PaLA, RABA, RaCSA, RHA and RMA Application in Municipality of Claveria, Misamis Oriental Province, Philippines
By the Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT)

Claveria is the largest of 24 municipalities in the Misamis Oriental Province on Mindanao, the second largest of the Philippines’ islands. The municipality covers about 82,997ha, or one-third of the province.Its rugged terrain ranges from 350-2500 metres above sea level (masl), and from moderately sloping to hilly. In 2008, land uses were classified into forestland (56,942.51ha), agricultural land (26,055.46ha) and residential/built-up areas (17,000ha).

A 2006 census found that 49,017 people lived in Claveria, and farming was the major economic activity, involving about 84 per cent of households. Corn is the predominant crop, but the municipality is also famous for high-value crops such as tomatoes, cabbages, peppers, sweet peas and baguio beans. Claveria’s competitive advantage lies in its vast land area, good climate, cool temperature and typhoon-free status.

The remaining natural, secondary and plantation forest in Claveria is managed by the indigenous people (Higaonon tribe), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Local Government Units and others. In addition to the conservation forest protected in Mt. Balatukan Range Natural Park, Claveria is also one of the DENR’s reforestation sites. Many upland farmers have abandoned monocultures in favour of agroforestry systems such as natural vegetative strips (NVS), improved NVS, multi-storey systems, woodlots and fruit orchards. The switch was driven by the need to improve low productivity, address erosion and optimise the available land area.

The Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT) will implement five TUL-SEA tools in Claveria:

1. Participatory Landscape Appraisal (PaLA)
2. Rapid Agro-Biodiversity Appraisal (RABA)
3. Rapid Carbon Stock Appraisal (RaCSA)
4. Rapid Hydrological Appraisal (RHA)
5. Rapid Marketing Appraisal (RMA)

 

Implementation of Participatory Landscape Appraisal in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Tumacas, AM¹ and Cosadio, AL^2
1 LGU-Claveria, Misamis Oriental, Philippines
²MOSCAT, Claveria, Misamis Oriental

 

Study background

Claveria is one of the 24 municipalities of the Province of Misamis Oriental having a total land area of about 82,997 hectares and a population of about 47,713 (MNAO, 2009). Farming is the major economic activity in the municipality. Of the total land area, about 31.39% or 26,055.46 hectares are classified or zoned as Agricultural Land.

Generally, information related to the municipality’s ecological profiles particularly on landscapes status and change over time are not in place and nobody has taken cared-off getting such kind of information. With the implementation of the PaLA, the following were accomplished: 3D Map Model of the Municipality of Claveria developed, baseline information of the municipality’s landscape and lifescape was established, farmers management practices, options made and/or to be made were docmented; and data management system of the municipality for planning, policy and development implementation was enhanced.

The methodology used in generating first hand information through historical transect, spatial topographic transect, seasonal calendar and information on environmental issues of the Municipality is found very useful in the field of development planning and other related activities of the Local Government Unit. In the implementation of the tool, the Municipality was divided into four (4) different classifications based on its topographic characteristics: Lower, Middle, Upper and Tabok Barangays. The lower portion has an elevation range of 300-600 meters above sea level (masl); the middle portion is 600-750 masl; the upper portion is 750-1,000 masl, while Tabok Barangays have an elevation range of 750 to more than 1,000 masl mostly hilly and mountainous. Using the methodology (focus group discussion and actual conduct of transect walk) considerable information were gathered and documented.

Main Result

Historical Landuses.

In the early years, the lower portion of the Municipality was primarily dominated with grasses while the middle, upper and Tabok Barangays were dominated primarily with forest covers. The coming in of logging companies sometimes in late 60’s, threatened the forest covers of the Municipality which resulted to the conversion of lands into land cultivation for agricultural crops production but it was more interesting to note that the Municipality of Claveria hosts larger portion of remaining forest covers in the Province of Misamis. It was also learned that the presence and disappearance of birds and animals like wild pig, monkeys and others were found to be greatly dependent on the presence of forest covers.

Corn was the prominent crop grown in the Municipality. Harvesting of corn while still young was adopted during the early years in order to evade heavy damage caused by wild animals such as monkeys and wild pigs. Root crops like cassava, gabi and camote were grown as staple food during the early years. Coffee thrives best in the Municipality but massive destruction of coffee farms was experienced sometimes in the 80’s due to discouraging market price of coffee beans and converted to production of corn and other high value crops like tomatoes, cabbage and others. However, efforts on retrieval and rehabilitation of coffee farms as well as establishment of new coffee plantation were taken cared off by farmers in the entire Municipality due to its increasing demand in the local and foreign markets.

Abaca is another promising commodity in the Municipality but was demolished and shifted to corn and other high value crops sometimes in the 80’s due to the occurrence of disease locally known as “alcoheris”. The increasing demand of abaca fiber both local and foreign markets aggravates the planting of abaca. Yacoon, a medicinal plant was being introduced in early 2000 by the DOALNARA (a religious group) and grown in Tabok Barangays for commercial production as fresh and processed products like syrup, teas and other form of medicinal products. The coming of Del Monte Philippines, Inc. (DMPI) in 2008 was perceived to threaten the biodiversity of the locality by shifting the areas planted to different annual crops into industrial crop production like pineapple. A total of more than 1,000 hectares were already cultivated and planted with pineapple.

The entire Municipality was generally peaceful except that the peace and order situation was adversely disturbed in 1983 to 1984 with the massive recruitment and killings of local residents by the National People’s Army (NPA) that resulted to mass evacuation to the Barangay centers leaving the farms, farm implements, farm animals and other properties unattended. There was a declaration of “No Man’s Land” in some areas in the Upper and Tabok Barangays during that time. The peace and order situation was restored in 1986. However, the upper and Tabok Barangays manifests the physical presence of some lawless elements like NPAs in the area even today.

Mono cropping and shifting area of cultivation was commonly practiced by farmers during the early years with zero fertilizer application. The introduction of commercial production of corn and production of high value crops requiring high nutritional level of soil nutrients demanded the application of commercial and synthetic fertilizers and chemicals into the farms. Thus, farmers in the Municipality became inorganic fertilizer and chemical dependent in 1990’s. In effect, there were numbers of farmers experiencing negative net loss.

