Participatory GIS in identifying appropriate sites for preferred high value agroforestry crops in Cambantoc watershed, Makiling Forest Reserve, Philippines

The study was conducted to develop methodology in using Participatory Geographic Information System (PGIS)in selecting sites for High Value Agroforestry Crop (HVAC) preferred by on-site stakeholders in the Cambantoc watershed at Makiling Forest Reserve. Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was conducted to identify the most preferred HVAC as well as determined the method in selecting sites using indigenous knowledge. Sketch mapping was conducted to locate planting sites for the preferred HVAC. Every farm lot was GPS surveyed prior to GIS processing. Various thematic maps were created according to the site requirements of the HVAC. Elevation range and soil texture requirements were used in this study just to demonstrate the use of PGIS in determining the appropriate sites. The level of participation of on-site stakeholders was also measured to determine if PGIS could enhance their level of participation. The study revealed that Lanzones is the HVAC most preferred by on-site stakeholders. Moreover, site selection using the on-site stakeholders' indigenous knowledge is limited to the location of their respective farm lots and planting is done randomly. GIS analysis indicate that all farm lots in this study are of silt-clay-loam type in soil texture while elevation ranges from 240 to 440 masl. Hence, the on-site stakeholders' decision is confined to elevation ranges. This study indicates the usefulness of GIS technology as a new tool for providing watershed dwellers with increased information for decision-making thereby enabling their participation and empowerment. Accuracy and quality of GIS output are all secondary to the need for participatory approach. PGIS is a decision support tool for on-site stakeholders, providing information they can used in management decision-making. Although the software is not readily accessible to the target on-site stakeholders, it can be argued that decision making process can be brought back to them. This is a central issue in making a GIS genuinely people oriented. PGIS can be initiated by on-site stakeholders or by the need of outsider to help them to alleviate their present economic condition. Either way,its end-result should be a means to serve the needs of on-site stakeholders.