IFSU Synthesis Report

Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling in Ifugao, Philippines

Vulnerability and Adaptation Capacity Assessment SYNTHESIS REPORT

2011

MGD – F 1656 Strengthening the Philippines’ Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change (UNJP/PHI/054/SPA)

Outcome 3.1 Enhanced Climate Change Adaptation Capacity of Communities

in Contiguous Fragile Ecosystems in the Cordilleras (The Philippines)

Synthesis Report | Biophysical Characterization and Socio-economic Profiling in Ifugao, Philippines 2

TECHNICAL WORKING COMMITTEE

JOSEPH L. NGOHAYON IFSU Project Leader

DR. NAPOLEON L. TAGUILING Team Leader, Biological Characterization

MILTON P. DULAY Team Leader, Physical Characterization

DR. RICARDO L. ILDEFONSO Team Leader, Socio-Economic Profiling

DR. SERAFIN L. NGOHAYON Team Leader, Agri-livelihood Profiling

DR. ROBERT R. NGIDLO Technical Expert, Biological Aspect

CARMELITO C. VALDEZ Technical Expert, Physical Aspect

IMELDA PASCUAL Technical Expert, Socioeconomic Aspect

CHERRY ANN B. BUMIDANG Technical Expert, Agri-livelihood Aspect

MABLE KATE B. SAWEY Administrative Aide

Tabulators/Enumerators JUDILYN T. DUMAG, RONALD C. PUN-ADUAN

JOHNNY L. NGOHAYON, ERICK JAYSON ALIGUYON

This synthesis report was based on the main report, Vulnerability and Adaptation Capacity Assessment in Ifugao: Biophysical Characterization and Socio-Economic Profiling, a study

conducted by the Ifugao State University for Outcome 3.1, Enhanced Climate Change Adaptation Capacity of Communities in Contiguous Fragile Ecosystems in the Cordilleras under the program, Strengthening the Philippines Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change.


Executive Summary

The Philippines has been experiencing temperature stings brought about by climate change since the1980s. Extreme weather events have occurred frequently such as extremely damaging typhoons, floods, landslides, earthquakes, drought and forest fires which badly affect the sectors on agriculture, fresh water, coastal and marine resources, socio-economics, agri-livelihood and health. The Cordillera Administrative Region, CAR is located in the north. It is a region with diverse ecosystem. It seats in the Cordillera mountains and extends into the vast plains of the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley Regions. Its elevation ranges from 300 masl to 2922 masl making it different from the rest of the regions in the country. Such situation makes the place highly vulnerable to any climate change making it a good source of information and a barometer or reference for action towards adaptation by other regions in the country. The Province of Ifugao is one among the provinces of the CAR, in its midst lies the known Banaue Rice Terraces, bounded in the south and west by the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya and Benguet, Mountain Province in the north and Isabela in the east. With its geographical location and physical characteristics, it is at high risk to the effects of climate change aggravated by massive deforestation, exploitative land use and continuous population build-up. This also makes the place a good source of baseline data on the effects of climate change and on how the indigenous people of Ifugao adapted to these changes for possible up-scaling nationwide. This study titled “Strengthening the Philippines Institutional Capacity to Adopt to Climate Change was funded by the Government of Spain under the MGD-Fund and implemented by the Department of Agriculture of the Philippines and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations. The Ifugao State University (IFSU) was commissioned to perform biophysical characterization, socio-economic and agri-livelihood profiling. It was tasked to gather data from farmers on the observed effects of climate change and their local adaptation practices to overcome these effects. The result of the study serves as an input to the climate change vulnerability assessment of the province. Study sites were located in contiguous fragile ecosystems representing various elevations such as low, medium, and high, and at elevations below 500 masl, below 1000 masl, and above 1000 masl, respectively to represent the entire province. The Ifugao State University, the lone State University in the province signed a Letter of Agreement with the Food and Agriculture Organization to conduct the study. The IFSU team was organized composing of Foresters, Agriculturists, Researchers and Academicians. The team coordinated with the Local Government


Units and other concerned offices to secure secondary and primary data. Experimental sites were determined and plot layouts for biophysical characterization were established together with barangay officials and local folks. Questionnaire formulated and pre-tested was used in gathering data on socio-economic and agri-livelihood profile of the respondents. Results were further verified through Key Informant Interviews and Focus Group Discussions. Macrofloral and macrofaunal surveys were conducted to assess biodiversity of the selected barangays. Water and soil analyses were also conducted to evaluate the biophysical resources. Results of floral diversity assessment indicate that there are 53 families, 110 genera and 191 species with relatively high species diversity indices that range from 3.59-3.7. Ethnobotany survey revealed 36 food plants, 30 species of medicinal/ pesticidal plants, five species for fiber/ties, four species for dyes, two species for organic fertilizer, and 119 other tree species with economic importance. Faunal inventory recorded 57 bird species, eight mammals, five amphibians, and nine species of reptiles. Eight species of birds are included in the IUCN Red List Category. Of these, one is considered vulnerable and seven are considered nearly threatened. Eight important creeks were identified in the pilot barangays and water quality analysis reveals that the water samples from these creeks has normal pH level except for Mabanutan creek in Namnama, Alfonso Lista which is slightly alkaline. The level of ammonia in all creeks ranges from 0.2 to 0.4 which is still an ideal range for most plants and animals. The land area for Barangays Namnama was classified as Santa Maria Soil Series while that of Nagacadan is Longa Salty Clay Loam and undifferentiated Mountain Soil. The soil in Barangay Viewpoint remains undifferentiated while Barangay Bato-Alatbang soils were classified as Mayoyao Clay Loam and Undifferentiated Mountain Soil. Soil analysis has shown that grassland areas in the selected barangays showed medium to strongly acidic pH range of 5.7 to 5.1 and low-medium organic matter content of 1.48 %. As to the forest areas, Barangay Nagacadan and Bato Alatbang showed strongly acidic with pH value of 4.9 and 5.0 respectively while Barangay Namnama has slightly acidic with 6.5 pH. Most of the soil samples from the transected agricultural lands in the pilot barangays are within the optimal pH range for rice production which is 5.5-7.5. The organic matter content of most of the transected agricultural lands was low to medium and with the total nitrogen content from low to very low. Most of the respondents were subsistence farmers or dependent on farming for their livelihood and are within the poverty level threshold. Farmers generally practice mono cropping on rice, corn, and vegetables but other crops are grown within or adjacent to their farm areas. Most vegetables are grown for household consumption. Animals are also grown mostly for home consumption except for hybrid pigs and fowls which are raised for market. Support for livelihood activities from the government were mostly on technical aspects like trainings and some inputs, thus, most livelihood activities are financed by the farmers themselves. Farmers have their own ways of observing the effects of climate change and relate them to their daily livelihood activities, their resources and health. The most dominant observed impact of climate change is


