BAMBOO PLANTING ALONG THE RIVERBANK AS AN ECOSYSTEM-BASED

ADAPTATION STRATEGY IN BARANGAY DIMAYON POONA BAYABO

A Research Proposal Presented to the

Faculty of Management and Development Study

University of the Philippines-Open University

In Partial Fulfilment

Of the Requirements for the Course

P299-Research Method in Planning

2nd Semester AY 2022-2023

H. ISMAEL, ABDUL RAHIM P.

MAY 2023
INTRODUCTION

Climate change being of the most challenging problem that we are facing now a days cannot

be neglected. Land degradation happens in every country as a result of biodiversity loss, soil

erosion and depletion, soil pollution and water scarcity [5]. Erosion problems on river banks

due to water flow causes loss of yields and land assets. Erosion, which is a natural condition

due to river dynamics, can be reduced through conservation. Several studies have shown that

vegetation on the banks of the river becomes a protector of river banks with their root ability

to created solidity in the material of land [1]. In response to climate challenges, the government

of the Philippines has developed the Climate Change Act of 2009 also known as R.A 9279

which aims to integrate disaster risk reduction measures into climate change adaptation plans,

development and poverty reduction programs.

Stream bank erosion is a natural process that over time has resulted in the formation of

the productive floodplains and alluvial terraces common to the middle and lower reaches of

many of Australia’s river systems [3]. Riverbank erosion generally fall in two main groups; (1)

Bank group which a direct removal of bank materials by the physical action of flowing water

and is often dominant in smaller streams and the upper reaches of larger streams and rivers; (2)

Mass Failure, which includes bank collapse and slumping, is where large chunks of bank

material become unstable and topple into the stream or river in single events. Mass failure is

often dominant in the lower reaches of large streams and often occurs in association with

scouring of the lower banks [3].

Ecosystem-based adaptation is a strategy for adapting to climate change that harnesses

nature-based solutions and ecosystem services (UNEP, 2023). Ecosystem-Based Adaptation as

a natural resolution to climate change has been recognized and also have numerous benefits

beyond the adaptation. Ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) encompasses a broad set of

approaches to adapt to climate change. They all involve the management of ecosystems and

their services to reduce the vulnerability of human communities to the impacts of climate

change. Ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) is the use of biodiversity and ecosystem services

as part of an overall adaptation strategy to help people adapt to the adverse effects of climate

change (Secretary of Convention on Biological Diversity, 2009). It aims to help people recover

quickly from climate change related disasters and allows them to withstand these impacts by

reducing their vulnerability, through the sustainable use of the natural resources and restoring

or improving the biodiversity and ecosystem services provided (Dourojeanni, et al., 2015).

One means of addressing bank erosion is through the use of soil bioengineering. Soil

bioengineering is the use of live and dead plant materials, in combination with natural and

synthetic support materials, for slope stabilization, erosion reduction, and vegetative

establishment. Bamboo is good in soil erosion control because of its rhizomes and root

formation. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant and its wide network of roots and rhizomes is highly

effective in keeping a check on soil erosion by holding/binding the soil firmly, thereby

preventing soil loss from ravines. There are numerous studies using bamboo as bio-engineering

strategies in strengthening the river bank to lessen erosion along the river. Bamboo being used

as construction materials in different bio-engineering techniques in many countries. In addition,

based on the recorded experiences in using bamboo in soil and water bioengineering works,

along with the existing standards and design guidelines, making bamboo species an essential

and cost-effective material for erosion control and slope stabilization works [2].

The use of bamboo to make retaining structures for soil mass or for stream bank erosion

control has been practiced in traditional way in various places around the world for long time.

Live bamboo stakes, wattle fence, hedge brush layering techniques and bamboo crib walls are

most commonly used bioengineering techniques. Several handbooks describe these techniques

and can be used as references [4].

 The primary objective of this research is to assess the feasibility of bamboo planting

along riverbanks as an EBA strategy in the study areas. Specifically, the research aims to;

1. Assess the level of knowledge of the community about Bamboo planting as EBA

strategy to prevent riverbank erosion;

2. Determine the effectiveness of bamboo planting in stabilizing riverbanks and reducing

erosion;

3. Identify the constraints and opportunities for the adoption of bamboo planting as an

EBA strategy in the study areas and other possible solution.

4. Propose ecosystem-based adaptation strategies for riverbank soil stabilization through

bamboo planting.
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Poona Bayabao, formerly known as Gata, is a landlocked municipality in the coastal

province of Lanao del Sur. The municipality of Poona Bayabao was created by virtue of

Executive Order No. 21 dated June 25, 1963 issued by then President Diosdado Macapagal. It

is now composed of 25 Barangays and has a total population of 31,141 as of census year 2020.

