Banana Farmers' Lived Experiences and Adaptation Strategies Amid Increasing Heat: A Phenomenological Study in Barangay Balagunan, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, Philippines

Authors

  • Maybelyn T. Arcenio, MSCJ Davao del Norte State College Author
  • Daralmeo V. Vallacera Author
  • Carl Jerwin J. Asotigue Author
  • Jushua M. Manginsay Author
  • Daniel L. Apa Author
  • Jhon Jhomar S. Palabras Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.68354/742137

Keywords:

banana production, climate change adaptation, heat stress, lived experiences, phenomenology, Sustainable Livelihoods Framework

Abstract

Introduction: Rising temperatures and increasing heat indices associated with climate change pose growing challenges to banana production in tropical, smallholder-dependent communities such as the Philippines. However, limited research captures how farmers experience and respond to increasing heat. This study addressed this gap in Barangay Balagunan, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, where banana farming is a major livelihood.

Objective: The study explored the lived experiences, adaptation strategies, and realizations of banana farmers in response to perceived increasing heat.

Methods: A descriptive phenomenological design guided by Colaizzi’s (1978) method was employed. Fourteen purposively selected banana farmers with at least 10 years of farming experience participated in individual in-depth interviews (n = 7) and a focus group discussion (n = 7). Data were collected through a validated semi-structured interview guide and analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step procedure.

Results: Three major themes emerged: (1) experiences of increasing heat, characterized by heat stress and fatigue, reduced yield and crop quality, water scarcity, psychological strain, changing weather patterns, and increased farming uncertainty; (2) adaptation strategies, including water conservation, mulching and shading, shifts to heat-tolerant Cardava, simple irrigation, and peer knowledge sharing; and (3) realizations involving climate-change awareness, preparedness, cooperation, institutional support, livelihood reconsideration, and resource conservation.

Conclusions: Perceived increasing heat significantly challenges banana production, physical labor, and household livelihoods. Despite these challenges, farmers demonstrate locally grounded resilience through adaptive practices, consistent with the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework. However, limited financial resources, inadequate irrigation, and insufficient institutional support constrain their capacity to adapt. Coordinated support from government agencies, agricultural institutions, and community networks is needed to strengthen climate-resilient banana farming.

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Arcenio, M., Vallacera, D., Asotigue, C. J., Manginsay, J., Apa, D., & Palabras, J. J. (2026). Banana Farmers’ Lived Experiences and Adaptation Strategies Amid Increasing Heat: A Phenomenological Study in Barangay Balagunan, Sto. Tomas, Davao del Norte, Philippines. Review of Studies on Criminology, Sociology, and Law, 1(1), 51-67. https://doi.org/10.68354/742137