poverty, a result of low crop yield and the unstable market price of their farm products. The unpredictable occurrence of strong rain, prolonged drought, extreme heat, typhoons and other calamities affect the quantity and quality crops. Health problems were also observed due to exposure to sudden rain, sudden change of temperature, and other weather disturbances. Water is the number one resource affected by climate change. Water supply continuously decline affecting supply for domestic use and irrigation. The occurrence of more and new species of pests and diseases like the white leaf hopper for corn and new species of weeds were also believed to be due to climate change. Among the adaptation measures practiced by the respondents to overcome the effects of climate change and to minimize the damage it causes to crop yield and livelihood are the construction of deep well, water pump irrigation, crop rotation/diversification, and synchronized planting. The fragile ecosystem in Ifugao and the entire Cordillera makes it vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. However, given the appropriate support to reinforce their indigenous knowledge, farmers can continuously assert survival despite the changing climate of the world.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3

I. INTRODUCTION

Rationale 9

Objectives 10

II. GENERAL INFORMATION OF IFUGAO PROVINCE

Topography 12

Land Area 12

Soil Classification and Structure 12

Climatic Type 12

Social Characteristics 13

Economy 13

III. BIODIVERSITY CHARACTERIZATION

Macrofloral Biodiversity 14

Faunal Biodiversity 15

IV. BIOPHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION

Soil Analysis 16

Water Analysis 18

V. SOCIO-ECONOMIC PROFILING

Demographic Profile 20

Source of Livelihood 20

Socio-related Factors 22


VI. AGRI-LIVELIHOOD PROFILING

Agri-Livelihood Activities 23

Government Support 24

VII. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Locally Observed Effects of Climate Change

Agriculture 25

Health 26

Water Resources 26

Species and Natural Resources 26

Fisheries 28

Locally Adopted Practices to Overcome the Effects of Climate Change

Agriculture 29

Health 29

Water Resources 30

Species and Natural Resources 31

Fisheries 32

VIII. DATA INFORMATION GAPS 34

IX. RECOMMENDATIONS 35

REFERENCES 36

ANNEXES

Topographic Maps 38

Slope Maps 42

Soil Series 46

Land Use Maps 50


LIST OF FIGURES

Figures Page

Figure 1. Location map of the selected sites 11

Figure 2. Biodiversity indices for macrofloral species per pilot site 14

Figure 3. Soil organic matter of the different ecosystems 16

Figure 4. Total nitrogen analysis for the different soil in the pilot sites 17

Figure 5. Soil pH of the different ecosystems 18

Figure 6. Soil pH of the creeks and rivers in the study area 19

Figure 7. Ammonia content of the creeks and river in the study area 19

Figure 8. Occupation of the respondents 20

Figure 9. Crops raised by respondents 21

Figure 10. Animal raised by respondents 22

Figure 11. Livelihood activities of the respondents from the pilot barangays 23

Figure 12. Livelihood assistance availed by respondents 24

Figure 13. Locally observed effects of climate change to agriculture 25

Figure 14. Locally observed effects of climate change to health 26

Figure 15. Locally observed effects of climate change to water resources 27

Figure 16. Locally observed effects of climate change to species & forest resources 27

Figure 17. Locally observed effects of climate change to fisheries 28

Figure 18. Overcoming the effect of climate change to agriculture 29

Figure 19. Overcoming the effect of climate change to health 30

Figure 20. Overcoming the effect of climate change to water resources 31

Figure 21. Overcoming the effect of climate change to species & natural resources 32

Figure 21. Overcoming the effect of climate change to fish resources 33


1 Introduction 1.1 Rationale Changes in the earth’s climate are reflected in the variations within the environment, the natural processes going on around it, and in the human activities. In the Philippines, the largest impact on the local climate was due to anthropogenic activities including deforestation, agriculture, and changes in the land uses among others. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), some effects of climate change that are experience today include the following: heavier rainfall that cause flooding in many regions (warmer temperatures have led to more intense rainfall events in some areas); increasing extreme drought (due to higher temperature which in turn causes a higher rate of evaporation and more drought in some areas of the world); changing ecosystems (such as species movement to cooler habitat due to warming, or death due to increase in temperature); change in the frequency and strength of tropical storms; more frequent heat waves and human health problems associated with changing temperatures. The Philippines belong to the countries that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and that need to adapt. Strengthening local institutional capabilities to adapt to climate change requires baseline information on existing biological, physical resources; and socioeconomic information. Ifugao is one among the nine provinces in Northern Luzon that is worth assessing due to its geographical location and the increasing degradation of natural resources exacerbated by increased deforestation rate, changes in the land uses and population build-up. The biodiversity and biophysical characterization will provide additional scientific knowledge on the richness of species and diversity of floral and faunal resources in the area. It also evaluates the soil and water resources of the community. The result will also provide a deeper understanding on these parameters to serve as guide for communities and institutions in designing protection, conservation strategies and sustainable use of biological resources without depleting their natural population. Socio-economic and agri-livelihood profiling is essential for evaluating the vulnerability of communities to the effects of climate change. Socio-economic pressures have forced upland dwellers to farm extremely steep slopes, and even converting forest lands to agricultural purposes. At the start of the new millennium, Nibaten (2002) reported illegal massive clearings of forest lands in some part of Ifugao which became extension farms. The need to strengthen the capacity of communities to adapt to the effects and impacts of climate change is important in preventing further harm to the environment and in ensuring resiliency at the local level.


