Analysis of impacts of migrant settlers' activities on forest ecosystem of the UP Quezon Land Grant Real, Quezon.

Date

1993

Abstract

The interactions between the social system of the migrant farmers and the forest environment of the UP-Quezon Land Grant in Real, Quezon was evaluated using the conceptual framework of human ecology. The socio-economic characteristics and forest resource uses of the migrant farmers were obtained from interview of 56 farmer respondents and five key informants. The impacts of kaingin activities were assessed by comparing the newly-opened, one-year old, two- year old, three-year old and five-year old kaingins with a secondary forest as baseline. Fifty nine percent of the respondents were forest product gatherers while forty one percent were non-forest product gatherers. Charcoal-making and carabao logging were the main income sources from the forest. The other forest products obtained as sources of income were wild fruits, wild animals, firewood and rattan. The presence of ready market, the huge demand for forest products, lack of alternative sources of income and low farm productivity have strengthened the settlers' dependence on forest product gathering. Forest product gathering was associated with absence of off-farm income and forested farm location. The age of the kainginero, educational attainment, perception of the forest value, size and number of land parcels, previous residence, previous occupation, knowledge of forestry laws and soil conservation and household size were not related to forest product gathering. Occupancy of the land grant and the use and condition of its forest and land resources have changed the settlers' lifestyle, affected their income, nutrition and health conditions and impacted on community relationships as well as on the University of the Philippines' administration of the area. Deforestation through kaingin-making, charcoal-making and carabao-logging has resulted in the changes in microclimatic conditions. Cultivation decreased soil pH, organic matter content and total nitrogen and available phosphorus and potassium of the soil. Kaingin-making has resulted in the lowering of species diversity and change in growth form and species composition from woody to herbaceous and from forest to grass-dominated stands.Very crucial issues for effective management of the UPQLG are the settlement of the land tenurial disputes and proper mix and balance of biophysical, social, political, incentives, technical and locational factors. This would entail a comprehensive survey of the area's existing human and natural resources. Rational land use evaluation and allocation are imperative as well as the screening for occupants. Existing resource maps have to be updated and the boundaries should be properly marked. Identification and immediate segregation of critical watershed, forest and wildlife protection area and sanctuary are highly recommended to preserve the ecological integrity and uniqueness of the area. The National Botanic Garden should be kept intact and its activities should be enhanced through appropriate support-mechanisms.

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree

Master of Science in Environmental Science

College

School of Environmental Science and Management (SESAM)

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