Climate-related risk management practices in pond-based tilapia culture: A case study of the small-scale fish farmers of Agusan del Sur, Philippines

. Climate change vulnerability of the fisheries sector of the Philippines risks the nation's economy. Adapting to these impacts requires effective use of shared climate information in aquaculture. This study assessed the climate-related risk management practices among tilapia pond farmers in Agusan del Sur, Philippines. Quantitative method and purposive sampling were employed, interviewing thirty knowledgeable participants. Common damages encountered during floods included fish escape (56.6%), while slow growth prevailed during droughts, cold weather (20% and 16.6% respectively), and hot weather (46.6%). Most of the respondents applied constant monitoring or surveillance as their primary risk management practices to cope with floods, droughts, cold weather, and hot weather. Other risk management practices include changes in tillage practices, changes in the stocking date, harvest ahead of schedule, efficient water use, irrigation, and stopping rearing. The Chi-square analysis showed that there is a highly significant relationship (p<0.05) between climate-related risk and risk management practices, while there is no significant relationship between the socio-demographic profile and applied risk management practices. These findings provide insights into climate-related risk management, emphasizing the significance of monitoring and targeted interventions. The findings help to build better risk management approaches for farmers dealing with the effects of climate change. *


Introduction
Any change in the climate over time, whether it results from variations in the environment or from human action, is referred to as climate change.As a holistic and participatory framework to prevent, reduce, and address losses and damage based on climate risk assessment, climate risk management combines proven and innovative measures from climate change mitigation and adaptation, disaster risk management, and social protection.A comprehensive strategy is used to manage the effects of climate change across the entire risk spectrum, from short-term extreme weather events to long-term progressive changes.Proper management of climate risks on climate adaptation and risk reduction helps to minimize climate-related hazards, particularly in aquaculture.Climate-related hazards including droughts and floods have an enormous impact on the socio-economic development of a society [1].To mitigate the adverse impact of climate-related hazards, a climate change adaptation must be administered.Climate change adaptation in aquaculture will become effective if the climate information is well-shared, understood, and used [2].
Tilapia is the most cultured species by people in Agusan del Sur.There have been recent incidents of severe droughts, heavy rains, and sudden temperature fluctuations adversely affecting tilapia culture caused by climate change [3].A change in the physical environment has a direct impact on the feeding, migration, and breeding behaviors of fish [4].Growth, mortality, and reproduction are likewise indirectly affected [5].In addition to risks and uncertainties, the aquaculture industry faces several challenges as it expands.It is, however, rare to find studies on farmers' perceptions of risk and their strategies for managing risk in the field of pond aquaculture [6].In Thailand, disease outbreaks and water pollution rank as the top concerns among tilapia farmers in the central region, with seasonal variations [7].Likewise, shrimp farmers perceived climate change in various ways resulting in significant losses [8].An analysis of risk management practices in catfish farms in Vietnam identified flood and drought-related risks [9].
The combination of drought and low crop prices can have widespread and significant consequences [10].As water availability declines in earthen ponds, water quality often decreases as well, making it a significant climatic danger as the dry season draws to a close, particularly during droughts [11].Limited information on the likelihood and impacts of extreme weather events, seasonal patterns, and climate change often constrains farmers' decision-making regarding crop management [12] [13].In other circumstances, climaterelated hazards may be viewed as minimal in relation to other pressing issues, making them acceptable or needing no further action [14].It is important to understand how fish farmers assess and describe existing and potential dangers, as this will have a significant impact on the measures they are taking to mitigate these risks [15] [16].Few studies have examined climate-related risk management and decisions in aquaculture and received far less attention than financial and market-related risks.In addition, certain studies lack empirical data on the risk management techniques that farmers should implement to mitigate the risks associated with their aquaculture production [15].Longer-term risk management must also account for considerable uncertainties, such as the possibility of large-scale catastrophes occurring or the effects of such an event occurring [17].Furthermore, while knowing how to better manage risks in the current climate might be advantageous for adapting to a changing climate, it may not be adequate [18].The consequences of climate change on fisheries could have a drastic economic impact on the Philippines because of its great vulnerability [19].
This study defines the risk associated with climate change as the likelihood and degree of extreme weather events such as heavy rain, and other climatic conditions which are major drivers for this phenomenon, such as flooding and droughts or how fish farmers manage them.It looked into the management of climate-related risks in pond-based tilapia culture in Agusan del Sur, Philippines.This determined how fish farmers manage climaterelated risk and adapt to its detrimental impacts on their farms.The findings of this study aid in the development of adaptation strategies for individual farmers to ensure the long-term viability of aquaculture.This also provides benchmark information to the government in creating policies related to inland aquaculture management.

