BIBLIOGRAPHY CHAMOLLOG, ROLLY M. APRIL...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
CHAMOLLOG, ROLLY M. APRIL 2008. Agroforestry Practices in Barangay
Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Christopher P. Deponio, BSA
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to describe the traditional agroforestry farming
practices of farmers in barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kalinga.
The study used qualitative research where the researcher interviewed 49 key
respondents in seven (7) sitios of barangay Gawa-an. The respondents were agroforestry
practitioners. Thirty-four respondents belong to the age of 31 to 60 years old while 15
belong to the senior bracket which is 61 years old and above. Majority were males,
married and reached grade school.
The respondents cultivated an average area of 600-1,500 m2 which was irrigated
by a river, creeks and springs.
The respondents practice agrisilvipastoral and agrisilvicultural systems in their
traditional farming. All of them cultivated traditional varieties of rice, banana and
majority grow corn, pigeon pea, sweetpotato, coconut, mango and coffee. Animals such
as native pig, chicken, carabao, duck are common while a few raised tilapia. These
plants and animals were integrated in the backyard gardens, swidden farms and even in
the rice fields.
The researcher used a pre-structured questionnaire to gather information. In
addition, actual farm visits were done to verify information from respondents. Gathering
of secondary information from the local government unit was also done.
Results of the study showed that the traditional agroforestry practices of the
farmers underwent some changes. Due to the increasing household need and education,
farmers are forced to engage in pocket mining, decreasing the number of farm hand.
Because of this, some families hire hand tractors to till their rice field instead of
employing the aid of the carabao. Traditional farm rituals are seldom performed
nowadays and could soon be forgotten by the younger generations. However, the farmers
still retained the traditional “pango” that maintains their unity, cooperation and
friendship.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iii
INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
REVIEW OF LITERATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
METHODOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Profile of the Respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15
Farm Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
Farm Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
17
Farming Systems and Practices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
20
Farm Management and Practices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION . . . . . . . . . . . .
30
LITERATURE CITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
APPENDIX
A. Letter to the Respondents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
34
B. Guide Questionnaire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Agroforestry is a type of land use system that normally involves raising of
agricultural crops, forest or fruit trees and livestock on the same unit of land. These
different species supply and sustain the needs of the other in order to survive. Plants or
trees provide food or forage for animal species while in return, animals provide fertilizer
and carbon dioxide which is essential for the plant species to survive. This is one of the
reasons why Agroforestry is said to be environmentally sound and more adoptable to
upland and forest areas than any other land use systems. Agroforestry is more feasible for
small farmer occupants. It can be used by rural population to provide many of their
needs.
Agroforestry has long been practiced by early ancestors of the Cordillera region.
It has been noted by the Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA, 2002) that the “uma” or
swidden farming is an old practice among indigenous people of the Cordillera. This
farming practice is integral to the ecological condition of the mountain terrain and the
socio – cultural life of the people.”
Like in most places in the Cordillera, the “payew” or “payoh” in Ifugao is also
common in barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kalinga. These rice fields along the slopes of
a mountain are irrigated with water coming from forested areas on top of mountains.
Swidden farming and backyard gardening are also commonly practiced in the barangay.
Swidden farm or “ uma “ is an important source of food. It is mostly located in the steep
slopes of mountains which are terraced with either rocks or fallen logs to prevent soil
losses through run-off. It is consistently planted with sweet potato, cassava, pigeon pea,
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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corn and banana. Some farmers abandon their “ uma “when the yield is drastically low.
The most evident is backyard gardening since it is located near or around the houses.
These gardens are mostly planted with fruit trees such as palm, mango, coffee, citrus and
farm animals such as chicken, pigs, goats and ducks.
These days however, some farmers raise cash crops using commercial fertilizers to
increase growth rate of their crops. The farmers engage in small scale mining or find
work in other places to support their increasing household needs or education. These
situations prompted a study about the situation of Agroforestry practices in barangay
Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kalinga.