Initiatives towards adoption of soil and water technology started in 1980’s by the International Rice Research Institutes and Department of Agriculture, but supports to these initiatives were not sustained. Increasing trend of farmers implementing the soil and water conservation measures were observed in the lower, middle and upper Barangays sometimes in mid 1990’s with the introduction of Natural Vegetative Strips (NVS) technology of the International Centre for Research on Agro-Forestry (ICRAF) through Landcare Approach. In support to these initiatives, the Local Government Unit through the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist initiated the provision of assistance to farmers exercising and adapting soil and water conservation technologies. There was also drafting of Municipal Ordinance institutionalizing the provision of reward mechanisms to farmers implementing soil and water conservation in the farms. However, the passage and approval of the ordinance died its natural death after the proponent of said ordinance lost in the 2007 local election.

Spatial Topographic Transect.

Tree species like Gmelina, Eucalyptus and mahogany were commonly grown. Huge forest cover existed in the mountainous areas of the Tabok Barangays. Production potential of fruit trees was site specific. Fruit trees like jackfruits, abocado, marang and santol are found productive in all areas of the Municipality but seemed to be limited in areas having higher elevation. Coffee, bananas and bamboos were commonly grown, abaca was abundant in the middle, upper and Tabok Barangays while coconuts were abundant and more productive in the lower portion of the Municipality. Corn, cassava and other vegetables are also commonly grown. Commercial production of cassava were observed in the lower portion and high value crops were observed in the middle, upper and Tabok Barangays. Upland rice production were observed in the lower and middle portion and improved lowland rice varieties were planted in both rainfed and irrigated areas in selected location in the Municipality. Rattan and anonotong on the other hand were only observed in the upper and Tabok Barangays of the Municipality.

Cows and carabaos were commonly raised. Some of them were raised as source of additional family income and some were utilized as draft animals. Horses on the other hand were used as the only means of transportation in commuting local residents and in hauling farm inputs and farm products. Backyard broiler productions, commercial poultry production and piggery were concentrated in the lower portion of the Municipality. Backyard poultry production within and closer to the urban settlement contributed foul odor and occurrence of flies. Amendments of some provisions of the existing ordinance needs to be reviewed in order to address this issue.

Corn

Corn was the dominant cropping patterns adopted by the farmers municipal wide. Most farmers opted to plant corn after the harvest of high value crops. The productivity level of corn was convincing even with minimal and zero application of fertilizer. It was generally perceived that corn when planted after tomato, could still benefit the heavy usage of fertilizer in growing high value crops. Mono cropping cassava was also widely accepted and commonly practiced by the local farmers. Most farmers in the lower portion of the Municipality adopt the relay cropping or inter cropping corn and cassava so that by the time that production of corn becomes a failure, the farmers could still expect good harvest of cassava.

Seasonal Calendar.

Tabok Barangays with higher elevation and with huge forest cover practiced early planting of crops which usually starts in the month of March while the lower portion of the Municipality had it in the later days of April. Planting of corn in the month of June was highly discouraged due to severe damaged by corn borers. Planting of high value crops was done anytime of the month but planting of tomato stopped after the month of October due to discouraging market price. Cassava followed the same planting schedule with corn and other crops. Male and female population contributed equal participation in doing farm related activities. However, there were specific farm activities on which only the male adults could perform like land preparation, furrowing, spraying, hilling-up and hauling of farm inputs and farm products.

Scarcity of food locally known as “tinggutom or tingbitay sa iro” was usually experienced during the months of June and July while in the months of August to November food were found abundant which in effect caused shortage of farm labor. The months of June, November and December were considered most expensive months as these periods were the start of classes and the traditional celebration of Christmas. The months of May and June were most commonly selected as the day of wedding by Claveriahanons and that giving birth was usually observed to be greater in the months of September and October.

Tenurial and Environmental Issues.

In forest lands, overlapping issuance of tenurial instruments was perceived. With a total land area of 58,800.33 classified as forestlands, surprisingly, about 62,355.64 hectares with tenurial instruments were already issued. There existed massive selling of rights of the CARP beneficiaries in privately owned lands as well as in ISF areas in public lands (forest/timberlands). Individual lot titles of the properties under CARP were not yet separated from the mother title of the lot contributing to low RPT collection efficiency of the Local Government Unit of Claveria which accounted to only about 24% of the total taxable amount.

Declining production of potential crops and the introduction of high yielding varieties of crops demanded the heavy usage of inorganic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides in order to meet and satisfy the cultural management requirements of growing these crops. Yet, poor handling management of the empty containers of chemicals was observed. The heavy usage of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides was expected to threaten the quality of water in the springs and rivers due to contamination.

3-Dimensional Modeling.

Digitized topo map, computer generated gridlines, computer generated base maps (roads, rivers and creeks) and computer generated maps like landuses or land cover map as primary information to be reflected into the model would be impossible without accessing the use of computer software like Geographic Information System (GIS). Reflected into the 3-D Map Model was the Municipality’s land cover utilizing the land cover data generated via satellite in year 2003 and integrated therein the basic information like Barangay boundaries, road network, rivers and creeks, land marks and others. The 3-D Map Model served as the living legend of establishing and initiating resolution on existing Barangay boundary conflict.

Reflection on the methodology

The PaLA tool plays a significant role in establishing the first hand information as to the landscape and lifescape status of the municipality; the tool offered and provided remarkable opportunity to local personnel in gaining knowledge and enhancing skills in terms of techniques and methodologies in generating the needed data that complements the preparation of an Updated Ecological Profile of the Municipality of Claveria; and the tool helped enhance and improve the data management system of the LGU. The present administration appreciates the importance and significant contribution of the model not only to planners and decision makers but most importantly in showcasing the municipality’s economic advantage. Hence, the model was placed in one of the corners within the Municipal ground with a shed purposely constructed to house the model.

Reference

Manual on Participatory 3-Dimensional Modeling for Natural Resource Management. October 2000. Essential of Protected Area Management in the Philippines, Vol. 7. Department of Environment and Natural Resources
 

 

Rapid Agrobiodiversity Appraisal (RABA) at the Canopy Walk Landscape of Claveria, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Salinas, EP and Cosadio, AL
 

The Canopy Walk landscape of Claveria is part of Mt. Lumot and is accessible from the road at sitio Man-ibay of barangay Aposkahoy. The Canopy Walk is considered the premier tourism destination in Claveria. Located just about 15 kms. from the Poblacion, it provides an adventure which not everyone is blessed to enjoy as one glides through a breath- taking 50 – 80 feet height over canopy of trees. The TULSEA group of Claveria is determined to provide the essential data to determine the biodiversity potential of this landscape utilizing the RABA tool. Its close proximity to Mt. Balatukan, a protected national park would make it a buffer zone for adjacent forest and as a corridor connecting Mt. Lumot to the rest of the mountains in the Kimangkil Range of Mindanao.

