Indigenous Ecological Knowledge and Systems of Ethnic Farmers Located at Different Altitudinal Locations along Agno River, Philippines

Ethnic farming communities located at different altitudinal locations in Agno River, Philippines face climate stressors that threaten their agricultural production. This paper determined the climate stressors experienced in the watersheds, investigated and assessed the exposures to climate stressors, and identified the ethnic affiliations of the communities, their farming practices and indigenous knowledge and systems to cope with the climate stressors. Data were gathered using pre-tested questionnaires during one-on-one interviews, focused group discussions and key informant interviews. Secondary data were likewise consulted. Majority of the communities’ ethnic affiliations are Karao, Ibaloi and Kalanguya. Farming techniques practiced include crop rotation and multicropping. The percentage of farmers in Ambuklao watershed doing it is twice as high as in both San Roque and Binga watersheds. Almost all farmers in Ambuklao do crop rotation, but apparently no one practices multicropping. Most farmers in Ambuklao plant high-value vegetables. Crop rotation is also done in San Roque and Binga where multi-cropping is also practiced. The elevational differences of the three watersheds dictate the choice of farming systems. Farm areas in Ambuklao are mostly located at higher slopes and ridges where flooding as a mean of watering is not possible. The practice of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) in farming includes uma (kaingin), burning and applying the ash as fertilizer, natural composting, use of scarecrows and aduyon. Majority of the respondents indicated using indigenous farming systems or techniques. This did not significantly differ from the 49% who said they do not do so.