Statement of the Problem
This study was conducted to determine whether the farmers in Balbalan, Kalinga
province are modifying their agroforestry practices. This study will answer the following
questions:
1. What are the traditional Agroforestry practices of the farmers in barangay
Gawa-an?
2. What possible solutions can be recommended to solve their problems in
modifying their Agroforestry farms?
Objectives of the study
This study aimed to:
a. Describe the traditional Agroforestry farming practices in barangay Gawa-an.
b. Identify the problems and recommend possible solutions to problems
encountered by the farmers.
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Importance of the Study
The result of this study will help educate farmers so they will understand the
meaning and impacts of their farming practices. It will serve as a benchmark data for
traditional Agroforestry farming practices in barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kalinga and
as a reference for students and researchers involved in Agroforestry.
Scope and Limitations
This study considered 7 sitios of barangay Gawa-an. The respondents were
Agroforestry practitioners.
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Young (1997) defined agroforestry as a land use system in which trees or shrubs
are grown in association with agriculture crops, or pastures and livestock. From its
inception, it has contained a strong element of soil management. Well planned and
manageable agroforestry systems have the potential to control runoff and erosion,
maintain organic matter and physical properties and promote nutrient cycling.
PCARRD (1986) as cited by Macagne (2004) stated that agroforestry is “the
sustainable management of land which increases overall production, combines
agricultural crop and forest plants and/or animals simultaneously or sequentially, and
applies management practices which are compatible with the cultural pattern of local
production.
Lundgren and Raintree (1983) defined Agroforestry as a collective term for land
use system and technologies where woody perennials (trees, shrubs, palms, bamboos,
etc.) are deliberately used on the same land management unit as agricultural crops and/ or
animals are combined in the same spatial arrangement or temporal sequence while
PCARRD (1991) stated that it is a land use system whereby agricultural land crops, forest
trees and livestock and animals are deliberately raised on the same unit of land either
sequential or simultaneously and applies practices which are economically viable,
technologically feasible and ecologically sustainable and compatible with cultural
patterns of the local population.
Agroforestry practices contribute a wide range of benefits and services to the
rural community. Trees may provide food, shelter, energy, medicine, cash income, raw
materials for crafts, saving investments and resources to meet social obligation and also
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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provide a variety of services, such as the improvement of soil fertility for crop
production, and the improvement of microclimate for crop growth and the control of crop
pests. In addition, Agroforestry practices are often designed to protect and improve the
quality of natural resources including soil, water, vegetation and wildlife and as a
substitute to the destructive use of special environments, such as reverine forests, hill
slopes and fragile rangelands (Rocheleau et al., 1988).
Salam and Sreekumar (1991) stated that in Kerala, on the south – western coast
of India’s most densely populated state, agricultural production has no where to go but
up. In this setting, it is not surprising that home gardens are intensive, multi – storied
combination of crops, trees and livestock are the many variations, but all are designed to
supply family requirements of food, fodder, fuel, timber and to generate additional
income through the sale of surplus products.
In 1986, the Philippine Council for Agricultural Research and Development
stated that Agro forestry is an ancient practice or one of the indigenous early technologies
employed by ethnic groups and “kaingineros”. However, it has not spread widely in the
past decades, instead the destructive practice of shifting cultivation has prevailed,
resulting in the rapid destruction of forest areas. Contrary to popular impression, a
number of ethnic groups and upland dwellers are conscious of soil conservation. In their
desire to make their “kaingin” productive in the longest possible time, they have
developed and adopted farming practices that which promoted the productivity of land
and reduced excessive erosion, although some of their practices are gradually fading out
due to pressure from population and limited space.
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Since the Philippines is in the tropics, systems of multiple cropping/ integrated
farming are potentially very effective techniques for increasing food production and
income especially as supplement to rice or other major crops. Also the average size of the
farm per farmer in the country is generally very small, thus the systems are needed for the
attainment of increased food production and income (PCARRD, 1976).
