Social Vulnerability and Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change Impacts of Women-headed Households in the Philippines: a Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This study analyzed the social vulnerability and adaptive capacity to climate change impacts of women-headed households in two remote coastal communities in Lagonoy, Camarines Sur. Quantitative method following descriptive-correlational research design was employed. Out of 281 WHHs, 162 were randomly selected as the respondents of this study. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), t-test for independent samples, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyze the data. Women-headed households in the two remote coastal communities have moderate to high vulnerability in terms of demographic, economic, and social factors. No significant difference was found in their level of social vulnerability; however, a substantial difference was found in the adaptive capacity of the respondents from the East and North coastal communities. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the number of household members with disabilities, affiliation with social groups, time travel of the respondents, and household size were significant factors influencing social vulnerability in the two remote coastal communities. The study recommends formulating effective climate change policies and responsive strategies that enhance the rights and welfare of these households for equal distribution and access to resources, especially in socio-political structures in the community.