Behavioural models that allow simple representation of the complexity of human–environment links
are important in vulnerability assessment because they allow the analysis of human adaptive processes
in a changing environment. This paper applies an agent-based framework that considers the
behavioural model of farmers in three villages in a municipality in the Philippines. Agent-based
modelling is a useful policy tool for simulating the effects of different adaptation options on reducing
vulnerability because it allows representation of not only the dynamic changes in climate and market
but also the dynamic adaptive process of different groups of communities to the impacts of these
changes. Model simulations of adaptation options under various global change scenarios showed that
production support would significantly reduce future vulnerability only if complemented with
appropriate market support. It is thus important for policy to provide a complementary bundle of
adaptation measures. Lack of money and information are the most important reasons for not applying
available technical adaptation measures, which currently hinder reduction of vulnerability in selected
villages in the municipality. Social networks, which play an important role in adapting to environmental
changes, are limited to relatives and neighbours, who are important sources of informal credit.