Steppler and Nair (1987) reported that a homestead home garden is an operational
farm unit in which a number of tree species is raised along with livestock, poultry and/ or
fish mainly for the purpose of satisfying the farmers’ basic needs. Rocheleau et al.,
(1988) added that Agroforestry practice in home gardens can range from fruit trees and
shrubs in a small vegetable and herb garden to a dense multi-storied plot of fruits,
vegetable herbs and cash crops with trees planted for timber, fuel wood and/ or fodder. A
home garden may serve as a specialized plot with in a larger production system or it may
represent the main cultivated lot and a major source of food and cash income, especially
for a poor family with little available land.
According to the Foundation of Sustainable Development Inc. (FSDI, 1995) as
cited by Aywan (2004), Agroforestry systems of the Ifugaos can be referred to as a
production system which harmoniously integrated three traditional land use sub-
components namely “muyong” (lot planted with trees and coffee), “uma” or traditional
swidden, “payoh” or rice terraces. This is composed of second growth forest dominated
by dipterocarp. The natural forest stand is kept intact, it is further explained that the
“uma” or traditional swidden of the Ifugaos has always been sustainable. The keys to
these are their cropping practices and fallow system.
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Brett (1997) stated that the swidden gardens of the Bontoc people, which are
located on steep mountain slopes are terraced with available rock or with fallen logs
placed horizontally to prevent soil run-off during heavy rain storms. Their swidden
gardens are consistently planted with a variety of root crops, legumes, fruits and some
vegetables.
Camfili (2006) stated that traditional agroforestry farming practices of farmers in
Guina-ang, Bontoc espoused the use of organic fertilizers particularly compost that
maintain the fertility of the soil. The benefits derived from these practices includes more
harvest, less expenses, soil conservation and strengthened unity among the people
through the rituals and “ob-ubfu” that served as social glue that maintain unity and
friendship of the community people.
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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METHODOLOGY
Locale and Time of the Study
This study was conducted in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kalinga Province
(Figures 1 and 2). Gawa-an is located in the central part of the Municipality of Balbalan.
It is composed of seven sitios, namely: “Pipi, Uta, Ubel, Cudcudwe, Liglig, Dusok and
Gawaan Proper” (Figures 3a and 3b). It has a rugged, hilly and mountainous terrains
with steep slopes and has an altitutde of 2,000 to 2,300 m above sea level. It has an
average temperature of 24oC (75oF) and has two pronounced season which is dry during
the months of February to May and wet season during the rest of the year (Municipal
Planning and Development Council).
Agriculture is the main source of livelihood in Gawa-an, thus, it is classified as an
agricultural land. The main source of irrigation is the river “Saltan”. The staple food
here is rice and other crops like sweet potato, cassava, corn and banana from swidden
farms. Their farming practices primarily include raising of woody perennials such as
mango, coffee, citrus and coconut. Other source of livelihood is livestock production like
chicken, swine and duck raising.
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Figure 1. Location map of Kalinga Province
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Figure 2. Location map of barangay Gawa-an
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Figure 3a. Panoramic view of sitio Gawa-an
Figure 3b. Panoramic view of sitios Liglig and Dusok
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Data Gathered
1. Transect map. The transect walk of the place was made and a map was drawn
to reflect the general view of the area in terms of slopes of land, resources and land use.
2. Indigenous agroforestry farming practices of farmers. This was gathered from
the key informants through interview.
3. Existing agroforestry system and practices. This was gathered through
observation and interview of the respondents and farm visits.
4. Problems encountered by farmers in their agroforestry farms. This was
gathered through personal interviews with the respondents.
Data Analysis
Data gathered was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as averages, means
and percentages for the interpretation of results.
Figure 4. The researcher with two of the respondents
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Figure 5. Transect map of barangay Gawa-an
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Figure 6. Profile map showing slope and land use
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Profile of the Respondents
The
general
profile
of the respondents is shown in Table 1.
