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Sustainability Indicators of the Hanunuo Mangyan Agroforestry Systems, Sitio Dangkalan, Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines
Dissertation Abstract:
The general objectives of this study were to identify and analyze the key sustainability indicators of the Hanunuo Mangyan indigenous agroforestry systems, and assess the extent of sustainability.
The methodologies used to attain the objectives included: (1) setting up of erosion plots and erosion bar, (2) interview of key informants, (3) soil physical and chemical analyses, and (4) literature review.
Results of the study showed that the Hanunuo Mangyans maintained three agroforestry systems, namely: swidden/kaingin farming, multistorey farming, and home gardens. The most popular and elaborate was swidden/kaingin farming, which was being practiced by all the interviewees.
Swidden/kaingin farms were generally cropped with rice (Oryza sativa), or rice + corn (Zea mays) and later on mixed with other crops like banana (Musa sapientum), ube (Dioscorea hispida), cassava (Manihot utilissima), and kadios (Cajanus cajan), which were randomly planted in the farm. They can thus be considered as multiple cropping systems. Famers adopted a one- to three-year fallow period depending on their need or use of the land, and the availability of seed for planting. The basic food/ needs of the Hanunuo Mangyan were produced in the kaingin farm.
The multistorey farm, on the other hand, was planted with mango (Mangifera indica), coconut (Cocus nucifera), banana (Musa sapientum), pineapple (Ananas comosus), ipil ipil (Leucaena leucocephala) or grasses. Aside from food production, the multistorey farm was the farmer’s source of cash specifically from mango and banana. The farm was no longer subject to kaingin farming once it was planted with mango, banana and coconut.
The home garden was the least elaborate farming system. The cultural operations were done only during the extra time of the farmer.
Results of the study further showed that the Hanunuo Mangyan’s swidden-based agroforestry systems were not sustainable because they did not maintain high soil fertility, low erosion rate and efficient soil and water conservation measures, and did not improve the farmers’ technical knowledge. Furthermore, they cannot provide a year-round supply of balanced diet food requirement of the people. Some aspects that can promote sustainability include maintenance of high species diversity, preserving the cultural values of the people, strengthening of the social organization, maintaining equitable access to resources, and sharing of benefits with one another.