Assessment of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) in Kiangan, Ifugao: Implications for dynamic conservation and sustainable management

Date

6-2018

Abstract

This study, which was conducted from February to November 2018, evaluated the current status of two GIAHS (viz. Nagacadan and Julongan) and a non-GIAHS-designated system (Ambabag) in Kiangan, Ifugao in the face of emerging social-ecological realities in these areas. Results revealed widescale cultural and biodiversity losses, lowered resilience, a diminishing capacity to provide ecosystem services and a severely eroded traditional crop resource base. Only six traditional rice varieties remain in farmers fields due to easy access to modern varieties and chemical inputs while rice farming-associated indigenous knowledge and traditions are being driven to the brink of extinction due to education, Christianization and shifting priorities of farmers. Consequently, the Ifugao agro-ecological landscape is drastically being transformed as proven by changing land use patterns in the rice terraces and woodlots. Highest and lowest macrofloral diversity were also observed in Julongan and Ambabag while Ambabag and Nagacadan were established as the most and least resilient barangays, respectively. These findings however warrant further verification owing to inherent weaknesses of the utilized instrument. It can therefore be concluded that the three Ifugao upland communities have already commenced shifting to an alternative state - one that is driven by agricultural productivity, market economy, and commercialization. Before this shift becomes complete and irreversible, it is imperative that Ifugao communities with remaining traditional rice varieties conserve these priceless genetic resources along with the complex tapestry of culture and traditions that go with them.

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree

MS Plant Genetics Resources Conservation and Management

College

Graduate School (GS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Nestor C. Altoveros

Committee Member

Ma. Genaleen Q. Diaz, Teresita H. Borromeo

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

En – AGROVOC descriptors

UPLAND RICE; HIGHLANDS; BIODIVERSITY; ECOSYSTEM SERVICES; AGRICULTURE; SUSTAINABILITY; PHILIPPINES

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