Sustainability indicators of the Hanunuo Mangyan agroforestry systems, Sitio Dangkalan, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines

Results of the study showed that the Hanunuo Mangyans maintained three agroforestry systems, viz., Swidden/kaingin farming, multistory farming and home gardens. The most popular and elaborate was the swidden/kaingin farming which was being practiced by all the interviewees. Swidden/kaingin farms were generally cropped with rice (Oryza sativa) or rice + corn (Zea mays) and later on mixed with other crops like banana (Musa sapientum), ube (Dioscorea hispida), cassava (Manihot utilissima), and kadios (Cajanus cajan) which were randomly planted in the farm. They can thus be considered as multiple cropping system. The farmers adapted a 1 to 3 year fallow period depending on their need/use of the land and the availability of seed for planting. The basic food/needs of the Hanunuo Mangyan were produced in the kaingin farm. The multistory farm on the other hand was planted with either mango (Mangifera indica), coconut (Cocos nucifera), banana (Musa sapientum), pineapple (Ananas comosus), ipil-ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) and grasses. Aside from food production, the multistory farm was the farmer's source of cash specifically from mangoes and bananas. The farm was no longer subjected to kaingin farming once it was planted with mangoes, bananas and coconuts. The home garden was the least elaborate farming system. The cultural operations were done only during the extra time of the farmer. Results of the study further showed that the Hanunuo Mangyans' swidden-based agroforestry systems were not sustainable because they did not maintain high soil fertility, low erosion rate, and efficient soil and water conservation measures, and did not improve the farmers' technical knowledge. Futhermore, they cannot provide a year-round supply of balanced-diet food requirement of the people. Some aspects that can promote sustainability include maintenance of high species diversity, preserving the cultural values of the people, strengthening the social organization and maintaining equitable access to resources and sharing of benefits with each other