Age. The age of the respondents ranged from 30 to 82 years old. Seventeen
(34.6%) were between 51 to 60 years old while fifteen (30.6%) belong to the senior
bracket which is 61 years old and above. Eleven (22.4%) belong to the age range of 41 to
50 while six (12.2%) were between 31 to 40 years old.
Sex. Among the respondents, thirty four (69%) were males while fifteen (31%)
were females. Men and women share equal responsibility in both farm and household
chores. There is a division of labor wherein men usually do the plowing of the fields
with the aid of a carabao and gathering and hauling of fuel wood. Women on the other
hand, do the cleaning or weeding (“ga-at”). Both men and women help in planting,
making and installing of scarecrows, maintaining the irrigation canal (“alak”), harvesting
and hauling of palay.
Civil
status. Thirty-six (73.5%) of the respondents are married while there were
eleven (22.4%) widow/ers and two (4.1%) were single. The data shows that married
farmers are more involved in farming activities because it is the main source of food for
their families.
Number of children. Data shows that twenty four (49%) of the respondents have
6 to 9 children; twenty three (47%) have 1 to 5 children and two (4%) have no children at
all. Big number of children in families of Gawa-an have been observed. The belief of
old people hat children is wealth maybe due to the fact that more children would mean
more people to do the works in the farm.
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Table 1. Profile of the respondents
PERCENTAGE
PARTICULAR
NUMBER OF RESPONDENT
(%)
Age
31-40
6
12.2
41-50
11
22.4
51-60
17
34.6
61-70
9
18.4
71 above
6
12.2
TOTAL 49
100.0
Sex
Male
34
69.0
Female
15
31.0
TOTAL 49
100.0
Civil Status
Married
36
73.5
Single
2
4.1
Widow/er
11
22.4
TOTAL 49
100.0
Number of Children
2
4.0
0
23
47.0
1-5
24
49.0
6-10
TOTAL 49
100.0
Educational Attainment
Elementary
28
57.1
High School
11
22.5
College
1
2.0
No formal education
9
18.4
TOTAL 49
100.0
Number of years
Practing Agroforestry
1-20
14
28.0
21-30
16
33.0
31 years and above
19
39.0
TOTAL 49
39.0
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Educational
attainment. Twenty eight (57%) of the respondents reached
elementary, 11 (22.5%) reached high school, one (2%) has reached college while 9
(18.4%) did not have formal education. Respondents were sent to school by their parents
but were forced to stop to help in farm work. Some of the respondents said that the
school was too far from their houses.
Number of years practicing agroforestry. Table 1 shows that nineteen (39%) of
the respondents have been practicing agforestry for 31 years or more, sixteen (33%) for
21-30 years and 14 for 20 years or less. The term agroforestry is not known to them
however, the farmers agreed that they have been practicing it for years when the
researcher defined and described agroforestry to them. This implies that the respondents
were experienced in agroforestry practices.
Farm Profile
Farm Area
Table 2a presents the size of farms of the respondents. Twenty six (53%) of the
respondents have a farm size of 500 m2 to 1000 m2 while twenty three (47%) have a farm
of 1001m2 to 1500 m2. Given the fact that the farms of the respondents are small pieces
of lands or terraces located in different areas, it is difficult to estimate the actual area.
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Table 2. Farm profile
PERCENTAGE
PARTICULAR
NUMBER OF RESPONDENT
(%)
a. Size of Farm
500 – 1000 m2
26
53.0
1001 – 1500 m2
23
47.0
TOTAL 49
100.0
b. Irrigation
Irrigated
49
100.0
Non-irrigated
26
53.0
c. Source of Irrigation
Rain
26
53.0
Flowing water (rivers,
creeks, wells and
springs)
49
100.0
All of the respondents claimed to have irrigated farms but 26 or 53% claimed to
have maintained non-irrigated areas, which is the “uma” or swidden farms.
Table 2c shows the source of irrigation of the respondents farm. All of the
respondents claim that flowing water from the river, creeks and springs are the source of
farm irrigation. The abundant water supply from these sources of irrigation implies that
the farmers are able to maintain two rice cropping in one year. However, those 53% (26
respondents) who maintained swidden farms depend on rain as their main source of
irrigation for their “uma”.
