Fisher’s resilience: preparedness, coping capacity, and adaptation capacity in Surigao del Sur, Philippines

Abstract

Abstract Fishing communities depend on natural resources to fulfill their livelihood needs, making them more vulnerable during climatic events. However, despite the impacts brought by climate hazards, fishing communities have adaptation strategies and the capacity to be resilient. The study assessed fishing communities' exposure and capacity to adapt to various climatic events by determining their resilience to natural hazards. A focus group discussion (N = 80) and stakeholder meetings (N = 100) were conducted to assess the resilience of fishers in selected fishing villages in Surigao del Sur. A total of six fishing villages with 10–15 fisher participants attended the focus groups. Twelve behavioral indicators were used for the three components of resilience: preparedness, coping, and adaptive capacity. The finding shows that Habag and Nurcia were most exposed to climate hazards among fishing villages in Surigao del Sur, with an average of 3.14. However, Nurcia village had the highest average of 3.33 in preparedness capacity, such as conducting training and seminars on climate hazard awareness. In addition, Nurcia also had the highest average of 4.00 in coping capacity, such as having communication connectedness through an active organization. Overall, Nurcia was the most resilient to climate hazards. Despite their exposure to natural hazards and stressors, fishers in the communities have common connectedness that helps them recover easily and take necessary actions to mitigate the impacts of natural hazards. The local government units should be more active in providing relevant policies, regulations, and assistance to help affected areas during natural hazards.