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Agricultural Approach: Farm Diversification

Fishponds in Flooded Areas

The agricultural and fisheries sector is one of the main contributors of the country’s national income. These are also the sectors highly affected by changes in climate. Fortunately, several studies currently focus on developing practices that allow farmers and fisherfolk to become climate resilient. One of the ways to take advantage of high rainfall periods is through the construction of fishponds in flood-prone areas to diversify income for farmers [2].
Climate Adaptation Effectiveness

The construction of fishponds provides additional income to farmers during wet seasons [2].

Climate Hazards

  • Rain-Induced Flooding

Locations

  • Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed, Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija, Region III (Central Luzon)

Adaptation Sectors

  • Agriculture
  • Water Management

CCET Instuments

  • Action Delivery

Target Group based on Vulnerability

Basic Sectors:
  • Artisanal Fisherfolk
  • Children
  • Farmers and Landless Rural Workers
  • Indigenous Peoples
  • Persons with Disabilities
  • Senior Citizens
  • Women
  • Youth and Students

Evaluations

Economic / Financial Effectiveness
Mid

Fishponds decrease the pressure on agriculture and forestry, and secure profit for farmers during high rainfall periods. However, the technical assistance and the materials needed to construct the fishponds entail large expenses [2].

Technical Feasibility
Low

Fishponds are feasible in flood-prone areas as long as there is proper drainage of excess water to avoid overflowing, siltation prevention, and sound structures to avoid collapse. The construction requires technical knowledge of the foundation, particularly on the soil characteristics and its interaction with water [1]. In other countries, dug-up ponds destroyed by floods were reconstructed using stone and concrete slabs to reduce erosion and prevent damage from future floods. The perimeter dykes are also typically elevated to a height higher than the peak flow of the flood, and planted with perennial creeping grass.

Social Acceptability
High

This practice has high social acceptability for farmers due to possible profit increase [1].

Environmental Impact
Low (+)

Construction of structures might disrupt the soil ecosystem and affect soil quality.

Mitigation co-benefit

There is no direct mitigation co-benefit for this solution.

Keywords

farm diversification, fishponds, flooded areas, fishponds in flooded areas

References

[1] Adewole, I., Agbola, S. and Kasim, O. (2014). Building resilience to climate change impacts after the 2011 flood disaster at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Environment & Urbanization, 27 (1), pp. 199-216. https://doi.org/10.1177/0956247814547679
[2] PhilCCA WG2 - Lasco, R. D., Cruz, R. V. O., Pulhin, J. M., & Pulhin, F. B. (2011). Assessing climate change impacts, vulnerability and adaptation: The case of Pantabangan-Carranglan watershed. New York, USA: Nova Science. https://www.worldagroforestry.org/publication/assessing-climate-change-impacts-vulnerability-and-adaptation-case-pantabangan

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