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Comparison of Indigenous Knowledge and Scientific Knowledge on Land use Selection of Ikalahan Farmers in Imugan, Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya
Thesis Abstract:
This study was conducted in the Imugan Watershed of Sta. Fe, Nueva Vizcaya to verify the application of indigenous knowledge of Imugan farmers in land use selection. The results were further compared with the scientific knowledge on land use selection. Indigenous knowledge was drawn out through the use of participatory rural appraisal techniques such as focus group discussion, survey, key informant interview, transect walk, and participatory mapping. Field observation was also done. On the other hand, scientific knowledge included soil profiling and characterization, and soil laboratory analysis. These methods were carried out for classification and land suitability rating using FAO procedure. The analysis revealed that the major criteria of indigenous knowledge in determining soil types mainly relied on the farmers’ senses supported by their ability to observe comprehensive attributes of soil resource. This leads to the farmers’ identification of best uses and management practices of soils, as well as ease in exchanging information about soil resources. Scientific soil classification, on the other hand, lies on classifying soils based on their genesis using soil whole properties as diagnostic features. It is concerned both with the soil morphological description of each soil sampling point and its complete physical and chemical laboratory analysis. The results of these descriptions form the basis of classifying surface and subsurface horizons, and in determining the taxonomy of the soils under survey. The expensive and rigorous procedure is intended to aid decision making on the land’s best use and crop choice. In the case of Ikalahan farmers, assessing suitability of land is only one factor in land use decisions. In reality, farmers are conscious of both the physical and socioeconomic conditions surrounding farming but they rely more on the latter in making decisions. FAO procedure is not applicable for subsistence based farmers who are not fully independent in terms of land use decision making just like the case of Ikalahan farmers. Both methods have their advantages and limitations. Hence, it is advisable to combine these two assessments, in order to improve the chances of Ikalahan farmers in Imugan to attain high yield and sustainability of farm productivity.