Study sites
This study was conducted in Agusan del Sur; where pond-based tilapia culture is common; Four municipalities were selected namely: Prosperidad in the central part of the province, Veruela in the northeast, Bunawan in the southeast, and Sibagat in the northwest.The province has a Type II climate with the highest rainfall from December to January but no dry month, providing insight into the potential repercussions of future climatic alterations in the pond-based tilapia culture.

Research design
Purposive sampling, a non-probability sampling technique, was used to intentionally select participants who provided valuable insights into climate-related risk management in tilapia pond culture [20].Participants were chosen based on their experience and knowledge of tilapia pond culture in the area and their ability to address the objectives of the study.
Participant selection for this study followed a series of steps.Initially, a list of potential participants was generated from existing records maintained by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).Subsequently, specific criteria were formulated to guide the selection process, encompassing aspects like gender, age, educational attainment, registration of fish farms, minimum one-year operational experience, and current operational status.The initial list was then screened against these criteria to identify participants who possessed the desired attributes and could offer valuable insights into climate-related risk management.Those who fulfilled the criteria were invited to take part in the study, provided with a questionnaire, and assisted in its completion.The determination of the final sample size took into account practical factors, including participant availability and the desired level of data saturation, aiming to ensure a comprehensive understanding of climate-related risk management practices within the context of tilapia pond culture.

Ethical considerations
The study adhered to ethical guidelines and principles.Participants' privacy and confidentiality were maintained by ensuring that their responses are anonymized and securely stored.Prior to their involvement in the study, all participants provided their informed consent.The aim of the study, the participants' rights, and the flexibility of withdrawal from the study were all explained to the participants.

Limitations
It is critical to recognize limitations, such as the use of purposeful sampling, which may restrict the findings' generalizability to other populations.The focus of the study in Agusan del Sur may restrict the transferability of the results to different geographic regions.Additionally, the use of a prepared questionnaire may limit the depth of qualitative insights that could be obtained through open-ended interviews.However, the study aimed to gather valuable quantitative data on climate-related risk management practices in tilapia pond culture.

Data analysis
The data collected from the questionnaires were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the socio-demographic profile of fish farm owners and operators.The impact of seasonal weather and climatic factors, as well as the coping strategies employed by fish farmers, were analyzed using correlation analysis.Chi-square was employed using the formula of Pearson (1904) below: where, 3 Results and discussion

Socio-demographic profile of fish farm operators
There were 30 respondents of fish farmers culturing tilapia in ponds that were purposively sampled in selected municipalities of Agusan del Sur namely: Prosperidad, Veruela Bunawan, and Sibagat.More than half of the fish farmers were male (73%) and the Percentage remaining 27% were female (Figure 2).Farmers became involved in fish farming because they wanted to make a living, generate income, and increase the social status of their households.The average age of the respondents was 50.97 years old.The youngest respondent was 30 years old, while the oldest was 81 years old (Figure 3).Twenty-eight (28) of them were married, one was single, and one was widowed.In terms of educational attainment, 37% received a primary level of education, 57% obtained a secondary level of education, and 6% finished a tertiary level of education (Figure 4).Agriculture is their main occupation, while fish farming is their extra source of living.Aside from culturing fish, they also raised other livestock.The majority of the respondents (63.3%) have been operating fish farms for 1-5 years.20% of them have been operating for 5-10 years; 6.6% have been operating for 10-15 years; and 3.3% have been engaging in fish culture in ponds for 15-20 years.The remaining 6.6% of the respondents have been operating for 20-25 years (Figure 5).

