Sociocultural Factors Influencing Adaptation Capacity of Indigenous People in Barotac Viejo, West Central Philippines

The adverse effects of climate change are now being experienced by the people without any apparent solution despite joint efforts of the world’s climate experts. Developing countries are reportedly to be hit the hardest. This means lives and livelihoods of billions of people are at stake. Indigenous people are vulnerable of this imminent danger. Determining the adaptation capacity and strategies of these indigenous people can help reduce the extent of damages that may likely occur. A study is conducted in Sitio Nagpana, Barotac Viejo, West Central Philippines to determine the level of adaptation capacity of the indigenous community and the socio-cultural factors that influence it. One hundred thirty-six households are surveyed using a self-made questionnaire as the primary tool to collect the information needed. The result show average adaptation capacity of the community. Socio-demographic factors like religion and gender show significant relationship with adaptation capacity. The rest does not show significance at all.