Philippine E-Journals

Indigenous Farming Families of Ifugao: Partners in Safeguarding the Sustainable Use of Natural Resources

Sherry B. Marasigan | Joane V. Serrano

Discipline: Ecology

 

Abstract:

The Ifugao farming families are partners in safeguarding the sustainable use of natural resources through their continued conservation of the rice terraces. However, in recent years it has been observed that many Ifugao children coming from families whose main livelihood is farming no longer participate and involve themselves in farming activities. A number of family members migrate to urban places and some who have been educated totally abandon their farming duties and roles. The objectives of this study are: to determine the involvement of families in farming particularly in areas which farming has been the primary source of income and explore how farming families can contribute to safeguarding the sustainable use of natural resources. Conversational method was used for this study wherein key informants and members of the farming families were interviewed. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis guided by the Indigenous perspective. A number of thematic insights emerged showing the strong involvement of the different family members in the various farming activities. The family members are involved in farming through the different roles they play, the resources they contribute, and the honor they bring to the family. The farming families play a major role in safeguarding natural resources through: reviving the traditional and natural practices; and bringing back the interests among the younger generations in farming.