1.2 Objectives The study endeavor to gather baseline data on the biodiversity, biophysical characteristics, socio-economic and agri-livelihood profiles of the selected barangays Namnama, Alfonso Lista; Nagacadan, Kiangan; Viewpoint, Banaue; and Bato-Alatbang, Mayaoyao) in the province of Ifugao, document the observed effects of climate change in the communities and enlist the adaptation mechanisms of community people. Specifically, the study aims to provide data on the species richness and diversity of macro flora and fauna in selected barangays of Ifugao and to:

1. uncover potential issues and challenges related to biodiversity; 2. determine the chemical and physical characteristics of water found in the creeks located in the pilot

barangays; 3. determine chemical properties of soil in the selected barangays in the province of Ifugao; 4. establish the socio demographic profile of the four barangays representing the low, medium and high

elevation in terms of age, sex, civil status, educational attainment, and household size, tribal and religious affiliation;

5. verify the economic profile of the respondents in terms of annual income, occupation, size of farms, kinds of crops and animals raised, income obtained and government material and technical services received;

6. identify the respondent’s livelihood activities of the respondents and how they finance these activities;

7. determine the effect of climate change as to the livelihood and health of the respondents, water resources, species and natural resources, forest resource; and

8. Determine the adaptation practices of the respondents to mitigate the effects of climate change.


2 General Description of Ifugao

Ifugao is one of the provinces in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). It is geographically situated at the foot of the Cordillera Mountain Ranges in Northern Philippines. It is bounded in the west by the province of Benguet, on the south by Nueva Vizcaya, on the east by Isabela, and on the north by Mountain Province. The entire province has a total land area of 251,778 hectares and politically divided into eleven municipalities with a total population of 161,623. Ifugao is classified as 3rd class province and ranked ninth among the poorest province in the country in 2006.

Figure 1. Location map of the selected sites


2.1 Topography

The province of Ifugao is very mountainous with high rice terraces located in the mountain slopes and its tributaries. Slopes range from very steep slopes to nearly level slopes with deep ravines. Some gentle slopes are found along the riverbanks, narrow valleys and top of ridges. Most of the municipalities are steeply sloping, rolling and undulating with slopes from 8-15 %. The rest of the municipalities are steeply sloping within the 15-25 % slope range. The topographic features of the province are marked by rugged mountains and massive forests except for the rolling lowland in the municipalities of Lamut, Alfonso Lista and some parts of Aguinaldo. 2.2 Land Area

Ifugao has a total land area of 251,778 hectares, about 13.76 % of the region’s total land area (1,829,368 has) with the municipality of Alfonso Lista covering the most land area followed by Lagawe while Hingyon has the least area. Forestland accounts for the highest area at 224,296.10 hectares or 89 % of the total land area while only 11 % or 27,481.90 hectares are classified as alienable and disposable land. 2.3 Soil Classification and Structure The soil classification in the province varies from clay loam to sandy loam. These soil types are observed to be sustaining various farming activities in the province. Soils in the province are derived from sedimentary recent alluvial deposits and volcanic parent materials/ hard igneous rocks. Taxonomic classification of soils per land use management unit in the province has a total of 61 pedons. There are four soil orders, eight sub-orders, 12 great groups and 19 sub-groups. In areas in the province located in low sedimentary hills, lowland river terraces and stream valleys have been estimated to have as rustic moisture regime. Poorly drained soils (aquic sub-groups) are known to occur in rice terraces where seepage is prevalent. The soil at mountains is acidic (4.9 - 6.5) and has low fertility (dystropepts and humi-repoeptes). This occurrence could be attributed to the high rainfall in the area, which has leached the surface soil considerably and also aggravated with the absence of a sound soil management.

2.4 Climatic Type In general, the province has two types of climate according to the Corona Climate Classification of the Philippines. The western portion is under Type I with two pronounced seasons, dry from November to April


and wet for the rest of the year. Type II affects the eastern portion with the seasons not very pronounced but also relatively dry from November to April and wet for the rest of the year. There is a limited information record for rainfall distribution in the entire province, however using the data from the weather stations located at Banaue, Ifugao, the mountain ranges were considered as the dividing lines between areas with almost equal rainfall. The eastern municipalities with Type II climate receives the least annual rainfall ranging from 1500 mm to 3000 mm and the western municipalities with Type I climate has the highest with 2500 mm to 4500 mm. this could be due topographic lifting. The central municipalities, which serve as the transition areas, receive the highest annual rainfall with 3000 mm to 4000 mm. Generally, the temperature in the province is affected by elevation. The eastern (Aguinaldo and Alfonso Lista) and southern portions (Lamut and part of Asipulo) experience higher daily average temperature range of 21-31 0C while the rest of the municipalities experience lower daily average temperature range of 14-30 0C (DENR 2007). The province experience two types of monsoon winds, namely Northeast Monsoon which prevails from November to February, and Southeast Monsoon which reaches the province from June to September. The southeast monsoon is responsible for the greater portion of rainfall period during the rest of the year especially during March to May and whenever the northeast and southeast monsoons are weak. The province is within the regular path of typhoons that passes the areas mostly in July, August and September. There are also few tropical cyclones that come as early as May and as late as January. As to the frequency of occurrence, almost 32 percent of the recorded typhoons in a year pass the province.

