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Influence of Modernization on the Indigenous Agroforestry Systems of Two Communities in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, Philippines
Abstract:
The study was conducted in two indigenous communities in Western Mindanao— in the 750-hectare indigenous agroforestry areas in Tanduh, Luuk, Sulu; and in the 446-hectare indigenous upland barangay of Tabulian, Mapun, Tawi-Tawi. The study specifically aimed to (1) characterize the indigenous agroforestry systems of the Jama Mapun in Tawi-Tawi and compare them with the Tausug agroforestry systems in Sulu; (2) determine the major facets of modernization that influence the status of indigenous agroforestry in the two communities; and (3) assess the influence of modernization on farm productivity, stability, equitability, and sustainability of indigenous agroforestry in these communities.
The methods used were participant observation, farmers group discussion, and semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was descriptive. However, the performance of the indigenous agroforestry systems was analyzed using the Conway (1986)* agroecosystem theory and measurement deconstructed from the models outlined by Westman (1978)** for ecosystem resiliency.
Results of the study listed at least seven indigenous agroforestry systems— four in Sulu and three in Tawi-Tawi. The difference of these systems was on crop spatial arrangement and species planted. Cultural maintenance of the farms and their components were relatively the same.
The influence of modernization on these farming systems was generally positive. The Tausug farmers were found to be more traditional than the Jama Mapun farmers. In terms of production, the Tausug’s traditional indigenous agroforestry was found to be more productive and sustainable than the Jama Mapun’s system. The influence of modernization on their agroforestry was not attributed to modern technology but mostly to commercialization, trade, and market economy.
Identified facets of modernization were working through various domains of transformation in agroforestry. However, their effects were found to be more of conduit that motivates farmers to improve and maintain the indigenous agroforestry technology that exhibited positive impacts on farm productivity, stability, equitability, and sustainability.
*Conway, G.R. 1986. “Agroecosystems.” In The Agroecosystems of Buhi: Problems and
Opportunities, Report of a Workshop Held at Naga City, Bicol, November 1985, edited by G.R. Conway and P.E. Sajise. UPLB, College, Laguna: Program On Environmental Science and Management.
**Westman, W.E. 1978. “Measuring the Inertia and Resilience of Ecosystems.” Bioscience
28:705-710.