RABA is a tool designed to assess the perspectives of concerned stakeholders related to biodiversity conservation and the possibility of acquiring payment for environmental services (PES) at any area found to have high potential for such undertaking. This tool was tested in the “Canopy Walk” Landscape of Claveria, Misamis Oriental aimed to integrate research results to community-based biodiversity conservation planning and implementation. Luckily, the application of the tool in the area was able to achieve its specific objectives to wit:

1. Identified potential biodiversity rich areas and determined their conservation values in the landscape;
2. Assessed the land uses and its threats to biodiversity of the area;
3. Defined stakeholders interests and possible participation to the project;
4. Mainstream RABA tool in the development of MOSCAT as a “Biodiversity Sanctuary” and that of the LGU’s program of making Claveria as a “New Eco-tourism Destination in the Country”; and
5. Explored the areas potential for a reward mechanism for environmental services.

The objectives were realized through the combination of the activities like: locating potential areas and determining conservation values utilizing primary and secondary data; conduct of GPS/GIS training, Participatory Mapping and Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) training; conduct of face-to-face interview with key informants; Focused Group Discussions (FGD’s) for data validation and stakeholder analysis, and SWOT identification; and biodiversity assessment utilizing Quick Biodiversity Surveys (QBS) for trees, birds and mammal species to six (6) ecologically important sites.

Results

A total of 89 tree species were documented from six sampling sites, the highest occurrence is at the montane forest of Mat-i. Next is the Canopy Walk landscape, classified as secondary growth forest, the rest were agroforestry and plantation forests. Notable trees in the canopy walk are: Tanguile (Shorea polysperma), Red Lauan (Shorea negrosensis), White Lauan (Shorea contorta) and Ficus species (Ficus spp.). The mossy forest was dominated by specialist Dipterocarps like the Shorea and Lithocarpus. Other notable plants are different species of Nepenthis and the abundance of Fungi species. Almaciga (Agathis philippinensis), Red Lauan (Shorea negrosensis), White Lauan (Shorea contorta) and Tanguile (Shorea polysperma) are locally and nationally threatened because of timber extraction. Other locally threatened are Ulayan (Lithocarpus llanosii), Hangilo (Michelia platyphylla), and Lamitga (Toona calantas) because these are harvested as firewood. Critically endangered (national) is Kaliyaan (Shorea palosapis).

A total of 47 bird species were listed. Of the Mindanao endemics, Bakaka or Silvery Kingfisher (Alcedo argentata) and Ukang or Giant Scops –owl (Mimizuko gurneyi) are endangered. Mang-ak or the Mindanao Scoops-Owl (Otus mirus) is of vulnerable status. Occasional sighting of the critically endangered Monkey Eating Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyii) were reported at Mts. Balatukan, Lumot and Mt. Sumagaya. The rest of the bird species are endemic but are locally threatened due to loss of habitat and hunting for game and food.

A total of 11 mammals were documented. These are the Usa (Cervus marianus), Baboy ihalas (Sus philippinensis), Milo (Paradoxurus hermaphroditus) Unggoy (Macaca fascicularis) and various species of rats and shrews. Talumbaboy (Urogale everetti) is abundant in the secondary growth forest particularly in the Canopy Walk Landscape. Mammals commonly hunted are Macaque, Cervus marianus and Sus philippinensis. Macaques are hunted because they are pest to agricultural crops and also for their meat. Usa, Milo and wild pigs are considered additional source of protein in the diets of the residents. (Please see figure below).

Results from Quick Biodiversity Survey (QBS)

Figure 1. Graphical Representation of Biodiversity at various Sampling Sites

As could be seen in the map (Figure 2), the largest part of the total land area of Claveria are secondary forest and agricultural land use. Biodiversity richness is threatened by these changes in land use that to sustain its richness conservation efforts should include them not only the primary forest. Results revealed that Agroforestry land use is a wise alternative.

Figure 2. Land Use map of Claveria (2003) showing the potential Biodiversity area

Conclusion/ Recommendation

On the basis of the Rapid Appraisal, the Canopy Walk Landscape and its Environs indicated very rich flora and fauna and endemism. And thus, have a good conservation value. The agroforestry ecosystems have high potential for tree diversity and as a buffer zone for adjacent forest and as a corridor connecting Mt. Balatukan Protected Area to the rest of the mountains in the Kimangkil Range.
Besides, the Canopy Walk was considered the premier tourism destination in Claveria. It provided an adventure which not everyone is blessed to enjoy as one glides through a breath- taking 50 – 80 feet height over canopy of trees. Thus, ecotourism is seen as one of the potential environmental services the landscape could provide.

However, being data deficient, further research is very much needed to confirm that the present land uses particularly establishments of agroforestry ecosystems could actually fulfil these functions.

Interview and FGD’s results, convinced the researchers that the residents in the area and the barangay officials are strong in their stand to protect the remaining forests given the appropriate authorities to give legal basis to the already practiced customary laws of environmental conservation. What was lacking in their collective action is government intervention, and reward for environmental services for sustainability of their efforts.

In this context, the researchers recommend for further research, adoption of the biodiversity rich areas identified for protection and to establish a community-based monitoring group for biodiversity and habitat conservation and evaluation with strong involvement from the key personnel of DENR, MOSCAT, LGU, NGO’S, PO’s and other stakeholders. Moreover, MOSCAT has now the approval from the DENR to start with its biodiversity sanctuary project. The institution at present is likewise actively involved in the conduct of activities like planning, monitoring, and other related activities of the DENR (PAMB) in Mt. Balatukan area. The only protected area in Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

Reflection

The RABA tool provides the essential data to determine the biodiversity potential of this landscape and helps realize MOSCAT’s project to develop MOSCAT as a “Biodiversity Sanctuary” and that of the LGU to make Claveria as a “New Eco-tourism Destination in the Country”.

Reference

Kuncoro, Susilo Ady et al. 2006. Rapid Agrobiodiversity Appraisal (RABA) in the Context of Environmental Service Rewards. World Agroforestry Centre
 

Rapid Carbon Stock Appraisal (RaCSA) Implementation in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Cosadio, MG and Cosadio, AL
 

Background

Claveria is an upland farming municipality, where rapid land use changes are commonly influenced by the regional economic trend. A landlocked municipality, Claveria is the largest in the Province of Misamis Oriental with a total land area of 82,997.97 hectares. It has an elevation ranging from 350-2,500 meters above sea level and the topography is characterized as moderately sloping to hilly. Geographically, Claveria is classified into two: a) the mainland, which is composed of 17 barangays and the tabok district with 7 barangays. The Mainland and tabok district are separated by the Cabulig River that cuts across the municipality.