2.5 Social Characteristics The name Ifugao is derived from the word "Ipugo". Pugo means "hill" while the prefix "I-" means "from". The Spaniards changed "Ipugo" to "Ipugaw", and it was finally changed by the Americans to "Ifugao". For the Ifugaos, custom is the basis of all laws. But these customs would mean nothing if not supported by ancestral knowledge. Among the Ifugaos, extensive pedigrees exist. They are the graphic representation that puts in evidence one of the most basic principles of the Ifugao culture: "We cannot but do what our ancestors told us".

2.6 Economy The people in Ifugao province depend greatly on their wet-rice pond fields. The majority, consisting of 84 % of the whole population, derived their regular diet from agriculture products, most of it from the wet fields; 10 % derived from rivers such as fish, clams, and snails living in those wet fields. The Ifugao people plant taro, cotton, beans, radish, cabbage, and peas in their farms. They raise sweet potatoes and corn in swidden fields. The social status of an individual depends on the rice fields he/she owns or manages. Irrigation system is through constructed dikes and sluices.


3 Biodiversity Characterization

Biodiversity provides important benefits to human beings like biological pest control, specie preservation aside from serving as raw materials.

The decline of biodiversity is aggravated by land use change, climate change, overexploitation, and pollution.

3.1 Macrofloral Biodiversity

The macrofloral biodiversity in the selected pilot sites in Ifugao is shown in Figure 2. Nagacadan had the most diverse species with Shannon’s Index of 3.7 with well-maintained Muyong or private wood lot. This was followed by Bato-Alatbang (3.6) a mossy forest, and Namnama (3.59), a remnant of a Dipterocarp forest. The greater number of individuals surveyed in Nagacadan accounts for its higher diversity index. Namnama with the lowest elevation showed the highest number of species (89) followed by Nagacadan and Bato with 86 and 74 species, respectively. The differences in number of species may be affected by the altitude of the study sites. Species richness decreases as altitude increases, indicating an effect on area, available energy, isolation and/or zonation. Of the species recorded, 34 were endemic in the Philippines, and four are vulnerable thus are included under the IUCN red list of 2010 (Lithocarpus ovalis, Ziziphus talanai, Sandoricum vidalii, Dillenia philippinensis).

Figure 2. Biodiversity indices for macrofloral species per pilot site

3.59 3.7 3.6

4.484.49 4.45 4.304

5.25

0.8 0.83 0.84 0.85

0.954 0.97 0.96 0.984

Namnama, A. Lista Nagacadan, Kiangan Bato-Alatbang, Mayoyao All Areas

Shannon's Index Observed Shannon's Index MaxEveness Simpson's Index


Local threats to macro floral biodiversity include continued utilization of resources, slash and burn agriculture, forest burning, limited capabilities of barangay local government, and lack of sustainable livelihood and other income sources that are independent of the use of natural resources. Ethno-botany survey of the communities revealed 36 food plants, 30 species of medicinal/pesticidal plants, 26 species with sociocultural importance, and 121 tree species with economic importance such as: species use for housing construction (67), handicrafts (53), firewood (110), Lumber (53), furniture (35), charcoal (51), fence (16) and source of fiber (5). Fifteen (15) fast growing and economically important indigenous species that can be used for reforestation were also identified. Many floral species can be used to develop sustainable livelihood options for the community, such as seedling production of indigenous tree species, and agroforestry that involve organic farming of wild food vegetables cash crops and multistorey agroforestry of other economic plants as long term crops, They can serve not only as an in situ conservation strategy for floral biodiversity but also serve as local climate change adaptation measures are available in the area.

3.2 Faunal Biodiversity There were 57 bird species, eight mammal species, five species of amphibians and nine species of reptiles recorded from survey results conducted in Nagacadan, Kiangan, Bato-Alatbang, Mayoyao, and Namnama, A Lista. Sixteen out of 35 (46%) bird species identified are endemic to the Philippines. Eight species of birds are included in the IUCN Red List Category, one is vulnerable and seven are considered nearly threatened. Four species of mammals and two reptile species recorded are endemic to the Philippines. Local threats to faunal biodiversity loss include hunting for food and market using air rifle and bird nets, and habitat destruction. Faunal species population is fast decreasing and the loss is aggravated by climate change. One example is forest burning which is prevalent during prolonged drought destroying vital wildlife habitat. The highest number of faunal species was recorded in Nagacadan, Kiangan, Ifugao which could be attributed to the good forest cover and presence of diverse fruit-bearing trees in the area. Faunal/ wildlife species play vital role (resilience) in the environment more than just serving as food to human being. Maintenance of remaining forest and restoration of denuded forest cover in the other parts of Ifugao is vital in supporting wildlife population while contributing to climate change adaptation and mitigation.


4 Biophysical Characterization

The soil serves as medium for crop and animal production while water nourishes them. Therefore, soil and water play an important role

in man’s survival. In addition, healthy soils can remove a lot of carbon from the atmosphere.

4.1 Soil Analysis

One important soil chemical characteristic considered is the percent organic matter in the soil. Most of the farmers from Barangays Nagacadan, Viewpoint and Bato-Alatbang depend principally on natural OM content of the soil for the supply of the much needed rice nutrients. However, as shown in the figure below low soil organic matter content (1.48 %) found from grassland in Barangay Namnama while medium OM contents (2.17 %) were recorded from barangays Nagacadan and Bato-Alatbang. The level of organic matter in the rice fields were much higher which could be attributed the practice of leaving rice straws to decompose after harvesting the panicles.

