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)
Recommended Citation
aguilar, Catherine Hazel M., "Assessment of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) in Kiangan, Ifugao: Implications for dynamic conservation and sustainable management" (2018). Graduate Student's Output. 2961.
https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/etd-grad/2961
En – AGROVOC descriptors
UPLAND RICE; HIGHLANDS; BIODIVERSITY; ECOSYSTEM SERVICES; AGRICULTURE; SUSTAINABILITY; PHILIPPINES