Indigenous knowledge (IK's) and biodiversity conservation practices in the rice terraces of Abra [Philippines]
2009
Edwin, A.B. Jr., Abra State Inst. of Sciences and Technology, Lagangilang, Abra (Philippine)
The study documented indigenous knowledge and conservation practices in the rice terraces of Abra. It was conducted from 02 Dec. 2008-30 Apr. 2009 in 12 Abra municipalities where rice terraces were located and traditional varieties were planted. Respondents were the rice farmers growing traditional rice in the terraces. The study used the descriptive survey method of research, together with semi-structured interview and observation as instruments to collect data. Results showed that most of the traditional rice varieties cultivated by farmers had been used since time immemorial and passed on through generations. Moreover, farmers applied numerous indigenous knowledge and practices such as depositing pulled weeds in the bunds, sowing whole panicle in seedling production, 'alluyo' system, 'rakem' harvesting and flail threshing, utilization of farm wastes as organic fertilizer, and use of botanical pesticides. Farming practices, beliefs and attitudes were observed in conserving traditional rice varieties like observing dates for starting any field work, cooking native delicacies to offer in the farm area, harvesting beliefs and attitudes were observed in conserving traditional rice varieties like observing dates for starting any field work, cooking native delicacies to offer in the farm area, harvesting beliefs and 'ubaya'. Traditional rice varieties were conserved by fencing, crop rotation and continuous cropping, multiplying the number of species, storing the bundled sower seeds by hanging for the next planting season, applying botanical pesticides, and conserving the trees in the watershed for sustainable rice production. The declining number of farmers growing traditional rice was influenced by agronomic, socio-economic and cultural factors. There should be an effort to conserve traditional rice. Collaboration among concerned agencies to strengthen conservation measures for these rice varieties must be done.
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