On-farm conservation practices of the Tiwali indigenous people in Kiangan, Ifugao [Philippines]
2009
Naredo, M.E., International Rice Research Inst., Los Baños, Laguna (Philippines) TTChang Genetic Resources Center | Castillo, L. | Zulaehah, I. | Canicosa, E., Philippines Univ. Los Baños, College, Laguna (Philippines). Graduate School | Borromeo, T.H. | Altoveros, N.C., Philippines Univ. Los Baños, College, Laguna (Philippines) Crop Science Cluster | Dayo, H., Philippines Univ. Los Baños, College, Laguna (Philippines). Agricultural Systems Cluster
Ifugao farmers for generations have been preserving crop diversity by blending cultural traditions and beliefs into a farming system which is based mainly on the world-famous Ifugao rice terraces. More than its aesthetic value, the Ifugao rice terraces is also a 'very functional agricultural and ecological masterpiece' which have been producing rice for centuries, indicating the maintenance of the ecosystem and containment of soil erosion. It will be interesting to focus on how the indigenous people make use of these resources to conserve traditional varieties of rice. A study was conducted to determine the conservation practices of The Tiwali indigenous people in Kiangan, Ifugao. Based on interviews and focused group discussion, the patterns of farming systems, crops planted, cultural practices, and role of women were ascertained and correlated with their conservation methods. Results showed that, for family consumption, the farmers still prefer to plant the traditional varieties which they have been cultivating since time immemorial. They resort to 'lowland' or modern varieties only for economic gains. They practice a community-based farming, where able members of each household help each other to maintain the fields from field preparation to harvesting. They routinely exchange seeds when one variety is learned to perform well or when a farmer loses a particular variety. This system maintains the diversity of rice and other crop species, providing significant insights on the importance of on-farm conservation, in this case, being successfully practiced by the Tiwali people.
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