Presently, the remaining natural forest of Claveria is protected and managed by indigenous people (the Higaonon tribe), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Local Government Units and Non-Government Organizationss. Many upland farmers had adopted agroforestry systems such as natural vegetative strips (NVS), improved NVS, multistorey system, woodlot, fruit orchard, etc. from monoculture because of low productivity, the presence of soil erosion and the need to optimize land area.

With this study, the following inputs were obtained:

1. the different land-cover and land-cover changes in the municipality were classified
2. the amount of above-ground carbon stock in different land-use type in the Municipality was quantified; and
3. the total amount of above-ground carbon stock and dynamics of carbon stock from land-cover changes in the municipality were determined as a baseline for RUPES initiatives.

 

Methods Used

The RACSA project was conducted in the 16 barangays of Claveria, namely: Poblacion, Ani-e, Patrocenio, Kalawitan, Punong, Plaridel, Gumaod, Cabacungan, Hinaplanan, Sta. Cruz, Lanise, Luna, Tamboboan, Madaguing, Panampawan and Rizal.

Land use mapping and above ground biomass for selected tree and crop species in the study area were employed. Secondary data were collected from the Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), the Barangay units, the World Agroforestry Centre and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the historical land use of Claveria,. The Global Positioning Systems (GPS) was employed to collect waypoints and validate the present land use. Geographic Information System using Map window GIS software was also employed to convert the table map and waypoints into a digital form.

Five major land use systems in Claveria were identified in the study: Primary forest, secondary forest, Grassland, Built-up areas and Agriculture. Carbon stock varies per land use system and to determine the amount of carbon present, stratified sampling based on the major land uses was applied in the study. Above ground biomass on selected tree and annual crop species were collected in a rectangle sampling area of 10x10 m. sq. For tree biomass, five standing tree per species were randomly measured to collect data on tree height, stem diameter and canopy. For annual crop biomass, a 10 meter line transect was used to collect samples. Crop height and width was measured and sub-samples were randomly selected for each crop type. Sub-samples for both tree and annual crops were sorted, weighed and oven dried for moisture determination.

To estimate the carbon sequestration for each land use system, allometric equations from literature reviews were used for both tree and annual crops, while carbon stock from annual crops were computed using the formula: Carbon stock = Crop harvest index x Population/ha x 0.45 where, Crop harvest index is derived from harvestable yield dry weight  total plant dry weight.

Results

Land use trend in Claveria

Some land use changes are natural occurring but oftentimes anthropogenic activities are the main causes of the rapid land use change. In 1967, primary forest and agriculture were the dominant land uses. In 1984 the primary forest area decreased while the grassland and agriculture area increased. The increase in the agricultural area and built-up area were attributed to the drastic increase of population due to the in-migration where some of the migrants are traders and farmers in the nearby coastal towns.

Results of the land use changes over 1967 to 2003 period indicated that several land areas were planted to fast growing exotic species such as Gmelina arborea and Acacia mangium that were introduced by traders in the early 1980s which became a source of domestic timber and fuelwood and subsistence cash for upland farmers. This generally contributed to the increase in secondary forest land use change.

Table 1. Historical land uses in Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

Land use	1967	1984	2003	2009
Agricultural	9727.40	11717.96	27115.70	7247.00
Built-up area	44.49	94.59	814.00	814.00
Grassland	7000.55	13276.88	13085.48	13533.00
Primary forest	27211.18	18120.79	6275.94	6490.78
Secondary forest	4215.07	4701.92	35519.08	36508.00
Undocumented	34799.27	35085.83	187.77	18405.19

 

In 2003, strong reforestation program of the government particularly based forestry management (CBFM) program was adopted by the community where timber of fast growing quality were introduced. Land conversion from primary forest to secondary forest agricultural zone were directly related to the increase in timber plantation and the expansion of agricultural areas for vegetable production. The conversion of primary forest and grassland to agricultural use was directly related to the high demand for vegetable crops.

The 2009 land use was based from the actual ground survey using Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment. Results showed that secondary forest which consists mostly of A. mangium and G. arborea was the dominant land use across the different barangays, followed by grassland which occupies around 16.31% of the total land area. However, due to time constraints, unpredictable weather condition and inaccessibility to the area, four barangays, namely: Minalwang, Madaguing, Kalawitan and Punong, were not surveyed within the period of project implementation which contributed to the decline in agricultural landuse (7,247 hectares) compared with the 2003 agricultural land use (27,115.70 hectares).

Quantification of above-ground carbon stock in five major land use systems

Rates of carbon sequestration depend on the management practices adopted and carbon stock varies per land use system. Results showed that the estimated above-ground carbon stock of the major land uses in Claveria ranges from 1.70 to 414.13 Mg/ha (Fig. 1). The area occupied per land use was based from the results of the mapping activity and the estimated carbon density computed using allometric equations. The results showed that primary forest which consists of several dipterocarp species had the highest estimated average carbon stock of 414.13 Mg/ha, while the secondary forests which consist mostly of G. arborea and A. mangium had an average carbon density of 74.60 Mg/ha, and the agricultural land use had and average of 53.81 Mg/ha. Standing litters of grassland was much lower than that of the tree based with a mean of only 1.7 Mg/ha (Mercado, 2007).

 

Figure 1 Estimated carbon stock of the present land uses

Table 2 shows the estimation of carbon stock of the major agricultural crops included in the study. Musa specie was becoming a dominant perennial crop in Claveria, while Zea mays was the dominant annual crops in Claveria.

Table 2. Carbon stock estimation of major agricultural crops at plot level in Claveria, Misamis Oriental

Table 2. Carbon stock estimation of major agricultural crops at plot level in Claveria, Misamis Oriental
Common name	Scientific name	Average Population per hectare	Carbon Density (Mg/ha)
Perennial
Banana	Musa spp.	54	29.84
Mango	Mangifera indica	9	12.63
Rubber	Hevea brasiliensis	10	1.29
Coffee	Coffea spp.	36	16.75
Pineapple	Ananas	74	8.40
Primary forest			414.13
Secondary forest:
Gmelina plantation	Gmelina arborea	200	49.60*
Mangium plantation	Acacia mangium	200	99.60*
Agroforest			83.23
Annual
Maize	Zea mays	60000	10.80
Cassava	Manihut esculenta	235	8.36
Vegetable
Cabbage	Brassica oleracea var. capitata	40000	12.42
Tomato	Lycopersicon esculentum	14000	3.15
Yellow squash	Cucurbita pepo	12000	3.13

 

Table 3. Carbon stock estimation base on the 2009 land use area per major agricultural crops in Claveria, Misamis Oriental