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Figure 7a. A non-irrigated farm (“uma”) with mango pigeon pea and banana
Figure 7b. An irrigated farm with banana, mongo, papaya and coconut.
Water from the ricefields above irrigates this swidden farm.
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Farming Systems and Practices
Agrisilvipastoral (agricultural crops + livestock + forage crops) system is
commonly practiced by the respondents. Rice field with trees and draft carabao and
backyard/home gardening with native pigs, chicken, ducks and fishponds are under
agrisilvipastoral system (Figures 8a, 8b and 87c).
Another farming system practice observed in barangay Gawa-an is the
agrisilvicultural practice which involves the combination of agronomic crops, vegetables
and or fruit with forest trees (Figures 9a, 9b and 9c).
Table 3 shows that all (100%) of the respondents cultivated rice (Oryza sativa).
Due to abundant source of irrigation water, farmers are able to plant rice twice a year.
First cropping often starts during the month of February where farmers plant the
traditional rice “piiyen” or “furikan” which is harvested from June to July. Second
cropping starts on the month of August and harvested from November to December.
“Almusasa”, the red rice is usually planted during the second cropping.
All (100%) of the respondents cultivated pungent chilli pepper (Capsicum
frutescens) locally termed as “sili” while forty-three (87.8%) cultivated sweetpotato
(Ipomea batatas) or “camote”; forty-five (91.8%) corn (Zea mays); thirty-six (73.5%)
cassava (Manihot esculenta) or “padpadle”, twenty-five (51%) pineapple (Ananus
comosus) or “pingyen”, six (12.2%) mungbean (Vigna radiata) or “balatong”, and five
(10.2%) gabi/taro (Colocasia esculenta) or “amlang”. For fruit crops, all (100%)
cultured banana (Musa sp.) or “sola”, forty-three (87.8%) mango (Magnifera indica) or
“manga”, forty-two (85.7%) coffee (Coffea robusta) or “kape”, forty (81.6%) coconut
(Cocos nucifera) or “inyog”; thirty seven (75.5%) pomelo (Citrus grandis) or “simma”,
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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seven (14.3%) for star apple (Chrysophyllum cainito) or “kaimito” and three (6.1%)
oranges (Citrus sp.) or “gayunan”. For animals, forty-five (91.8%) raise native chicken,
forty-four (89.8%) native pig, thirty-two (65.3%) carabaos, seven (14.3%) ducks and two
(4.1%) tilapia. Tilapia was introduced in Balbalan in the 1970s.
Results show that their main crop is rice while corn and sweet potato is grown as
supplements to rice and at the same time is used as feeds to animals.
The respondents claimed to maintain their agroforestry farms because it requires
simple and safe operation and lesser expenses are needed.
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Agrisilvipastoral System
Figure 8a. Mango, coconut, Japanese guava, beetle nut, coffee, gabi with
fish pond
Figure 8b. Mango, coconut, guava with native pig
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Figure 8c. Coconut, coffee, gabi, pepper with native pig
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Agrisilvicultural System
Figure 9a. Mango, banana, papaya and pineapple
Figure 9b. Banana, coffee, star apple, bamboo, gabi and sweetpotato
in a backyard garden
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Figure 9c. Banana, pigeon pea and sweetpotato
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Table 3. Plants and animals commonly integrated in agroforestry farms
PERCENTAGE
PARTICULAR
NUMBER OF RESPONDENT
(%)
Agricultural Crops
Rice
49
100.0
Sweetpotato
43
87.8
Corn
45
91.8
Cassava
36
73.5
Pigeon pea
48
98.0
Balatong
6
12.2
Gabi
5
10.2
Pineapple
25
51.00
Fruit Trees
Banana
49
100.0
Coconut
40
81.6
Mango
43
87.8
Coffee
42
85.7
Pomelo
37
75.5
Star Apple
7
14.3
Orange
3
6.1
Animals
Pig
44 89.9
Chicken 45 91.8
Carabao 23 46.9
Tilapia
2 4.1
Duck 7 14.3
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Farm Management and Practices
Most of the farmer still use the carabao in plowing their fields while some hired
hand tractors from persons who own one. This was done by some respondents who
prefer to work in private mines in a nearby town. All of the respondents however still
practice “ga-at”, direct seeding and harvesting manually. Simple tools are used like the
bolo. The farmers have practice the traditional exchange of labor or “Pango” during
harvesting of rice.
