Enhanced Climate Change Resilience Through Local Support: The Case of Baculin Fishers in Baganga, Davao Oriental

Small-scale fisheries are vital for food security and livelihood in coastal communities but remain highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. This study assessed the resilience of small-scale fishers (SSF) in Baganga, Davao Oriental, Philippines, their perceptions, adaptive strategies, and support regarding fisher resilience. Using a semi-structured questionnaire ( N = 50), the authors conducted face-to-face interviews among the fishers of Baculin in Baganga. Four focus groups ( N = 4) composed of 10 to 15 fishers and secondary literature were used to validate the findings of the study. The study identified major climate hazards, for example, typhoons, sea-level rise, flooding, strong winds, and erratic weather patterns affecting the lives of fishers and their families. Our findings revealed that while fishers were aware of climate change impacts and employed coping strategies such as livelihood diversification (driving motor vehicles after fishing, involvement in farm weeding, working as a laborer in construction activities), their resilience was limited by poor social networks, and infrastructure, lack of market access, and insufficient alternative income opportunities. The local government unit assisted by giving financial aid and food packs during times of disasters, but lacked proper training that could enhance their awareness and disaster preparedness for the fishing communities. Their resilience can be enhanced by strengthening fisher cooperatives, providing training and seminars, and improving port, road, and market infrastructure. These findings contribute to localized climate adaptation planning for vulnerable coastal communities like the small-scale fishers of Baganga.