Common name	Actual area occupied (ha)	Carbon Density (Mg/ha-1)	Total carbon stock of major land use (Mg)
Perennial
Banana	191.46	29.84	5,713.12
Mango	68.30	12.63	862.63
Rubber	69.02	1.29	89.04
Coffee	123.78	16.75	2,073.31
Pineapple	984.96	8.40*	8,273.66
Primary forest	6146.34	414.31	2,689,195.06
Secondary forest	3645.99	74.60	2,719,914.51
Agroforest	1181.73	83.23**	98,355.55
Annual
Maize	2746.54	10.80	29,662.61
Cassava	1003.06	8.36	8,385.58
Vegetable
Cabbage	13.37	12.42	166.05
Tomato	315.88	3.15	995.02
Yellow squash	22.17	3.13	69.39

Conclusion

Rapid Carbon Stock Appraisal (RaCSA) is an appropriate and effective tool in assessing carbon stock per land use and identifying carbon dynamics and total amount of above-ground carbon stock for selected tree and annual crop species in the study area. Above ground carbon stock varies based on the major land uses as studied. The Study showed that continuous wanton destruction of primary forest would decrease carbon stocks level, while the promotion of Agroforestry system creates sustainability and found to be the most profitable land use option in NRM.

Thus, for future endeavor, it is suggested that the Municipal Planning and Development Office of Claveria, Misamis Oriental will strongly request from the higher executives for the provision of an Environmental Natural Resource Officer that will work on validation of land use mapping, ground truthing and others.

Reflection

The Rapid Carbon Stock Appraisal (RaCSA) as a tool was able to address issues on different land cover and land cover changes, the amount of above ground carbon stock and the dynamics of carbon stock from land cover changes in the municipality of Claveria. The actual land use mappng of the barangays of the Municipality of Claveria using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) is a reliable means of validating the present land use and land cover changes. The tool was able to generate reliable information as basis for an acceptable land cover and land use estimation. Actual ground survey gave details on level of validation in comparing the historical land uses of Claveria from 1967 to present.
 

Rapid Hydrological Appraisal (RHA) of Cabulig River in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Acub RB¹, Cosadio AL² and Hebron IU^2
1 Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Region X, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines
² MOSCAT, Claveria, Misamis Oriental

Background

The Cabulig River Watershed is one of the major watersheds in Northern Mindanao. Its upstream ecosystems are located in the landlocked municipality of Claveria which also hosts other large watersheds. It has an estimated total area of 24,951.10 hectares, covering about 24.37% of Claveria’s total area. It has an average elevation of 1,000 meters above sea level (masl) with its highest elevation of 2,400 masl in Aposkahoy located in Mount Sumagaya. Based on municipal records, the watershed accounts for about 29 identified springs of various capacities feeding creeks, rivers, wells and irrigation systems. However, despite its abundance, about half of the total populations of Claveria still do not have access to safe drinking water.

 

Figure 1. The Cabulig River Watershed

The relation between land use and the flows of water to downstream areas is important because people demand on water for agricultural production, industries and domestic use are increasing while supply remains the same. It has been a perennial problem of the community to have less supply of potable water during the dry months of the year. It is on this particular issue that Cabulig River plays a very important role. Its potential to supply the water the community needs is insurmountable. But with humans continued encroachment in the watershed it is not impossible that ultimately water flow might be affected.

With the implementation of the RHA tool, secondary and analyzed primary hydrological data were collected, local land use patterns, options and corresponding stakeholders’ activities were documented and identified, issues relevant towards the sustainable management of the area through – analysis of LEK and PEK survey and data sets were identified and policy options towards sustainable management of the Cabulig river watershed was proposed and recommended.

Methodology

The hydrological state of the Cabulig River was assessed using the “Rapid Hydrological Appraisal (RHA) approach. Inception and reconnaissance of stakeholders were done by scoping issues, site identification through roundtable discussion and field trip to the site. Secondary and primary data were used to identify hydrology and rainfall patterns in the area. Standard references, research outputs, and data from concerned agencies and water quality assessment were gathered to establish the analysis.

River Discharge determination was done by measuring the depth of the river for every one meter interval from one side to the other side of the river. A pingpong ball was used to measure the time of the water to flow downstream at 10 meter interval. The gathered data was collated using computer software to produce desired maps, spatial analysis, simulated river water flow (current and future scenarios) and analyzed for environmental impacts on local land use change.

Land cover mapping was conducted in the eight barangays of the Cabulig river watershed which includes barangays Aposkahoy, Parmbugas, Malagana, Mat-i, Bulahan, Pelaez, Tipolohon, and Minalwang all of Claveria, Misamis Oriental. The local ecological knowledge (LEK), policies ecological knowledge (PEK) and modeller’s ecological knowledge (MEK) surveys were conducted. The team prepared a semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire to determine the knowledge of people residing or working near the river, the policy makers involved in the watershed and the industries that uses the river. Results were then analyzed and contrasted with the secondary and hydrological data obtained from the surveys.

Results

In the upstream and the midstream of the Cabulig river, in barangay Mat-i, Aposkahoy, and Madaguing, majority of the people living were indigenous people called Higaonon tribes. This tribe has each own culture, tradition and livelihood activities. These people believed that the forest is sacred because this place is their market where they get their food, their hospitals where they get herbal medicines and their church where they pray to the Supreme Being. The downstream of Cabulig river is dominated by the Dumagat people – those that came from other places and settled as a new resident in the place.

The landuse patterns from 1967 up to present indicated a significant impact in the watershed. The rapid denudation of primary forests and the sporadic Kaingin practices in the upstream, the deep tillage and cultivation practices of pineapple farming in the midstream and the vanishing trees in the downstream, threatened the watershed. The dramatic increase of secondary forests however offset these threats. At present, the quality of soil, the presence of vegetations along the riparian zones and the on-going projects of the mini-Hydroelectric power plant have sustained the clear and clean riverflow with an increased river discharge volume of 5.04 m³/sec as compared to 3.0 in 2004.

 

Figure 3. Annual rainfall in Claveria, Misamis Oriental

In areas dominated by agriculture (midstream ), river discharged to the Cabulig river was lesser compared to those discharging from forested terrains (upstream). There was surplus water from rainfall that would percolate as ground water and or flow directly into the water bodies. The surplus water would add the discharge of the water bodies either as ground water, in spring opening or as intermittent source. The annual rainfall in Claveria, Misamis Oriental was high varying between 2267 – 4414 mm.year^-1 with an average of 233.94 mm.year^-1. The average monthly pattern of rainfall also showed that Cabulig watershed was relatively wet in most time of the year, with the comparatively high monthly rainfall in June to October. The lowest monthly rainfall occurred in April at around 40.63 mm year^-1. Higher river flow and river discharge was observed in areas covered with forests and less in the agricultural areas.

