Indigenous bamboo-based fallow farm management (IBFFM) in Sablan, Benguet, Cordillera Region [Philippines]
2003
Tangan, F. (Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera Administrative Region, Sablan, Benguet, Baguio City (Philippines))
IBFFM was documented in Sablan, Benguet from 1998 to 2001. It is an indigenous farmers approach which uses bamboo as the fallow species in selected areas in Sablan, Benguet. It has been practiced and developed through experiences amd learnings, adopted by farmers in line with their beliefs and within the existing environmental condition in the area. Findings showed that indigenous bamboo-based fallow practices were still practiced by the "Ibalois" and "Ilocanos" in some barangays [villages] in Sablan, Benguet. However, only a few farmers are still engaged in these practices. Bamboo-based fallow farms took 4-5 years before they can be opened again for cultivation. Slashing and burning were the major activities to clear a new "uma" or farm. Women and men have specific roles in managing and protecting both the agricultural and fallow farms. `Buho' (Schizostachyum lumampao) dominated farms, which were 3-4 years under fallow; while `rono' (Miscanthus chinensis) dominated 1-2 year-old fallow farms. Soil fertility and pH values increased as fallow farms mature. The farmers' belief for practicing bamboo-based fallow was centered on three major aspects: production, protection, and social considerations
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