The Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA) Project, led by the Department of Agriculture, is a national effort designed to make farming communities more resilient against the growing threats of climate change. By blending modern techniques with Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), the project empowers those who are most vulnerable — including women and Indigenous Peoples — to lead the shift toward a climate-resilient future.
What Is the APA Project?
The APA Project is a climate-resilience initiative funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with a total budget of USD 39.2 million (USD 26.3M in grants, USD 12.9M in co-financing). It aims to support 1.25 million farmers and agricultural workers across climate-vulnerable regions in the Philippines.
The project promotes:
- Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) through tools, training, and technologies.
- Localized climate information services for informed farm decisions.
- Support for rural enterprises, particularly those led by women and Indigenous Peoples.
Indigenous Communities: Frontliners in Climate Adaptation
For generations, Indigenous Peoples have worked in harmony with nature, relying on time-tested practices to manage crops, conserve water, and predict weather patterns. As climate change intensifies, their knowledge is proving not only relevant—but essential.
Through the APA Project, Indigenous communities:
- Share their traditional practices, such as seed-saving techniques, forest gardening, and water harvesting.
- Co-design training programs that incorporate cultural values and ecological understanding.
- Lead CRA initiatives that bridge ancestral wisdom with modern farming tools.
This fusion of Indigenous wisdom with science-based approaches enables more holistic, sustainable responses to climate threats.
How the APA Project Supports Indigenous Farmers
Here are the ways the APA Project specifically uplifts Indigenous communities in agriculture:
- Capacity Building with Cultural Sensitivity
Indigenous farmers receive climate training tailored to their needs and language, often in partnership with the NCIP and local DA offices. - Enterprise Development
Climate-resilient farm businesses led by Indigenous women and youth are given access to:- Grants or co-financing for startup inputs
- Market matching services
- Long-term enterprise support
- Climate Information Services
Communities are given localized weather alerts, seasonal forecasts, and farm planning tools — some of which are co-developed with IP elders and farmer-scientists. - Policy Participation and Land Rights
By involving IP organizations in program planning, the APA Project strengthens Indigenous self-determination and ensures that adaptation efforts align with ancestral domain policies.
Why IP-Led Climate Adaptation Matters
When climate change disrupts the growing cycle or intensifies typhoons and droughts, it’s often the upland and remote Indigenous communities who feel it first — and hardest.
However, their deep understanding of biodiversity, crop resilience, and land stewardship positions them as key players in building a future-ready agriculture sector. With proper support, IPs aren’t just victims of climate change — they are protectors of agroecological wisdom and resilience.
Recent Updates
Building Resilience in Indigenous Farming Communities
The Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA) Project is shaping a future where indigenous farmers thrive despite shifting climates.
By working with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and DOST-PAGASA, the project opens opportunities for rural men and women to strengthen their agricultural practices.
It focuses on Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) through training and support, ensuring indigenous communities have the tools to adapt and succeed.
A new partnership between the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Department of Agriculture will reinforce this effort, securing a better path for farming communities. (NCIP)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the APA Project do for IP communities?
It funds training, tools, and enterprises that blend traditional knowledge with climate-smart farming. IP leaders are directly involved in shaping these initiatives.
Who funds the APA Project?
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) provides USD 26.3 million in grants, with additional support from government and international partners.
Are IPs consulted in project decisions?
Yes. The project works closely with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to ensure cultural and land rights are respected.
Can IP women lead projects under APA?
Absolutely. The APA Project actively supports women-led CRA enterprises, especially in rural and Indigenous communities.
How can I learn more or apply for support?
You can contact your local Department of Agriculture office or check for updates through the NCIP and FAO channels.
Video: Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA) Project
Discover how the Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA) Project is transforming the country’s agricultural system to become more climate-resilient! 🌱 Funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with a USD 26.3 million grant, this initiative builds on the Department of Agriculture’s Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) to support Filipino farmers facing climate challenges.
Led by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and PAGASA, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the project aims to enhance the resilience of rural men and women who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Through training, technical assistance, climate-smart technologies, and financial access, the APA Project will empower over 1.25 million agricultural workers across vulnerable regions.
This presentation was shared by Assistant Secretary for Operations Arnel De Mesa during the National Farmers’ and Fisherfolk’s Month (NFFM) celebration. Learn more by watching the full video.
Conclusion
The APA Project isn’t just about modernizing agriculture. It’s about honoring the land — and those who have long protected it. By supporting Indigenous Peoples at the frontline of climate adaptation, the project creates a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for Philippine agriculture.