Vulnerability of rice and corn to climate change in the Philippines

The potential impact of climate change on rice and corn crops in the Philippines was assessed using preliminary results from four general circulation models and the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer. The results showed both increases and decreases in the yield of two rice varieties. The results for corn showed a consistent decrease in yield. The decrease in crop yield may be due to a shorter maturity period and an increase in potential evapotranspiration as a result of increased daytime and nighttime temperatures, which are critical to dry matter production. Rainfall in tropical areas such as the Philippines is generally high, and so a decrease in rainfall of only 10% may not affect the water supply significantly, but an increase of the same magnitude may affect crop production tremendously because of frequent occurrences of floods. One potential negative impact not included in this analysis is the effects of strong winds due to typhoons.