In terms of farm inputs (Table 4) the farmers use organic fertilizers. This practice
was handed to them by their parents, fellow farmers and agriculture technicians.
Common organic fertilizers like animal manure, sunflower and rice stalks were used.
During land preparation they slash sunflower and directly incorporate the young stems
and leaves into the soil to serve as green manure. Some farmers admit to still practicing
slash and burn in their swidden farms.
The respondents claimed that they do not use inorganic fertilizers. This is true
since most of the farm products is mainly for family consumption and due to
inavailability of inorganic fertilizers in their barangay.
As to the control of pest and disease in plants and animals, it was observed that
animals such as pig and chickens are infected with pest and diseases are immediately
butchered to prevent other animals from getting infected too with the disease. As for
plants, they usually remove infected plant parts.
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
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Table 4. Farm management and practices
PARTICULAR
NUMBER OF
PERCENTAGE
RESPONDENT
(%)
Cleaning
Manual cleaning
49
100.0
Burning
5
10.2
*Multiple response
Planting
Direct planting
49
100.0
Transplanting
49
100.0
*Multiple response
Fertilizer
Organic
49
100.0
Inorganic
0
0
Both organic and inorganic
0
0
TOTAL 49
100.0
Way to control pests and diseases
Chemical
Physical
0
0
49
100.0
TOTAL 49
100.0
Harvesting
Manual
49
100.0
TOTAL 49
100.0
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
29
Farmers said that the technician assigned in Gawa-an visited their farms once a
month or only when a problem bothers them particularly with their rice fields. Also,
there is no introduction of new technologies and new varieties that could modify their
farming systems.
On the other hand, irrigation is not a problem since barangay Gawa-an was
blessed with the river Saltan which bisects the barangay. The virgin forests are
conserved and farmers do not allow kaingeros or illegal loggers to touch the forest.
However, due to increasing household needs and education, some farmers are forced to
find other sources of income like pocket mining. Another problem arises when the
children become professionals because of the fear that their children will abandon
farming. One reason why farmers refrain from producing cash crops is due to the lack of
farm to market roads. Transport of products to the market is too difficult due to road
condition and the distance between barangay Gawa-an and Poblacion is far.
A common ritual practiced by the farmers is the “damdamet” (ritual before
harvest), which is done by making a knot out of the leaves of a certain grass and reciting
a prayer, and “ulgad” which is practiced before stocking their harvest in the rice granaries
or “alang”. The “ulgad” together with the “damdamet” are now seldom practiced in the
community due to conversion to Christianity.
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
30
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study was conducted to describe the traditional agroforesry practices in
Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kalinga.
The study used the method of a qualitative research. The respondents were
agroforestry practitioners who were randomly selected. Thirty-four (34) respondents
belong to the age of thirty-one (31) to sixty (60 ) years old while fifteen (15) belong to
the senior bracket which is sixty-one (61) years old and above. Majority were males,
married and reached grade school.
The respondents cultivated an average area of 600-1,500 m2 which was irrigated
by a river, creeks and springs.
The respondents practice agrisilvipastoral and agrisilvicultural systems in their
traditional farming. All of them cultivated traditional varieties of rice, banana and
majority grow corn, pigeon pea, sweetpotato, coconut, mango and coffee. Animals such
as native pig, chicken, carabao, duck are common while a few raised tilapia. These
plants and animals were integrated in the backyard gardens, swidden farms and even in
the ricefields.