Land use data revealed that there was an increasing area for secondary forests. Recent developments also indicated an increasing area for pineapple plantations due to the contract growing investments of Del Monte Phil Inc in Claveria. The farmers’ experience with Tomato Leaf Curl Virus forced them to stop producing tomato, left the area that eventually changed the farm into grassland. Moreover, the activities of ICRAF, Landcare and other NGOs in the area also caused the landcover to be dominated by Agroforestry systems. These probable scenarios of the landcover were simulated in this study.

Due to rainfall that is experienced most of the year, soil erosion was very high in the watershed. Erosion was heightened due to steep terrain and intensive contour farming of the local residents in some areas. It is estimated that the total soil loss annually is 244 million metric tons (DENR, 2003). The Cabulig river contain water classified as Class A which could still be utilized for drinking provided complete treatment is employed to meet the permissible standard for drinking water. The water in the downstream area was used by some industrial companies: a company for processing wood adhesives; a ship repair facility, and an LPG Depot. An eight (8) megawatts hydroelectric power plant was also constructed in the last quarter of 2009 through the Minergy.

Soil in the watershed area was fertile and forest landcovers were dominated with humus in the upstream and midstream. The entire watershed area abounds with naturally grown trees like lauan, narra, mahogany, acacia, mangium, falcata, ipil-ipil, Ficus, Tipolo, Bugo, Basikong, Bagalnga and Managit. Several clumps of bamboos were found along Mat-i river (at headwaters) and in Bobontugan (river mouth).

No one ventured on fish farming throughout the whole stretch of Cabulig river. Residents usually fish in the rivers for their home consumption. Interviews with upstream and midstream residents indicated that the river is occasionally used for agricultural and household uses. They occasionally went to the river to wash clothes and took a bath. Quarrying activity was observed. Solid wastes were found dumped at the riversides, and were drifted by the river flows during floods and were drained to the sea. Several plastics and non-biodegradable objects were abundantly scattered after flash floods.

It was found out that some conservation efforts were made by the government and non-government organizations to sustain the supply of water during long seasons. In the upstreams, Landcare Foundation Phil Inc (LFPI) supervised the establishment of tree nursery using indigenous species which would be subsequently planted to rehabilitate the forests in the watershed areas. The LGU of barangay Madaguing in midstreams have collaborated with MOSCAT and other stakeholders in planting trees at the riverbanks. Through time, respondents noted no deleterious flooding impacts to crops and lives in Cabulig except the incident in 1970s with Typhoon Undang. As one of the efforts to prevent the flooding incident in the river mouth, the LGU of Jasaan closed one of the branches of the river so that Cabulig now solely drained in barangay Bobontogan.

Conclusion/ Recommendations

Hydrological data indicated that the water balance was ecologically good. People in build up areas were aware of the impact of solid wastes draining to the rivers, but were less concerned in conserving water quality and biodiversity. Simulations using the GenRiver model in the land cover along Cabulig River demands to have agroforestry systems to dominate in order to sustain the physicochemical properties of a healthy river.

However, it is recommended that existing local policies and regulations of the municipality of Claveria on water conservation should be strictly enforced and strengthened, strategies on IEC awareness on water conservation like solid waste management to the community should be developed, a community-based participation in the conservation and protection of the Cabulig River is needed, watershed must be protected from agricultural and anthropogenic activities, and a sort of rewards should be provided to farmers who are contributors of a cleaner river.

Reflection

The RHA tool is very useful in assessing the hydrological state of the Cablig river. It is a good instrument for convincing residents in the upstream and downstream to protect the watershed for their advantage. However, some secondary data are not available at the time of implementation which affected the timetable of the study as the researchers had to go to the area to measure and gather the data (water discharges, etc.) which is time consuming. GenRiver model is very interesting but users must have a thorough knowledge on the model to be able analyze the output. Running the model and interpretation is difficult if user is not trained.

Reference

Jeanes, Kevin, Meine van Noordwijk, Laxman Joshi, Atiek Widayati, Farida, Beria Leimona. 2006. Rapid Hydrological Appraisal in the Context of Environmental Service Rewards. World Agroforestry Centre, Bogor, Indonesia.
 

Rapid Marketing Appraisal (RMA) of Agroforestry Products in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

De Asis, L, Elmundo EL and Cosadio, AL

Background

Studies on marketing of agroforestry products in Mindanao are few compared to the production aspect which gets the priority attention of agricultural researches, while the marketing aspect gets only secondary or no attention at all. The existing marketing and distribution system for agroforestry products specifically timber, corn and banana coming from Claveria, needs to be evaluated since it is one of the critical problems observed during harvesting period. Marketing channels should be established and information on marketing costs, margins and practices must be obtained in order to identify loopholes in the whole marketing system of timber, corn and banana.

The Rapid Marketing Appraisal (RaMa) tool is also useful for the exposure of students taking up marketing subjects both in the undergraduate and graduate programs of the Misamis Oriental State College of Agriculture and Technology (MOSCAT). The data and findings will serve as inputs in developing the Marketing Information System (MIS) of the municipality of Claveria as well as MOSCAT, which will benefit the farmers, students and the community as a whole.

With the application of the RaMA tool, the distribution channels of timber, corn and banana were traced, the marketing costs and margins in each marketing channel were determined, and the marketing practices and problems of the farmers and buyers were identified.

At the farm level, a total of 169 farmer-respondents were identified as the key informants for the study having at least 0.5 hectare timber, 1 hectare corn, 0.5 hectare banana. Six most leading barangays in terms of area planted to timber, corn and banana were selected as the study area. These barangays are Ane-I, Aposkahoy, Madaguing, Panampawan, Poblacion and Sta. Cruz. The selection of these sites was based on the consideration that these barangays have bigger number of agroforestry based farming systems and information. Besides, the peace and order and accessibility of the barangays were also considered in selecting the study area. With the use of the pretested questionnaires, farmers were interviewed.

The identification and description of the marketing channels were obtained by tracing the flow of the products (timber, corn and banana) from the farm to the retail levels. Traders included in this study were indentified by interviewing first the farmers and from them, information on sales outlets were obtained. Essential information needed were gathered through the use of the structured questionnaires. Focus Group Discussion (FGD), face to face interview as well as telephone interview were used in administering the survey to achieve maximum retrieval of the survey questionnaires.

Main Result

Figure 1. Farm Gate Price, Production and Post- harvest Costs and Net Profit of Producing Timber, Corn and Banana in Claveria, Misamis Oriental (CY 2008).

