Sustainable Livelihoods and Coastal Resilience: Lessons from Fisherfolk Communities in Dumaran and Araceli

Alternative livelihood programs have been promoted to reduce fishing pressure and improve coastal community resilience. In Palawan, Philippines, fisherfolk from Dumaran and Araceli participated in training programs supported by WPU-ATBI and PBCAI, covering aquaculture, processing, and enterprise management. This study assessed training outcomes using a survey adapted from USAID and analyzed responses with descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that men and lower-income households (≤ ₱10,000) perceived training as more effective, while no significant differences were observed by household size, education, or policy participation. Women represented a majority (53.70%), reflecting their cultural assignment to post-harvest and marketing roles, as well as their growing participation in fisheries value chains. Program outcomes revealed mixed results: 63.89% of participants continued their projects, yet nearly half of initiatives faced discontinuation due to financial and management challenges. Aquaculture and processing were the most frequently adopted livelihoods, showing alignment with local skills and resources. Financial literacy and business management training helped some participants sustain enterprises, but limited time, market access, and contextual gaps constrained broader success. Income improvements were reported by 70.67% of households, though gains in housing and education were modest. The findings underscore that one-time training is insufficient; sustained support, access to finance, and stronger market linkages are crucial. Tailoring training to local contexts, fostering collective organization, and building long-term support systems can enhance the sustainability of alternative livelihoods. By addressing financial and operational barriers while leveraging women’s active roles, livelihood programs can strengthen both household resilience and resource sustainability in coastal communities.