Traditional agroforestry practices in Gawa-an underwent some changes due to the
introduction of Christianity and increasing household needs. Because of these needs,
farmers are lured into pocket mining. This leads to the decrease in number of farm hands
that is why some families hire hand tractors to till their ricefield instead of employing the
carabao. Some farmers adopted fishpond into their farms when tilapia was introduced.
Traditional farm rituals are now seldom performed and could soon be forgotten if not
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
31
restored. Farmers still retained the traditional “pango” that maintains their unity,
cooperation and friendship.
Conclusion
The farmers maintain their tradition farming practices because it required simple
and safe operation and need lesser expenses. So far, there were few changes in their
farming practices. Some learned to make fishpond and raise fish when tilapia was
introduced into their place. Participation of men in the farm works decreased because
some farmers are lured to work in the private mines inorder to support their increasing
household needs and education of their children. Farm rituals are now seldom practiced.
However, the local farmers still practice the “pango” which is a symbol of their unity and
cooperation.
Recommendations
Based on the results gathered, the following are recommended:
1. Farmers should maintain their traditional and cultural practices including their
farm rituals.
2. Promotion of products in the market and promote eco-tourism in the
community through the continuation of Balbalan-Pinukpok road.
3. New varieties/cash crops maybe adopted as long as it is compatible with the
climate and cultural practices and the existing indigenous varieties must be maintained
and improved.
4. There should be trainings for the farmers in the locality inorder for them to be
educated on the proper management of their farms.
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
32
LITERATURE CITED
AYWAN, I. B. 2004. Analysis of the Problems and Needs of Agroforestry Farmers in
three Barangays of Lamut, Ifugao. Pp. 7-8.
BRETT, J. P. 1997. Coping Strategies in Bontoc Highland Agro-ecosystem. The Role of
Ritual. CSC Working Paper of Baguio City. Cordillera Studies
Center, U.P. Baguio. Pp. 3-4.
CAMFILI, C. A. 2006. Modifications in Agroforestry Practices of Farmers in Guina-
ang, Bontoc, Mountain Province. P. 33.
CPA (CORDILLERA PEOPLES ALLIANCE). 2002. Rotational Agriculture of
Indigenous Peoples in Asia, Case Studies Analysis and Recommendations.
International Alliance of Indigenous Tribal People of the Tropical Forests
(IAITPTF). Pp. 97.
FSDI. 1995. “The Indigenous Agroforestry in Ifugao”. Paper presented at the
Symposium on Sustainable Alternative Livelihood. Diliman, Quezon City. Pp. 2-
4.
LUNDGREN and RAINTREE. 1983. Sustained Agroforestry. International Council for
Research in Agroforestry, Nairobi, Kenya. p.2.
MACAGNE, J. U. 2004. Arabica Coffee-based Agroforestry Practice in Sagada,
Mountain Province. P. 12.
PCARRD. 1976. The Philippine Recommends for Integrated Farming Systems.
Philippine Council for Agricultural Resources Research, Los Baños,
Laguna. P. 1.
PCARRD. 1986. The Philippines Recommend for Agroforestry. Technical Bulletin
Series No. 59. Philippine Agricultural Resources Research Foundation, Inc. p 4.
PCARRD. 1991. Agroforestry Research in the Philippines. Los Baños, Laguna. p.4.
ROCHELEAU; D. F. WEBEN and A. FIELD – JUMA. 1988. Agro forestry in Dryland
Africa. International Council for Research in Agroforestry. Nairobi,
Africa. P. 32.
SALAM, A. M. and D. SKREEKUMAR. 1991. Kerala Homegardens. A Traditional
Agroforestry System from India Agro forestry Today. Vol. 3. P. 10.
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
33
STEPPLER, H. A. and P. K. R. NAIR. 1987. Agro forestry: A Decade of
Development. ICRAF house, Limmum Road. Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya. Pp. 125-
126.