A Rapid Marketing Appraisal (RaMA) for Agroforestry Products in Claveria was implemented on July – December 2009. This study was conducted to evaluate the existing marketing channel for agroforestry products namely: timber, corn and banana in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. As revealed in the results, there are four existing marketing channels for agroforestry products in Claveria, namely: the agents, assembler-wholesalers, wholesalers and wholesaler-retailers. Among these channels for the three agroforestry commodities, the channel between the farmers to assembler-wholesalers is the most efficient one for it has the lowest marketing cost; P 1.00/ bdft for timber, P 0.50 for corn and none for banana. The prevailing marketing problems identified in the study are the following: very low buying price, unimproved transportation means, inadequate marketing information, lack of efficient storage facility and the absence of grading and standardization. In the buyers’ level, the wholesaler- retailer has the highest net price margin compared to other middlemen identified. For timber P 10.50/bdft, corn P 12.00 per kilogram and banana with P 9.00 per kilogram. Buyers have lesser marketing problems encountered than the farmers, since the products they handled were directly delivered to their potential buyers.

Main Surprises

Despite the fact that Claveria is an agricultural municipality, there are still barangays which do not have any access to transportation means. They still used animal drawn carts or even manual hauling of their agricultural products.

Timber which was tagged as “Kahoy Karun Bulawan Ugma” (“Trees today, Gold tomorrow”) doesn’t apply to the actual situation for the small scale timber farmers since, it has the lowest net profit among the three commodities.

Reflection

The Rapid Marketing Appraisal is a simple approach to assist small farmers in identifying their potential marketing channels with lower marketing cost. The results generated from the study, is an effective tool in organizing the clustering strategies for agroforestry enterprise development program for Claveria, Misamis Oriental.

Here are some valuable lessons and reflections of RaMA Team in its pilot marketing research experiences. The team hopes that they can help in developing strategies that would in turn, enable the small scale agroforestry farmers undertake an efficient and fair marketing activities.

Understanding marketing and market opportunities is the key to market-oriented, profitable agroforestry farming.

The challenge for development organizations from LGU’s, NGO’s and Agricultural Colleges and Universities is to assist not only in increasing farm yields but also in marketing agroforestry products with higher profitability. This calls for a shift in marketing practices thru development of interventions from just merely production-focus to a market-oriented approach.

Helping the farmers analyze market opportunities in relation to their production capacities would open their minds to new knowledge that would empower them in price bargaining.

The Rapid Marketing Appraisal Tool will help the farmers realize that they are a crucial part of the market chain. The tool also let the farmers think of what they can do to gainfully participate in the chain.

Helping the farmers understand the necessity for an Agroenterprise Clustering in Claveria.

Clustering is a new mode of action where small agroforestry farmers are organized for a collective marketing effort. This will help the farmers strengthen their position in the market chain and gainfully participate in marketing. The clusters are product supply units, proactively planning production for the intended market. Being a small group, they can keep pace with continuously changing market condition that requires innovation from them. The cluster would also be the mechanism where each farmer’s voice is heard and they can actively participate in decision making as owners of the agroenterprise.

 

back to top ▲ RABA and RaCSA Application in Kalahan, Nueva Vizcaya Province, Philippines
By the Kalahan Education Foundation (KEF)

The Ikalahans are the indigenous people in the Nueva Vizcaya Province in the northeast of the Philippines. They belong to the Kalanguya-Ikalahan tribe, which lives in the Ikalahan Ancestral Domain. They are basically swiddeners who plant sweet potato, ginger, gabi, cassava and vegetables and make terraces to plant upland rice.

The Ancestral Domain includes the Kalahan Forest Reserve, which covers 38,000 hectares in Nueva Vizcaya plus about 10,000 hectares in neighbouring Nueva Ecija Province. The area is mountainous with rainfall ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 mm per year. Much of the area is forested, mostly with dipterocarp species, although the western edge is mostly pine. Some forests are primary, but most are secondary. Broad areas in the east are barren because of logging by outsiders several decades ago (KEF, 2003).

In 1973, the Ikalahan tribal elders organised the Kalahan Educational Foundation (KEF) to protect the communities from possible eviction by land grabbers. The foundation was used as an instrument since the Government at that time was unable to negotiate for their rights. The mission is to promote the education and protect the environment of the Ikalahan people and their ancestral domain. Its aims include providing sustainable forest-based livelihoods, improved watersheds and biodiversity (KEF, 1993). KEF is considered a pioneer in its role as a community-based organisation that acts as the legal representative for the Ikalahans in their Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA).

The Kalahan Education Foundation (KEF) will implement three TUL-SEA tools:

1. Rapid Agro-Biodiversity Appraisal (RABA)
2. Rapid Carbon Stock Appraisal (RaCSA)

 

RABA of Kalahan Educational Foundation, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines

Grace B. Villamor¹, Nelson Pampolina², Tina Omas³, and Flordeliz Agra^4
1 Centre for Development Research, University of Bonn, Germany
² Department of Forest Biological Sciences, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines, Los Baños, Philippines
³ Kalahan Educational Foundation (KEF), Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines
⁴ University of Philippines, Diliman

 

Study background

The Kalahan Forest Reserve (KFR) in Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines has been actively involved in the conservation of their ancestral domain’s natural resources. A pioneer for its community-based forest management in the country, it is now worth exploring to have a market-based scheme to incentivize their efforts. Among of its efforts is setting aside wildlife sanctuaries within the KFR where rules and regulations for its protection are set up and well recognized.

On the other hand, the Ikalahans continuously practice their swidden farming (or kaingin) for their subsistence. Majority (90%) of the population in the area are farmers.

Thus, RABA was conducted to collect necessary information rapidly about the potential of Kalahan’s agricultural landscape to conserve biodiversity as the same time productive to meets its development goals.

There are five major land cover types that were identified within the KFR namely; agroforestry, agriculture, grassland, reforestation and secondary forest based on its natural capital, human capital and social capital.

Natural capital. Based on the biodiversity assessment, the overall diversity index of these land use types indicates that the vegetation of KFR has high relative diversity value and evenness.

 

Human capital. The Kalahan Educational Foundation (KEF), organized by the tribal elders is the main stakeholder of KFR which actively protects and conserves the natural resources within the area.

Social capital. There is a strong social capital in the area. They have developed and implementing customary rules and regulations in relation to their land uses (e.g. natural resources development program and agro-forestry rules and regulations).

