Baseline data generation of agroforestry systems in Abra [Philippines]

The study identified, described and evaluated the agro-forestry systems practiced in the province of Abra. Data gathering was done through personal interviews using a prepared interview schedule. Inputs provided by the key informants were supplemented by field visits and personal observations. Different farming systems and activities were documented through pictures and these were the basis of validating and evaluating the information gathered. The snowball sampling technique of data gathering was employed. Four distinct agro-forestry farming systems were practiced in the province: a) multi-storey, b) hedgerow cropping, c) live fence/boundary planting, and d) contour terracing systems. Two variants of the multi-storey system emerged: a) indigenous system wherein no orderly pattern of crop arrangement is practiced and this has evolved as a result of the long experience of the farming communities, and b) introduced systems which follows an orderly pattern of crop arrangement and has evolved as a result of research/experiment and can be adopted by others. These findings conform to the agroforestry classification proposed by Nair 1984, Getahun and Reshid 1988, and Lundgren and Raintree as cited by Lasco and Visco 2003. A modified hedgerow cropping was employed by the farmers. Strips of grass vegetation were used as hedgerow plants instead of woody perennials. In sloping grounds, contour terracing was practiced. Stones were piled at the base of the terrace farming stonewalls and the agricultural crops were planted along the terrace. Live tree-boundary planting was commonly practiced to demarcate boundaries of land properties and to provide protection and privacy to valuable products. Others planted trees around their farms or home lots such as around the house, garden, cropland or orchard to protect their crops from strong winds and to demarcate areas where general access was discouraged.