IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURE

AMELITA S. ASHCRAFT

High productivity growth in the agriculture sector has been a major factor in the structural transformation that has been driving long-term economic growth for most countries. In the past, the Philippines' slow growth in agricultural production has hampered the country's ability to create jobs and experience economic expansion. which continue to be the primary sector of employment at one-third. Crop productivity could be disrupted by climate change, which would therefore have an impact on domestic agriculture production, consumption, and food safety security. Furthermore, alterations may be prompted by the effects of climate change on a worldwide scale, fluctuations in local and global commodity prices, which eventually have a detrimental impact on Philippine agriculture and the nation's economy. The Philippine government has made it a top priority to develop agricultural growth and adaptation strategies to support structural transformation and wider economic growth strategies. In the second quarter of 2023, there was a decreased of 1.3 percent in agriculture (www.psa.gov.ph). A decline in productivity growth could have negative effects like higher food costs and more greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector. In addition to maintaining domestic agricultural production, this will help achieve inclusive growth and the reduction of poverty. In education sector, Agriculture education is a useful tool for teaching children several basic survival skills in the classroom and climate change.

-oOoThe author is Master Teacher I at Pulungbulu Elementary school