From Vulnerability to Resilience: Evaluating Innovative and Climate-Resilient Strategies for Transforming Free-Range Chicken Family Enterprise in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Abstract

Climate change poses severe threats to smallholder agricultural livelihoods in the Philippines, with the Ilocos Region among the most vulnerable to typhoons, droughts, and erratic rainfall patterns. Free-range chicken farming is a cornerstone of rural economies in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur supporting farmers and households as a source of food security, income, and cultural heritage but remains highly exposed to climate-related risks, production inefficiencies, and market volatility. This mixed-methods study evaluates the establishment of poultry based management enterprise and potential of innovative climate- resilient strategies to transform these family enterprises, addressing critical gaps in localized research and actionable interventions. Data was collected from 80 free-range chicken farming households, 12 key informants including agricultural extension workers, local government officials, and sector experts, and 4 focus group discussions (FGDs) with farmer associations. Vulnerability assessments were conducted using an adapted framework integrating biophysical, socioeconomic, and institutional indicators. Evaluations focused on priority interventions which are the improved free-range chicken breeds, agroecological practices such as rice hull bedding, integrated pest management, and forage diversification, climate-smart infrastructure such as low-cost housing with solar-powered lights, community-based governance models for farmer cooperatives and collective market linkages, gender roles and equity considerations. Key findings reveal that while baseline vulnerability is high with 78.4% of households reporting annual losses from climate impacts and 62% struggling with low productivity context-specific adoption of innovative strategies yielded significant improvements on Rhode Island Reds and Dekalb Brown strains integration increased egg production by 38% and bird survival rates by 29%; rice hull use reduced mortality from moisture-related diseases by 22% and enhanced soil fertility for forage crops; low-cost housing with solar-powered lights cut energy costs by 45% and maintained optimal conditions during extreme weather; and cooperative models improved market access by 50% and enabled bulk purchasing of inputs. The study concludes that transforming free-range chicken enterprises requires a synergistic approach combining technology transfer, capacity building, policy support, and community ownership. Recommendations include scaling breed improvement programs, subsidizing climate-smart infrastructure, strengthening local extension systems, and establishing market linkages through farmer-led institutions. This research contributes to evidence-based climate adaptation in Philippine agriculture and provides a replicable model for smallholder livestock systems in similar tropical contexts.