BSU researchers map integrated agroforestry systems in Benguet

By Jennelyn S. Tabangcurea

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- A team of researchers from the Benguet State University here through a study titled “Baseline Information Analysis for Integrated Agroforestry Systems in Benguet, Cordillera Administrative Region has mapped four agroforestry systems practiced in Benguet.

                The team was composed of Valentino L. Macanes, Mario M. Marquez, Hilario C. Perez, Jimmy A. Wakat, Christopher P. Deponio, Cunegunda D. Abellera and Von Y. Amado.

                Agroforestry consists of several systems that sustain the management of land which increases overall productivity by combining agricultural crops, trees, and other forest plants and/or animals simultaneously or sequentially and applies management practices that are compatible with the cultural practices of local population.

                The agroforestry systems practiced in Benguet as shown by the study are: Agrisilvicultural, a combination of annual crops particularly squash, gabi, sweet potato, rice, or corn plus forest trees specifically Benguet pine or Alnus; Agrisivilvipastoral, the combination of domestic animals particularly cattle under Benguet pine or Alnus;  and Agrisiviculture plus Sericulture, a combination of gabi, sweetpotato, or rice planted in open areas with coffee growing

under  Benguet pine or Alnus plus mulberry cultivated in the open areas for Sericulture. Among these Agroforestry systems, Agrisiviculture has been the most employed.

                The study classified the municipalities of Benguet into Agroforestry Ecological Zones. Itogon, Tuba ,and Sablan falls into AFEZ 1 described as Low Mountain Zone. Mankayan, Kapangan, Bokod, and La Trinidad are AFEZ 2 described as Mid-Mountain Zone. Atok, Bakun, Buguias, Kabayan, Kibungan, and Tublay are AFEZ 3 described as High Mountain Zone. Only Sablan of AFEZ 1 and Kapangan and La Trinidad of AFEZ 2 practiced Agrisiviculture plus Sericulture.

                The study recommended, among others, the promotion of agroforestry as an alternative and sustainable source of livelihood, environment protection, climate change mitigation, and balance biodiversity through the production of Information Education Communication (IEC) materials, scientific forums, and conferences. 

                The study also documented the perceptions, attitudes and knowledge systems of farmers practicing Agroforestry in Benguet.  

                Majority of the respondents acknowledged their role to protect the forest because it provides plenty of products such as firewood and other raw materials.