Biocultural diversity of Sarangani Province, Philippines: An ethno-ecological analysis

Issue Date

5-2015

Abstract

This paper discussed effects of lowland-associated influences on upland ecology, food security and biocultural diversity in the Sarangani farming communities of the Philippines. In the uplands of Sarangani Province, the conservation of traditional rice varieties, the centrality of rice in tribal life, and the continued observance of planting rituals attest to its cultural significance and convey a common desire for cultural preservation and community solidarity. Economic and socio-political pressures had transformed tribal communities, although vestiges of traditional farming systems are still being practiced in remote sitios (villages). Changing land use patterns had also resulted in shrinking farm sizes and consequently in food insecurity in the Sarangani uplands. Extractive industries (i.e. logging, mining and charcoal making) and swidden farming were observed to cause widespread environmental degradation, while modern agriculture had undermined the capacity of indigenous peoples to survive because of their complete dependence on lands and resources. With the reality that cultural and biological diversities are inextricably linked, trans-disciplinary strategies coupling indigenous knowledge systems with scientific knowledge should, therefore, be instituted to save the Sarangani upland ecosystem, the indigenous peoples and their tribal resources.

Source or Periodical Title

Rice Science

ISSN

1672-6308

Volume

22

Issue

3

Page

138-146

Document Type

Article

Physical Description

illustrations

Language

English

Subject

Indigenous knowledge system, Rice, Swidden farming, Traditional agriculture

Identifier

doi:10.1016/j.rsci.2015.05.018.

Digital Copy

yes

Link to Full Text

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