Sugarcane Yield Variations in Northern and Central Ivory Coast as Influenced by Soil Water Balance over Two Critical Growth Stages

The influence of water deficit as main cane yield limiting factor in Ivory Coast was investigated on SUCAF Ferke 2 and Sucrivoire Zuenoula sugarcane commercial plantations. A soil water balance model was used to assess crop water uptake over two critical growth stages, namely stem elongation and yield formation, to be correlated with cane yields. Under simulated rainfed conditions, average yields performed on yearly basis （from 1991 to 1997） in both sites were highly dependent （linearly） on average crop water satisfaction ratio （ETa/ETm） over these critical growth stages. Under real field conditions in Ferke 2 （irrigation water being considered in addition to rainfall）, cane yields of early as well as late maturing sugarcane varieties obtained on yearly basis were dependent on average crop water satisfaction ratio over both growth stages. In Zudnoula, cane yield fluctuations were generally not predicted by crop water satisfaction ratio, regardless the cropping season considered. However, average cane yields obtained from year to year over the study period in both sugarcane schemes were highly dependent on the average crop water uptake ratio. This shows the important contribution of water in predicting yearly variations of average cane yields produced on Ivorian sugarcane commercial plantations.

Coastal Vulnerability Assessment of Rapu-Rapu and the West Coast of Albay Province, Philippines

Coastal vulnerability assessment using the Integrated Sensitivity, Exposure, and Adaptive Capacity to Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment (ICSEA-C-Change) tool provides a deeper understanding of the potential impacts of climate change on coastal zones. Vulnerability ratings were obtained using rubrics that were presented to the stakeholders during focused group discussions. Derived scores were then averaged and consolidated to come up with the overall vulnerability rating. These ratings were based on the resource and status of coastal habitats’ reliance on near-shore fishing and other quality measures like fisheries ecosystem dependency, population, and water quality of the coastal habitats in the barangays. Ratings resulted in identifying 12 barangays out of 23 that are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts such as waves, storm surges, sea level rise, increase in surface temperature, and extreme rainfall. These are Buenavista and Basicao (Pioduran), Catburawan (Ligao), Tapel, Nagas and Maramba (Oas), Talin-Talin, Pantao, Macabugos, and Tambo (Libon) and Buhatan and Villa Hermosa (Rapu-Rapu). Assessment results were highly influenced by the absence of three major marine habitats, i.e., coral reefs, seagrass/seaweeds, and mangroves in the coastal areas. Likewise, 11 barangays out of 23, which were Marigondon and Malidong (Pioduran), Maonon and Cabarian (Ligao), Badian and Cagmanaba (Oas), Apud and Rawis (Libon), and Galicia, Hamorawon, and Poblacion (Rapu-Rapu) obtained moderate vulnerability scores. This was attributed to the presence of marine habitats that although in poor state, may serve their ecological functioning when properly protected. Highly vulnerable barangays must be prioritized in coastal rehabilitation and disaster risk reduction management planning. Parameters encompassing the sensitivity and adaptive capacity of each barangay must be taken into consideration to reduce potential impacts brought by factors attributed to climate change. Vital information from the assessment will serve as basis for developing strategic plans for improving the climate change adaptation strategies of the local government units.

Aspirations of Fisherfolk Communities on Their Children’s Education in Albay, Asid, and Ragay Gulfs of Bicol, Philippines

The study explores the yearnings of fisherfolks on their child’s education, hindrances, and factors that shape their desire as parents. Field observations and key informant interview among elder members of fisherfolk communities surrounding the Albay, Ragay, and Asid Gulfs of the Bicol Region was utilized. The study revealed that the majority of the fisherfolk parents do not want their children to continue fishing as their main source of livelihood because of potential risks, hardships, and cultural factors like collectivism, close family ties, and dependence on the elders. The parents’ aspirations were shaped by their persistence over various threats, fears, personal unfulfilled dreams, and career opportunities thru education. Most of the parents desired a college education and a safe and secure profession for their children. The study deduced that these challenges can be a contributory factor for the declining number of fisherfolks surrounding the gulfs. Influencing this sector is the factor motivating fishers in their aspirations for their children’s education. The study recommends introducing strategies for fisherfolks to develop a strong sense of hope and drive in realizing their aspirations and further research on the impact of culture, the role of women and children, and fisherfolks and their success stories.