Figure 3. Soil organic matter of the different ecosystems

5.74

2.49

1.48

3.238

4.87

3.47

2.17

3.503

5.24

3.32 3.11

3.889

Ricefields Forestlands Grasslands Mean

Namnama Nagacadan Bato-Alatbang


Figure 4 shows that the different ecosystem found in the pilot barangays have low to very low soil nitrogen content. This can be related to the low organic matter content of the soil as shown in Figure 3. This data indicates that the fertility of the soil is low thus there is a need to apply more organic fertilizer especially in the rice fields For the different ecosystems studied, grassland areas has the lowest soil nitrogen content due to the soil type, slope and the current vegetation. The pH of the soil is also important to consider since the availability of the soil nutrients is affected. At pH 5.5-6.5, most of the nutrients needed by the crops are in their available form and ready for for plant use. Soil that have pH below 5 will need more fertilizer to prevent plant nutrition problems. Soil nutrients (% organic matter, N, P, K) in the study sites are generally low and the soils are acidic. The effect of this soil condition coupled with the effect of changing climate will seriously affect agricultural production in the area. Adoption of organic farming specifically on the use of organic fertilizers will improve the soil nutrient conditions in the area.

Figure 4. Total nitrogen analysis for the different soil in the pilot sites

0.06

0.10

0.04

0.068

0.08

0.10

0.07

0.085

0.18

0.07

0.09

0.113

Rice fields Forest Lands Grasslands Mean



Figure 5. Soil pH of the different ecosystems in the pilot sites

4.2 Water Analysis Water quality analysis reveals that the water samples from the creeks have normal pH level except for Mabanutan Creek in Namnama, Alfonso Lista which is slightly high of alkaline (pH 8) but this value does not adversely affect growth, development and reproduction of crops and fresh water fish species. As to the level of ammonia in all creeks evaluated, the values ranges from 0.2 to 0.4 mg/L which is still within the ideal range for most plants and animals as shown in Figure 7. Water in the study sites has normal to slightly alkaline pH levels and ammonia concentrations are still in the ideal level for plants and animals but water quantity and source of irrigation continuously decrease. Depth of water flowing in creeks is becoming shallower than usual and some creeks are becoming intermittent. The construction of water impounding structure, rain water collectors, and water pumps are potential immediate adaptation measures for barangay Namnama but may not be afforded by most of the community members. Improvement of irrigation canals and provision of Polyethylene pipes for Barangays Nagacadan, Bato-Alatbang, and Viewpoint are remedial interventions for the continuously decreasing water supply. Long-term interventions for ensuring adequate water supply while addressing climate change include rehabilitation of watersheds in all the barangays.

5.74

6.50

5.20

5.81

4.524.90

5.70

5.04

4.11

5.00 5.104.74

Ricefields Forestlands Grasslands Mean



Figure 6. Soil pH of the creeks and rivers in the study area

.

Figure 7. Ammonia content of the creeks and river in the study area

6.4

6.6

6.8

7

7.2

7.4

7.6

7.8

8

8.2

pH

Andotmog creek

Munlanghi creek

Nagawa creek

Buyayao creek

Balo-o creek

Namnama creek

Mabanutan creek

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.4

0.45

Ammonia (mg/L)

Andotmog creek

Munlanghi creek

Nagawa creek

Buyayao creek

Balo-o creek

Namnama creek

Mabanutan creek


5 Socio-economic Profiling

Socio-economic profiling presents a comprehensive idea on the condition of the community as to demographic profile, economic related factors and socio related factors.

5.1 Demographic Profile The majority of the respondents are female and most of them are married. Ilocano dominates all other tribes present in Barangay Namnama while Tuwali recorded the largest number of respondents in Viewpoint and Nagacadan. However, Ayangan tribe had the most number of respondents in Bato-Alatbang, Mayoyao. Generally, the Ayangan tribe is the predominant tribe and is spread in eight municipalities of the province.

5.2 Source of Livelihood The majority of the respondents are engaged in farming as shown in Figure 8 with an annual income within the poverty level of at least PhP 15,000 to PhP 30,000 per year. The limited arable farm area and the single rice cropping per year may explain the limited income of farmers especially in the municipalities of Banaue, Mayoyao, and Kiangan.

Figure 8. Occupation of the respondents

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140

Farming(crops/animals)

Carpentry

Carver

Fishing(fishpond, fish cage)

Government employee

Private Employee

Businessman/woman

Dress making

Bato - Alatbang

Nagacadan

Viewpoint

Namnama


Figure 9 indicates the different crops planted by respondents depending on the elevation and topography. Low elevation areas pedominantly grow corn and lowland rice varieites while the other barangays with medium to high elevation produces traditional rice varieites in the rice terraces. Highland vegetables are also grown along rice terraces areas especially in Kiangan and Mayoyao except for Banawe which maintains the rice terraces landscape for tourism purposes. Various fruit trees are usualy raised in the backyard mainly for home consumption. Betel nut abounds in medium to high elevation areas and is now gaining market in the province. Animals are also raised by respondents mostly for home consumption and for sale. Native pigs and chickens are usually used for rituals and sold only when the need arises while hybrid swine and broiler raised are for market purposes. Greater number of large animals like carabaos and cattle are raised only in low elevation due to steep slopes in areas with high elevation unsuited for pasture.