Impact of the seasonal weather and climatic factors in pond-based tilapia culture
The majority of fish farmers (56.6%) stated that the most common climatic variable they encountered during floods was fish escape; 26.6% mentioned fish death and slow growth; and 10% mentioned disease outbreaks (Figure 6).During the drought season, 20% of them experienced slow growth.Fish farmers have reported issues in ponds as a result of the extremely high temperatures, including fish death (10%) and disease outbreaks (10%).In cold weather, 16.6% of the fish farmers reported slow growth of fish, 10% fish death, 6.6% suffered disease outbreaks and 6.6% of them do not have enough time to look after fish.46.6% of fish farmers reported slow growth in their ponds during hot weather, 43.3% fish deaths, 16.6% disease outbreak, and 3.3% of fish pond owners' lack of time to look after fish.Based on the results, farmers have witnessed common changes in weather events such as increased drought and flood incidence, extreme temperatures, as well as late and early rains.The variability in climate has a significant impact on fish pond culture, and this impact is related to factors such as-flood (high flows), drought (low flows), hot weather, and cold weather.These factors can cause various problems, including fish escape, slow growth, and fish death.In the case of hot weather, it can lead to sudden temperature changes that may cause fish death.When the temperature rises above the optimal range, the growth rate of the fish slows down and eventually ceases.If the temperature continues to increase above this point, the fish may perish.
Climate variability's impact on fish farming is a serious concern for all farmers in the studied areas.The farmers identified slow growth as the most significant risk to profitability.They ranked the seasonal weather and climatic factors that affect pond-based and pond culture in order of importance.Floods were ranked as the highest, followed by hot weather, drought, and cold weather.The farmers paid particular attention to floods because they are most likely to cause fish escapes and fish deaths.Slow growth and fish deaths were commonly associated with changes in weather conditions.

Risk Management practices applied by the fish farmers in coping with climate-related risk
Most of the farmers (80%) coped with floods by conducting surveillance.They constantly monitor their pond during heavy rainfall to prepare for necessary actions in case of flooding.The other management strategies include changes 47 in tillage practices (23.3%), delaying or postponing the stocking date (16.7%), adjusting the time for operations (10%), harvesting ahead of schedule (6.7%), practicing efficient water use (3.3%) and migration (3.3%).Farmers also include applying irrigation (6.7%) during floods (Figure 7).In drought, fish farmers (50%) cope with drought by constantly monitoring or surveillance in order to take necessary actions.They also use efficient water (10%), prepare water pumps (6.7%), and use irrigation (20%) to keep the pond at the required level of water and temperature.Farmers harvested their fish ahead of schedule (6.7%) to reduce mortality while some adjusted tillage operations (3.3%) and even stopped rearing (3.3%) due to the weather conditions (Figure 7).In coping with drought, monitoring or surveillance was also the top practice applied.