Geographically, the municipality of Poona Bayabao is bounded on the North by the

municipality of Tamparan, on the east by the municipality of Lumba Bayabao, on the south by

Municipality of Masiu and on the west by Lake Lanao. Poona Bayabao is approximately 31

kilometers away from Marawi City.

The main source of livelihood in the municipality is farming with rice and corn as the

main produce. Other agricultural products include high value commercial crops and vegetables.

Fishing is also an important means of subsistence to the local residents particularly those living

along the coastal areas of Lake Lanao.

The study will be conducted in Brgy. Dimayon with a total population of 1,212 based

on 2020 PSA census which represent 3.89% of the total population of Poona Bayabao.

Barangay Dimayon is one of the prone areas to riverbank erosion, which affects the local

communities’ lives, homes and livelihoods, and have caused significant economic and social

impacts.

The research will use a mixed-methods approach, consisting of both quantitative and

qualitative data collection and analysis. The research will involve two phases: a survey and on-

site situation analysis survey.

A survey questionnaire will be distributed and conducted to the affected barangay and

constituents to assess their familiarity on the erosion along the river and the EBA strategy to
address the environmental issue. The survey will target a maximum of 150 respondent. The

survey will collect data on the following variables:

1. Demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the respondents;

2. Awareness on Riverbank Erosion;

3. Awareness and knowledge of EBA strategies;

4. Perception of using bamboo planting in stabilizing riverbanks and reducing

erosion;

5. Concerns/Problems to planting bamboo along the riverbank;

6. Other possible solution for riverbank erosion;

7. Environmental Problem they have experienced or known.

The survey will use a stratified random sampling methodology to ensure that the sample

is representative of the target population.

The data collected from the survey will be analyzed using a combination of descriptive

and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency distribution and percentage

analysis, will be used to summarize the data collected from the survey. Inferential statistics

using the regression analysis, will be used to test the hypotheses.

In addition, situation analysis will be conducted to the study site to have an in-depth

understanding what the current situation of the riverbank and some of the possible root cause

of the riverbank erosion along the river.

EXPECTED OUTPUTS

The expected output of this study, Feasibility study on the effectiveness of bamboo planting

along riverbanks as an ecosystem-based adaptation (EBA) strategy in Barangay Dimayon.

Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Constituents of Barangay Dimayon will have a knowledge on the Riverbank Erosion

along their river and Ecosystem-Based Adaptation using bamboo planting;

2. Identify the key factors that affect the success of bamboo planting as an EBA strategy

in the study site, including environmental, socio-economic, and institutional factors.

3. Assess the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of bamboo planting as an EBA strategy

in the study site, taking into account the financial and technical resources required for

implementation and maintenance.

4. Provide recommendations and guidelines for the design and implementation of bamboo

planting projects as EBA strategies.

Overall, the objective outputs of this study will provide evidence-based analysis of the

effectiveness of bamboo planting as an EBA strategy. The objective outputs will also be useful

for local government units, non-government organizations, and other stakeholders involved in

riverbank management and ecosystem-based adaptation, and provide insights and guidance for

future research and practice.

REFERENCES

[1] Four-M Model for Bamboo Conservation in Riverbanks Management (Case Study in
Communities of Soppeng Regency South Sulawesi Indonesia)”, Accessed on: Feb. 18, 2023.
[Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201027.008
[2] The Use of Bamboo for Erosion Control and Slope Stabilization: Soil Bioengineering
Works Accessed on: Feb. 18, 2023. [Online]. Available:
https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.75626
[3] “What causes river bank erosion” Accessed on: Feb 18, 2023. [Online].
https:a//www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0030/67089/what-causes-bank-erosion.pdf
[4] Comprehensive Development Plan 2022-2028 of Poona Bayabao. Accessed on: Feb 18,
2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.philatlas.com/mindanao/barmm/lanao-del-sur/poona-
bayabao.html
[5] Sthapit KM, Tennyson LC. Bio-engineering Erosion Control in Nepal. Rome, Italy: Food
and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; 2014. Available from: http://www.
fao.org/docrep/u1510e/u1510e04.htm
[6] Ecosystem-Based Adaptation, Selected Case Studies from Africa. Accessed on: Feb 18,
2023. [Online]. Available:
https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/28524/EbaAfrica.pdf?sequence=1&is
Allowed=y
[7] Republic Act No. 9729. Accessed on: Feb 18, 2023. [Online]. Available:
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2009/10/23/republic-act-no-9729/