Farming Profile and Damages Caused by Super Typhoon “Rolly” in Selected Coastal Areas in Sorsogon City, Philippines

Abstract

The impact of a typhoon disaster depends on the intensity and strength of the typhoon which can be linked with the precautionary measures and knowledge of local residents. This descriptive-correlational research design gathered data on the farming profile and damages caused by super typhoon Rolly in the selected coastal areas in Sorsogon City, Philippines through surveys, field visits, and interviews. Out of the purposively chosen 1000 respondents, 834 of them reported damages in their housing. Most of the farmer respondents have more than 20 years of engagement in the mono cropping system, tilling below the one-hectare size of land near their residency as a tenant. Moreover, the majority of the farmers were newly engaged ( 5 years) in livestock production in their backyard. The multiple  regression reveals that the barangay location ( =-9.866), water resources ( =5.197), households who experienced flooding ( =6.067), and household head age ( =0.135) were statistically significant predictors of typhoon damages. The farmers who used mono-cropping in any of the rice, corn, cassava, coconut, vegetables, among others have low income and reveal higher damages during typhoons. The Sorsoganons are generally resilient able to move forward despite all the challenges and difficulties brought by the typhoon. The provision of the relocation sites, advice, and monitoring of LGUs are important precautionary measures in reducing the impact of the typhoon along with coastal areas.