In the Philippines, where rice is a dietary staple and a critical part of the economy, agriculture is both a lifeline and a major contributor to climate change. Rice paddies and livestock are among the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the sector. 

However, innovative farming techniques like alternative wetting and drying (AWD) and smart agriculture technologies offer hope for transforming the sector into a climate ally. How are Filipino farmers adapting to these changes, and what hurdles remain in the pursuit of sustainable practices?

What you need to know

• The biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector in 2020 was methane (CH₄) from rice cultivation, which made up nearly half of all agricultural emissions. Irrigated rice fields emit more methane than rainfed rice fields.
• Other significant contributors to agricultural emissions included soil management practices (16.9%), which release nitrous oxide (N₂O) into the atmosphere. 
• Methane from gases produced by livestock digestion (15.4%) as well as manure management (13.2%) also contributed significantly to emissions from the agriculture sector. 
• If we continue business as usual, greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture are expected to increase by 42.5% by 2050 compared to 2010 levels. 
• By 2050, around 28.3% of these emissions will come from rice cultivation, and 24.4% will come from nitrous oxide, mainly due to the use of synthetic fertilizers. Livestock emissions are expected to increase to 36.6% in 2050. 
• The Philippines can lower emissions from the agriculture sector by using alternative wetting and drying methods (AWD), reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers, promoting organic farming, and improving feeding practices of cattle and carabaos.
• AWD is a method used in lowland rice farming to save water and cut greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers alternate between drying and re-flooding their fields, which can reduce water use by 30% and lower irrigation costs without affecting rice yields.
• Economic incentives for farmers, government support and regulations, and the quality of irrigation systems affect how widely AWD can be adopted.
• Smart agriculture, through the use of information and communication technologies, can enhance local rice production and reduce nitrous oxide emissions. These include an information portal for rice production as well as mobile applications for farm management, weed identification and control, and fertilizer recommendation.
• These proposed measures are expected to cut emissions from the agriculture sector by 211 millions of tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

FAQs

What is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the agriculture sector?

The largest source of emissions in 2020 was methane from rice cultivation, contributing nearly half, or 49.9%, of all emissions in the agriculture sector.

Why do irrigated rice fields produce more methane than rainfed fields?

Flooded fields create low-oxygen conditions that boost methane production. In contrast, rainfed fields, which are not constantly flooded, produce less methane.

What are the other major sources of agricultural emissions?

In addition to rice cultivation, major contributors include soil management (16.9%), livestock digestion (15.4%), and manure management (13.2%).

How will agricultural emissions change if no action is taken?

If current practices continue, agricultural greenhouse gas emissions are expected to rise by 42.5% by 2050 compared to 2010 levels.

How can the Philippines reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture? 

The country can lower its greenhouse gas emissions by implementing alternative wetting and drying, reducing synthetic fertilizer use, and improving livestock feed and breeding.

Use this line

• Methane emissions from rice cultivation were the leading contributor to agricultural greenhouse gases in 2020, accounting for nearly half of the sector’s total.
• Livestock also contributed significantly to emissions through both digestion and manure management. Additionally, soil management practices, such as the use of synthetic fertilizer, release nitrous oxide gas.

Angles you can explore

Shift from traditional to sustainable farming practices

• Tell stories of farmers who have transitioned from conventional to sustainable farming practices. Highlight the challenges they faced, the support they received, and the impact of their decision on their livelihood and the environment.
• Showcase community-driven initiatives to reduce emissions, such as cooperative farming and local adaptation of global practices.

Climate-smart agriculture

• Feature alternative wetting and drying as a case study for sustainable rice farming, including its benefits, implementation challenges, and success stories from farmers who have adopted it
• Explore how mobile applications and other tech tools are being used to improve farm management, reduce emissions, and enhance productivity in rural areas
• Analyze whether climate-smart agriculture pays off for farmers, consumers, and the planet
• Explore the interplay between indigenous farming methods and innovations like precision agriculture and ICT tools

Investigations

• Investigate the role of synthetic fertilizers in enhancing agricultural productivity while contributing to climate change, and examine the potential of organic farming
• Delve into the climate impact of livestock production, particularly methane emissions from cattle. Examine the potential of alternative protein sources to reduce the carbon footprint of food consumption.
• Explore the challenges and opportunities of reducing methane emissions from rice cultivation in the Philippines, a rice-dependent nation

For detailed insights, explore the 2024 Philippine Climate Change Assessment, Working Group 2: Impacts, Vulnerabilities, and Adaptation, available here.