Figure 9. Crops raised by respondents

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Namnama Viewpoint Nagacadan Bato-Alatbang

Rice Corn Vegetable Root crops Banana Mango Rattan fruit Pomelo Betel Nut


Figure 10. Animal raised by respondents

5.3 Socio-related Factors Community members are active in religious activities attending prayer meetings and bible studies. Some are members of cooperatives and non-government/ farmer’s or community organizations. Means of distant communication is through cellular phones and means of transportation is by tricycle, jeepneys and buses.

0

20

40

60

80

100

120


Swine Native Pig Carabao Native Chicken Broiler Chicken Duck


6 Agri-Livelihood Profiling

Farming is the major source of income in the province of Ifugao. However, the unique topography limits the livelihood choices of the respondents to expand

into a commercial scale production.

6.1 Agri-Livelihood Activities As gleaned in Figure 11, the livelihood activities of majority of the respondents is related to agricultural crop production. Namnama with low elevation had more choices of livelihood activities such as tilapia and large animals rasing compared to the other barangays. Most of the respondents fund their own livelihood projects. However, some were financed by the local government unit, non-government organizations and private banks.

Figure 11. Livelihood activities of the respondents from the pilot barangays

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90food processing

Sewing

cogon weaving

buy and sell of agricultural productsgoat raising

swine raising

tilapia raising

native attire weaving

Carabao raising

Cow raising

Agricultural Crop Production


Figure 12. Livelihood assistance availed by respondents

6.2 Government Support Government support to farmers is important to empower farmers and improve their economy. Figure 12 shows that most of this assistance was in the form of livelihood trainings such as handicraft making, entrpreneurship, food processing and others as identified by the respondents. Loan assistance are likewise availed by the respondents from banks, cooperatives and other existing credit institutions. Some areas also receives grants and aids from any sources. Trainings conducted are mostly initiated by the Local Govermnet Units through the Department of Agriculture and most of the training availed is related to farming. The Ifugao farmers in the study sites are generally subsistence farmers who derived their income mostly from farming activities (crops, animals, fish) on a limited farm area. Alternative sources of income is derived from non-farming activities such as paid labor, handicrafts making, small scale business and the like but still most of them are on the poverty level because barangays located in higher elevations have limited choice for livelihood activities. Considering the limited area or farming activities in the medium to high elevation areas in Ifugao, the introduction of suitable high valued crops in the locality and strengthening sustainable alternative sources of livelihood through technical and financial supports may help alleviate the current poverty level of the Ifugao farmers.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Namnama Nagacadan Viewpoint Bato Alatbang

Loan

Grant

Training

Trade Credit


7 Local Knowledge on Climate Change

7.1 Locally Observed Effects Of Climate Change

Each community has their own way of observing the changes in the climate and relate them to their daily livelihood activities, their resources and their own health.

Relating these observatiosn to science can help them to cope up with any given change. 7.1.1 Agriculture Respondents are aware of climate change and able to observe its effects. Most of the observed climate changes are erratic rainfall pattern, warming of the environment, stronger rain and typhoon, increasing drought periods, and increased presence of pest and diseases. In terms of the effects to agricultural production, most respondents believed that climate change leads to food shortage in rice, unstable price of agriculrural products, stunted growth of crops and livestocks, higher mortality rates in animals and fishes, and poor quality of agricultural produce.

Figure 13. Locally observed effects of climate change to agriculture

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80Observed Effects

food shortage in rice

unstable prices of agriculture products

Stunted growth of crops and livestock

Higher mortality rate in livestock fisheries & force majeure of crops


Figure 14. Locally observed effects of climate change to health

7.1.2 Health The health of the respondents is also affected by climate change due to the increase in temperature. Figure 14 indicates that the occurrence of frequent cough and cold and occurrence of skin diseases are direct effects of these changes.

7.1.3 Water Resources

Majority of the respondents from the selected barangays said that with climatic change the potential water sources are inadequate to sustain agricultural productivity and source of potable water supply becomes scarce. Unpredictable occurrence of rain water also affects cropping patterns. 7.1.4 Species and Natural Resources The occurrence of more pest and diseases is the predominant observed effects of climate change. Other observed effects include erosion and flashfloods, and destruction natural habitat of plant and wildlife species due to fire as a result of prolonged drought making forest areas susceptible to intended and unintended burning.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Occurrence of skin diseases

Frequent cough & colds

Heat stroke causing death of old age

Loss vowel movement due to water contamination


Figure 15: Observed effects of climate change to water resources

Figure 16. Locally observed effects of climate change to species and forest resources

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80


Scarcity of potable water supply

Inadequacy of potential

water sources to sustain agricultural productivity

There is unpredictable weather condition that destroys cropping pattern

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80


Occurrence of more pests & diseases

Natural habitat of pests and diseases are destroyed by wild fires

Excessive use of poisonous materials in combating pests and diseases kills friendly insects/vectors which hinders there multiplication


7.1.5 Fisheries The effect of climate change on fisheries is more evident in Barangay Namnama with low elevation. Majority of those who are engaged in aquaculture believed that the increase in temperature of water affects the productivity of their fishponds. The effect of climate change is evident in Ifugao as observed by respondents. The irregular rainfall patterns, longer drought period, decreasing water quantity, stronger rainfall and typhoons, and warmer temperature were among the observed climate changes in Ifugao. The observed climate changes affect agricultural production resulting to low yield and reduction of income to farmers. It also causes health problems to community members and reduces quantity of water for domestic and irrigation purposes. The prolonged drought period also makes forest areas susceptible to burning causing loss of plant and wildlife biodiversity. Inland fish culture is also affected by excessive heat resulting to fish kill.