Fig. 7. Risk management practices of floods and drought
In cold weather, the majority of fish farmers (93.3%) closely monitor their ponds.To maintain the proper balance of water temperature in fish ponds, some farmers also employed irrigation (20%) and efficient water (10%).Most farmers observed that fish eat less in extreme conditions, so they always reduced their feeding, resulting in slow growth.90% of fish farmers also kept a tight eye on their fish during hot weather.To keep the water in fish ponds at the right temperature, some farmers employed efficient water (10%), water pumps (6.7%), and irrigation (20%).Some people also harvested their fish earlier than expected and put off or delayed the date of stocking (6.6%).For the past two to three years, the majority of fish farmers have noticed a significant change in the climate.Climate change causes weather variations, such as temperature swings, erratic rainfall, and storms.These modifications impact aquaculture water quality and result in slower development, increased fish mortality, disease outbreaks, and decreased productivity.Meteorological fluctuations, such as temperature and rainfall patterns, have a greater impact on water quality.Fish farmers ought to be more concerned about climate change as a result [3].
Based on the results of the interview, the majority of the fish farmers frequently witnessed flooding in their region.Due to their distance from water areas or their placement-whether their ponds were put at higher parts of the land that cannot be reached by floods-some ponds were impacted while others were not.From October to December, when there was a high rate of heavy rainfall, fish farmers typically received a high flow of water to their ponds from their local water sources.Additionally, their area experienced flooding at the time.These flooding led to fish escape, fish death, dike damage, disease outbreak and slow growth of fish in the pond.Similar to the study of [3], flooding also caused fish deaths, fish diseases, and fish escapes.In line with this, fish farmers constantly monitored ponds pond and the fish, altered their tillage practices, delayed or postponed the stocking date, and even stopped rearing in order to minimize flood losses.Fish will expend a lot of energy swimming against the turbulent flow, which will exhaust them, and high flow and flooding can destroy dikes.
According to the fish farmers, concerning the drought, they rarely witnessed it in their area and experienced it in their ponds.However, there were times when their ponds were naturally dry.To deal with this scenario, the majority of fish farmers frequently surveyed their ponds to keep them from drying out.They used irrigation from the river to supply water to their ponds, and they also prepared a water pump.Some farmers stated that their harvest schedule was impacted because they harvested ahead of schedule, especially when they noticed extreme high temperatures, which may have caused the ponds to dry out.Due to this severe temperature, 3.3% of fish farmers even cease growing their fish.Due to the lack of rain throughout the summer or hot weather in the months of March to May, they had low irrigation flow to their ponds.Slow growth was the most prevalent sort of impact to their fish, followed by disease outbreak and fish mortality.It closely resembles the study conducted by [18], which found that the fish death was the most frequent impact during droughts or low flows, but disease and delayed growth were also significant effects.Indepth discussions with farmers emphasize the significance of lower dissolved oxygen concentrations and poorer water quality during slow flow times.High risk circumstances are particularly present when low flows and high temperatures coincide late in the dry season, shortly before the changeover to the rainy season.
Table 1 shows that climate-related risk has a significant relation to the risk management applied by fish farmers, as its' computed χ 2 value (59.55) is higher than the χ 2 critical value of 0.05 in Percentage points of Chi-square Distribution which is (43.77), while there is no significant relationship between the age, gender, educational attainment and the fish farmer's years of farm operation to risk management practices applied because its computed χ 2 value (36.43, 6.25, 4.96, and 10.84) is less than the χ 2 critical value (67.50, 18.31, 31.41, and 55.76), respectively.Farmer perceptions and instrumental observations of climate change frequently generally agree, though not always in all details, emphasizing the need of examining both and underlining risk management and climate change perceptions.Differences in perceptions of climate-related risks as well as comprehension of climate variability and change are correlated with these qualities [18].Farmers control those risks that they perceive to be manageable using a mix of changes to rearing procedures, cropping cycles, and financial and social measures.Since a lot of risks are season, river, and locationspecific, the risk profiles of different farms may differ dramatically.Individual risks are usually addressed using a variety of techniques and tactics; on the other hand, a particular management technique may have an effect on a number of risks.Farmers understand the value of risk management on their farms as well as at larger geographic and administrative scales.Information and social ties are essential for managing these complex risk combinations [21].As a result, proper risk management is essential.It is frequently necessary to be able to analyze various hazards and to have management procedures that can deal with risks that should and can be managed concurrently [21].This demonstrates a significant relationship between climate-related risk and risk management strategies used by fish farmers.[22] stated that when compared to less experienced farmers, they regarded the efficacy of education much less important.There were no changes in farmers' judgments of risk management techniques based on their age or education level.In spite of differences in farm size, age, education level, agricultural experience, and gender, farmers across the board did not view insurance and diversification as useful risk management measures.[18] The study also stated that there were no other significant relationships with gender, age, or education to climate risk management.Furthermore, [23] mentioned that study, gender, educational background, and political preferences all have a role in shaping people's perspectives.However, a crucial 53 component in comprehending people's perceptions of climate change and its possible effects is a direct personal experience with the harm brought on by climate-related calamities like flooding or landslides.

Conclusion
This study sheds light on the climate-related risk management practices of pond-based tilapia farmers in Agusan del Sur, Philippines.The emphasis on monitoring and surveillance as a primary strategy highlights its pivotal role in addressing climate risks.The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to tackle specific challenges, promoting more resilient agricultural practices in the face of a changing climate.

Fig. 1 .
Fig. 1.Location of the selected municipalities as the study area

Fig. 6 .
Fig. 6.Percentage of the damages/losses in fish farms during floods, drought, cold weather, and hot weather.

Table 1 .
Chi-square Test of Independence of Risk Management Practices vs. Gender, age, educational attainment and fish farmer's years of farm operation