Philippine E-Journals

PEOPLE’S KNOWLEDGE ON INVASIVE SPECIES: THE SPREAD OF BUYO-BUYO (PIPER ADUNCUM) IN MARILOG DISTRICT, DAVAO CITY, SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES

Raquelyn J. Dadang | Melrose P Condino | Novy Grace Casinillo | Victor B. Amoroso

Discipline: agriculture, food and related studies

 

Abstract:

This article focuses on the people’s knowledge/perception of Piper aduncum (buyobuyo), an invasive plant species, that continue to spread in Marilog District, Davao City, Southern Philippines. To capture this data, we utilized a descriptive research design through qualitative methods such as in-depth interviews, focus-group discussions, and field visits to areas which are heavily infested by Piper aduncum. Our findings reveal that participants’ knowledge of buyo-buyo (Piper aduncum) comes from their grassroots accounts or personal exposure with buyo-buyo. Through constant interaction with buyo-buyo, majority of the respondents have observed the detrimental effects of buyo-buyo on their farms. But there is still a lack of relevant information regarding the management of invasive species in the area. There were also no control mechanisms on invasive alien plants species (IAPS) in the local communities. Overall, the findings reveal that there is a gap between the local and scientific knowledge on invasive species in general which plays a crucial implication on the biodiversity conservation. Therefore, this article pushes forward on facilitating public awareness in the district and cultivate active participation in the community to achieve a well-informed and sustained biodiversity conservation efforts.