Figure 17. Locally observed effects of climate change to fisheries

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40


Fish kill and increased mortality rate

Occurrence of diseases

Decreased marine ecosystem productivity

Lesser income of fisher folks


7.2 Practices Adopted to Overcome the Effects of Climate Change

Climate Change is inevitable. Appropriate strategies must be adopted to maintain order and adapt to this changes for survival.

7.2.1 Agriculture To mitigate the effects of climate change in agriculture, majority of the respondents from the pilot sites established alternative source of water like shallow water pump irrigation and small water impounding to sustain agriculture production. 7.2.2 Health Preventive measures are important to health. Majority of respondents in the pilot sites avoid using contaminated water and try to eat more fruits to boost their immune system.

Figure 18. Overcoming the effect of climate change to agriculture

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

% % % %

Namnama Viewpoint Nagcadan Bato-Alatbang

established shallow water pump irrigation and small water impounding to sustain agriculture productivity

shifted to other livelihood activities with lesser risk to climate change

applied bioorganic fertilizer and botanical insecticides

improved quality of produce through organic farming


7.2.3 Water Resources As for water resource, the respondents from the pilot barangays usually established deep wells, tapped natural springs and participated in watershed development to ensure availability of water for irrigating their water. Purified water from refilling station is also used for domestic purposes when safe potable water is not available.

Figure 19. Overcoming the effect of climate change to health

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

% % % %


avoid using contaminated water

Eat more fruits rich in vitamin C as a preventive measure to cough and cold infection

Planted more trees in the backyard to reduce the immediate impact of hot temperature

established deep well and reduce taking water from the spring as source of potable water


Figure 20. Overcoming the effect of climate change to water resources

7.2.4 Species and Natural Resources The respondents from the selected barangays agreed that observed effect of climate change for species and natural resources was that the number of species of plants and wildlife are slowly decreasing. Adaptation measures include the preservation of natural habitat of species, reduction of use of pesticides and herbicides, and breaking the cycle of pest and diseases. Forest areas are recognized as habitat of plant and animal species. Respondents recognized that the avoidance of forest burning and illegal cutting of trees, and participation to tree planting activities are good adaptation measures for species conservation.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

% % % %


Established deep well & tap spring

Bought purified water from refilling station for domestic use

Participated in watershed development program to sustain agricultural productivity

Develop cropping system through trial and error practice.


Figure 21. Overcoming the effect of climate change to species and natural resources

7.2.5 Fisheries

The majority of the respondents from the pilot municipalities usually establish water pump irrigation to sustain their aquaculture projects. Changing water and planting aquatic plants are other methods identified as adaptation measures for aquaculture. The need to adapt to changing climate for survival have made the respondents of this study more innovative. In agriculture, the construction of water impounding structure and tapping potential irrigation source were done by some respondents. Others resorted to using bioorganic fertilizers or shifted to organic farming. Other respondents also applied crop rotation, crop diversification, and or shifted to other sources of livelihood when farming is not favorable. Farmers engaged in fish culture used water pump for water supply and plant aquatic plants to reduce the impact of extreme heat. Climate change poses a serious threat to species and forest resources. Respondents agreed that preservation of natural habitat of species through avoidance of unnecessary burning and land use alteration is the most effective adaptation measure coupled with rehabilitation of denuded portion of forest areas.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

% % % %


Break the cycle of pest by crop rotation

Preserved the natural habitat of pests and diseases to balance the ecosystem

Reduce the excessive use of pesticides in controlling pests and diseases

Reduced the excessive use of pre-emergence herbicides that causes soil erosion during heavy down pour of rain


Figure 22. Overcoming the effect of climate change to fish resources

05

10152025303540

% % % %


Establish water pump irrigation

Drain water and frequent change of water to the fish ponds

Planted aquatic plants useful for the marine animals

Process the fish produce to improve the nutritive value and price of fish products.


8 Data Information Gaps

After this activity, the IFSU team found that there is still a lot of information that need to be addressed that can serve as an input to climate change adaptation as follows:

1. indigenous knowledge on agricultural cropping system for specific crops grown in response to climate change to include cropping calendar, crop selection, crop management practices, and crop yield;

2. weather data especially rainfall, temperature, and other hydrologic and climatic data and its correlation to agriculture productivity;

3. data on suitability of high-valued crops (fruits, cereals, vegetables) in the locality; 4. indicators that can lead to measurement of sustainable climate change adaptation measures; 5. development and pilot testing of community-based sustainable livelihood options; 6. in situ and ex situ conservation strategies for economically important indigenous plants and wildlife

species; and 7. short and long-term water management strategies.


9 Recommendations

The described assessment should be continued. A proposal should be made by IFSU in coordination with other stakeholders to address the above data gaps. Financial institutions are solicited/ encouraged to provide funding requirements based on the proposal. In addition, the following are recommended:

1. sustainable alternative livelihood options should be developed to ease the dependence of community members to natural resources. Raising of animals can help farmers move away from the monocropping of rice and corn. The abundance of grassland in Alfonso Lista and Aguinaldo also offers a good opportunity for cattle raising;

2. the practice of establishing contour lines and planting ally crops are recommended in steep and rolling lands to sonserve soil fertility and minimize soil erosion;

3. training should be provided on how the readings and interpretations of weather data obtained from the Automatic Weather Station (AWS) be useful to farmers;

4. synchronized planting in clusters is likewise recommended to disperse the damage caused by the increasing plant pests and diseases;

5. strengthen cooperatives to support the farmers financially on their farm needs; and 6. LGUs, GOs, and NGOs should continue to provide financial and technical assistance to support

trainings and technology transfer to farmers.


REFERENCES

ALCALA, A.C. 1986. Guide to Philippine Flora and Fauna: Amphibians and Reptiles. University of the Philippines. 10:1-195.

