit recommendations and ensure sustained participation of women. A study was conducted in Guinayangan to check which among the CSA options were implemented by women and provide recommendations to enhance their engagement. A total of 47 households working in rice-based farming systems were interviewed. Majority of the respondents used family labor. Husbands participate more in farming activities, while the wives contributed equally to the feeding of animals, cleaning of animal shelters, buying of inputs and selling of produce. Their 24-hour chart indicated that the wife performed farming activities near the home, like vegetable gardening and animal feeding, to be able to immediately return to their domestic activities. Both husbands and wives have the same observations and perceptions about the changes in climate and associated risks. They consulted each other and had equal participation in decision making related to CSA approaches. They identified addressing the changes in soil quality, pest incidence, yield, water availability and animal production (ranked) as the production challenges that they should prioritize. They learned about the CSA options through the following social learning processes: participatory action research, farmer learning groups and farmers' field day. The husband participated more in the social learning processes since they were more involved in productive activities. They were also more engaged in farmers' associations. Other ways for women in the household to learn more about the CSA options that are relevant to them were through television, phone, internet and radio. Both husband and wife have the same level of access to these communication media. Also, both have access to their productive capital and credit facilities (formal and informal). Increasing the access of women to jump start funds would incentivize them to engage more in productive activities. On the other hand, land tenure was a limiting factor in the implementation of CSA options.