An Indigenous Approach to Sustainability: Diversity in the Ifugao Terrace Farming

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The terrace farmers in Ifugao continue to plant indigenous rice varieties with no visible widescale planting of newer high yielding varieties. More than 13 rice varieties are planted by some 49 farmer-respondents. At least 12 other plant species and 3 aquatic animals were also reported as food sources which are either naturally growing or being raised in the terraces aside from rice. These are generally for the viands of the family households.

The many rice varieties and the other food resources maintained in the terraces indicate consciousness among the farmers on the value of diversity. In fact, even the tools they used in rice farming are as varied as the varieties. More than 12 kinds of tools were revealed. The farmers have also many traditions in relation to rice farming although they are gradually disappearing.

The generally low yields of terrace rice is complimented with the various commodities found in the terraces and the general observation of zero chemical application, a significant cost factor associated with modern varieties. Yet, the findings indicated that the yield level of some indigenous varieties is not totally low.

This biodiversity feature makes the system highly productive and which are usually not accounted for in measuring terrace farming productivity. Indeed, the biodiversity of edible plants and aquatic animals aside from the rice varieties makes the terrace system of the Cordillera a complete food production system. Otherwise, the system should have not been sustained up to the present time.

Stream: Cultural Sustainability

Paper: A paper has not yet been submitted.

Graduated with the degrees of BS Agriculture (economics major), MS and Ph. D in horticulture at UP Los Baños, and presently a Professor at the Marinduque State College (MSC). Formerly, the Vice President for Research & Extension, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the School of Agriculture of MSC. He has been involved for several years in research and development, training and consulting services. He has conducted research not only in horticulture but on other areas of interest to him like indigenous knowledge, education, socio-economics, and freelance science writer. He belongs to the Philippine Science Journalists Association.