BANTAYAN, N. C., M.M. CALDERON, J.T. DIZON, A.J.U. SAJISE, M.G. SALVADOR. 2009.

Community-Based Mapping of the Rice Terraces Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List (A component study of the project entitled “Towards the Development of a Sustainable Financing Mechanism for the Conservation of the Ifugao Rice Terraces”). Available online at: http://www.eepsea.org.

CRUZ, R.V.O. AND N.C. BANTAYAN. 2009. Draft GIS Atlas for the Project “Mainstreaming

Adaptation in the Philippines and Asia Pacific”. Unpublished PowerPoint presentation presented during a workshop on November 25, 2009 at CAR DENR Regional Office, Baguio City.

CULHI, L.M. 2009. Native Rice Production Practices in Ifugao. The Upland Farm Journal. January

2009 Issue. Vol. XVIII, No.1 DANIELS, JOSE G. 2008. Solid Waste Management Practices of Implementers in the Province of

Ifugao. Unpublished Dissertation. NVSU, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya. FAO-GIAHS, 2009. Ifugao Rice Terraces (Philippines) - Detailed Information.

http://www.fao.org/nr/giahs/pilot-systems/pilot/ifugao-rice-terraces/ifugao-rice-terraces-detailed/en/

LANNAON, W.J. 2007. Characterization of Ifugao Native Pigs. The Upland Farm Journal. January-

December Issue. Vol. XVII, No.1 PATINDOL, T.A. 2003. Faunal Inventory of Bulosao Watershed forest Reserve, Lawaan, Eastern

Samar, Philippines. PRAMOJANEE, P., C. TANABUD, C. YONGACHALERCHAI AND C. NAVANUGRAHA. 2001. An

Application of GIS for Mapping of Flood Hazard and Risk Area in Nakorn Sri Thammarat Province, South of Thailand. URL: http://www.itc.nl/ha2/suslup/Thema5/198/198.pdf (accessed June 2010).

PONNAMPERUMA, M. E. AND BANDYOPAHYA, A. K. 1989. Soil Salinity as a Constraint on Food Production in Humid Tropics. IRRI, Los Baños RABOR, D.S. 1986. Guide to Philippine Flora and Fauna: Birds and Mammals. University of the

Philippines. 2:1-284

http://www.eepsea.org/




RENE, B. AND L. SUTCLIFFE, 2005. Birding Batad, Banaue, Ifugao. www.birdwatch.ph/html/trip/trip20050507.html

RONDOLO, M. 2000. The Changing Ifugao Woodlots: its Implications for Indigenous Plant

Knowledge and Biodiversity. Ph.D. dissertation, Australian National University. Canberra, Australia.

RAZAL, R.A. AND PALIJON, P.M. 2009. Non-wood Forest Product of th Philippines. UPLB

Colleges of Forestry and Natural Resources, College, Laguna 4031

ROMERO, M.R., SNELDER D., VAN DER ZANDEN, E.H. AND MAGUILIN G. 2009. Surviving the Floods: Coping Mechanisms of Households in a Continuing Exposure to Floods in Cagayan Valley, Philippines. In. Changing Landscapes. Proceedings of the 6th International Conference on Environment and Development. Eds. Masipiqueña, A.B., Van Weerd, M. and Udto, R.G. CVPED, 2009.

SELLIERS, J. Ed.,2005. Facts on Biodiversity. www.millenniumassessment.org TAGUILING, N. K. 2009. The Taxonomy of Macro Floral Resources in the Rice Terraces

Watersheds. Terminal Report. ISCAF Research, Development and Training. URLANDAR R. Jan.2008. Monthly Agriculture Magazine. Vol.XII.No.1.

P.O.Box Manila bulletin Building Murrala Corner Recoletos, Intramuros, and Manila. YALCIN, G. AND Z. AKYUREK. 2004. Analysing Flood Vulnerable Areas with Multicriteria

Evaluation. International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. Paper. XXth ISPRS Congress, 12-23, Istanbul, Turkey.

http://www.birdwatch.ph/html/trip/trip20050507.html

http://www.millenniumassessment.org/


Annex 1: Topographic Maps Topographic Map of Barangay Namnama Alfonso, Lista, Ifugao


Topographic Map of Barangay Nagacayan, Kiangan, Ifugao

Map Scale = 26,400


Topographic Map of Barangay Viewpoint, Banaue, Ifugao

Map Scale = 33,800


Topographic Map of Barangay Bato-Alatbang, Mayoyao, Ifugao

Map Scale = 12,800


Annex 2: Slope Maps Slope Map of Barangay Namnama, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao

Map Scale = 1:13,600


Slope Map of Barangay Nagacadan, Kiangan, Ifugao

Map Scale = 26,400


Slope Map of Barangay Viewpoint, Banaue, Ifugao

Map Scale = 33,800


Slope Map of Barangay Bato-Alatbang, Mayoyao, Ifugao

Map Scale = 12,800


Annex 3: Soil Series Soil Series Distribution of Barangay Namnama, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao



Soil Series Distribution of Barangay Nagacadan, Kiangan, Ifugao

Map Scale = 26,400


Soil Series Distribution of Barangay Viewpoint, Banaue, Ifugao

Map Scale = 33,800


Series Distribution of Barangay Bato-Alatbang, Mayoyao, Ifugao

Map Scale = 12,800


Annex 4: Land Use Maps Land Use Map of Barangay Namnama, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao



Land Use Map of Barangay Nagacadan, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao


Land Use Map of Barangay Viewpoint, Banaue, Ifugao

Map Scale = 33,800


Land Use Map of Barangay Bato-Alatbang, Mayoyao, Ifugao

Map Scale = 12,800

IFSU Synthesis Report

Documents

Transcript of IFSU Synthesis Report