YOUNG, A. 1997. Agroforestry for Soil Management. Second Edition. P. 3.
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
34
APPENDICES
Appendix A
Letter to the Respondents
Benguet State University
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
La Trinidad, Benguet
Date: _____________
Dear Respondents:
I am an agriculture student of the Benguet State University, La Trinidad,
Benguet and I am to conduct a study on the agroforestry practices in your barangay.
In this connection, may I request your cooperation and assistance by frankly
answering all the items in this questionnaire. Be very much assured that your answer will
be used solely as a reference to co-researchers, agriculture students and guide to young
and would be farmers in the Cordillera.
Thank you very much for your trust and support.
God Bless!
Very truly yours,
ROLLY M. CHAMOLLOG
Researcher
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
35
Appendix B
Guide Questionnaire
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
Name
(optional):____________________________________________________
Age:
_________
Sex:
_________Male
_________Female
Civil Status:________ Single ______ Married ________ Widower________
No. of Children: ________
Educational
Attainment:
_______
Elementary
_______
High
school
_______
College
_______
Vocational
_______
Non
–
formal
Education
No. of years practicing Agroforestry: ______________
II. FARM INFORMATION
A. Type of Farm:
______ Ricefield
______ Swidden farm
______ Backyard garden
B. Size of Farm:
______ Less than 500 m2
______ From 501 to 1000 m2
______ From 1001 to 5000 m2
______ From 5001 to 10,000 m2
C.
Irrigation:
______ Rain
______ Flowing water
______ Others (pls. specify)
III. AGROFORESTRY FARMING SYSTEM AND PRACTICES
A. What Agroforestry systems were commonly practiced 20 years ago?
_______ Agrosilvicultural system (Agricultural crops + trees)
_______ Agrosilvipastural (Agricultural crops + trees + animals)
_______ Silvipastural (trees + animals)
_______ Others (pls. specify)
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
36
B. What are plants and animals commonly integrated in this Agroforestry system?
Agricultural Crops Animals Fruit Trees
____ Sweet potato
_____ pig
____ banana
____ Rice
_____ carabao ____ coconut
____ corn _____ chicken ____ coffee
____ cassava _____ duck ____ mango
____ pigeon pea _____ goat ____ citrus
____ others (pls. specify) _____ others (pls. specify) ____ others
C. At present, are you still employing this Agroforestry systems?
______ Yes ______ No
If yes, what are the reasons for employing the Agroforestry systems?
________ Increased production
________ Incurred lesser expenses
________ Required simple and safe operation
________Others (pls. specify)
If no, what systems are you employing now?
________ Mono-cropping
________ Others (pls. specify)
D. What farm management practice are you adopting now?
Practices Adopting No. of years Not adopting
1. Fertilizers adopting
a. Organic _____ _______ ______
b. Inorganic _____ _______ ______
c. Both _____ _______ ______
(organic and inorganic)
2. Pest and Disease Control
a. Chemical control _____ _______ ______
b. Physical control _____ _______ ______
c. Others (specify) _____ _______ ______
E. Who taught this farming practices?
_______ Parents
_______ People in the community
_______ Resource persons in seminars
_______ Agricultural Technicians
_______ Others (specify)
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
37
IV. PROBLEMS AND POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
A. From your own observation, what possible factors contributed to the changes
in the traditional farming practices? Why did you say so?
________ Need of immediate cash
________ Decrease in land areas
________ Lack of capitals
________ Others (pls. specify)
B. What are your recommendations / suggestions to enhance traditional practices
in the area?
________ Attend / involve in seminars
________ Others (pls. specify)
Agroforestry Practices in Barangay Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan / Rolly M. Chamollog. 2008
Document Outline
- Agroforestry Practices in Barangay
Gawa-an, Balbalan, Kaligan
- BIBLIOGRAPHY
- ABSTRACT
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
- INTRODUCTION
- REVIEW OF LITERATURE
- METHODOLOGY
- RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
- SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
- LITERATURE CITED
- APPENDICES