Main Result

One of the findings from the assessment is the potential of KFR to be a biodiversity corridor. Not because of forest alone, but because of the significant diversity values observed in the agricultural areas. Langhammer et al, 2007 pointed out that not all of the terrestrial species are represented in protected areas. At the same time, Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) alone are not sufficient to prevent biodiversity loss. It must be coupled by landscape and seascape management and conservation actions for species imperiled by threat other than habitat loss to address the long-term persistence of biodiversity in the face of degraded ecological processes, habitat fragmentation, and climate change.

Through spatial analysis, KFR has been identified as an important area for endangered trees such as the dipterocarps at the same time links its areas to between different protected areas and critical watersheds (Figure 1) which the other conservation agencies around the neighboring biodiversity areas.

Figure 1. KFR and its link to the neighboring protected areas and critical watersheds.

Table 1. Relative values of diversity and evenness by vegetation layer and land use type in KFR, 2009 (H’= Shannon diversity index and E=evenness).

KFR’s grassland area is the most diverse land use type (Table 1) followed by reforestation and agroforesty in terms of Species Richness (S) and Species Abundance (H’). It means that the area is progressive in terms of succession. High diversity in the area can be attributed to favorable environmental conditions. The result implies that species abundance or distribution is highly clustered. However, we must also consider the type of species found in the area and its succession stage, species that are found very important in terms of ecological succession and economics. Also, the three land use types with very high diversity are influence greatly by anthropogenic factors.

Ikalahans are seeing agrobiodiversity in the area could be much supported by the swidden farming (Figure 2) while benefits are mostly in the form of provisioning services such as food, medicinal value and immediate cash (Figure 3).

Figure 2. Preferred landuse cover type for conservation of agro-biodiversity of the Ikalahans in KFR (2009).

Figure 3. Local perspectives on agro-biodiversity services in KFR (2009).

Table 2. Overall findings of RABA in KFR (2009)

Recommendation

Based on the assessment there are three potential areas for rewards on agrobiodiversity, 1) as biodiversity corridor; 2) biodiversity based tourism through bird-watching; and 3) NTFPs e.g. rattan and wild/domesticated fruits.

 

Reflection on the methodology

RABA is very good at capturing the human and social capitals in specific agricultural landscapes. This allows the changes of agrobiodiversity within an area to be explained as well as the determining the anthropological threats and opportunities to address those threats. However, if the potential ecosystem service from agro-biodiversity is for biodiversity corridor a comprehensive assessments and a very technical report is required by conservation agency.

Reference

Kuncoro, S. A., van Noordwijk, M., Martini, E., Saipothong, P., Areskoug, V., Putra, A., et al. 2006. Rapid agrobiodiversity appraisal (RABA) in the context of environmental service rewards: protocols for data collection and case studies in rubber agroforests and Bungo district, Jambi Indonesia and fragmented forest in north Thailand. Bogor: World Agroforestry Centre.

Langhammer, P.F., Bakarr,M.I., Bennun, L.A., Brooks, T.M., Clay, R.P., Darwall,W., De Silva, N., Edgar, G.J., Eken, G., Fishpool, L.D.C., de Fonseca, G.A.B. da, Foster, M.N., Knox, D.H., Matiku, P., Radford, E.A., Rodrigues, A.S.L., Salaman, P., Sechrest, W., and Tordoff, A.W. 2007. Identification and Gap Analysis of Key Biodiversity Areas: Targets for Comprehensive Protected Area Systems. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN.

 

 

RACSA in Kalahan Educational Foundation, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines

Grace B. Villamor¹, Nelson Pampolina³, Nonoy Bugtong², Reginald Forcadilla and Delbert Rice²
1 Centre for Development Research, University of Bonn, Germany
2 Kalahan Educational Foundation (KEF), Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines
3 Department of Forest Biological Sciences, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines, Los Banos, Philippines

Study background

The Rapid Carbon Stock Appraisal (RACSA) was implemented in Kalahan Forest Reserve (KFR) in Nueva Vizcaya Province, Northwest of the Philippines. Its main aim is to support the Kalahan Educational Foundation (KEF), an indigenous community –led organization of the Ikalahans, to establish basic carbon stock data for the carbon market negotiation. KEF is targeting a Kyoto market mainly the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

The target area within KFR is around 21,000 ha with an elevation ranging from 600 to 1,717meters above sea level. During the 1960’s the area was heavily deforested. The Ikalahans, the indigenous tribe inhabiting the area, are basically swiddeners planting sweet potato, ginger, cassava, vegetables and upland rice. Land grabbers during those times tried to evict them from their own ancestral land. The foundation, established and organized by the tribal elders in 1973, was used as an instrument to protect their land and culture. Through the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) No. of 1973, it legalizes the rights of the Ikalahans to manage and utilize their ancestral land.

Under the Rewarding Upland Poor for Environmental Services they provide (RUPES) program, KEF has developed its project idea note (PIN) for CDM project which proposes around 900hectares of land within the ancestral domain. With this document, KEF was able to tap potential buyer. Unfortunately, the foundation lacks basic data (baseline) of the carbon stocks to support the negotiation at the same time budget to carry out the activity. On the other hand, KEF has been monitoring the growths of the standing forest within the domain. Most of the forest areas within the domain are dominated by pines and dipterocarps (tree species found in the mature forests). Around 106 (50m x50m) plots have been monitored from 1994 to 2003. Accordingly, these plots would provide data for carbon stock baseline in the site and for reduced emission from deforestation and degradation (REDD) markets. Thus, RACSA was conducted to generate information of its carbon stocks in a cost effective way at the same time in a short period of time (6 months). Additional information about the landuse practices and opportunities to use and adjust KEF policies to enhance or maintain the carbon stocks in area were also identified and explored.

Main Result

1. The carbon values resulted from this assessment was lower compared to the previous studies conducted the country (Table 1). This is because the previous carbon calculations were based on the simple allometric equations to standing volume of wood or total biomass. However, if estimating different biomass of diverse trees of different forest types within a certain landscape, the use of species-specific equations is preferred and especially if there is an interest to obtain financial rewards for the amount of C sequestered (Ketterings et al, 2001). Thus, the equation which uses important predictors of aboveground biomass e.g. wood density was used.
   
   Table 1. Plot level mean C-stock of each land use
   
2. Based on the biomass monitoring plots, results (Table 3) show the potential of agricultural areas and factors affecting the sedentarization including the integration of swidden farming practices for enhancement of carbon stocks. It even exceeded the performance of forest and pine as carbon sink. Understanding the landuse practices within the area helped to explain the growth.
   
   Table 2. Carbon densities based on biomass monitoring plots of KFR.
   
3. Land-cover derived carbon densities provide ways to establish baselines and locate areas of high C densities over period of time. The figure below provides an interesting illustration how from high C-concentrated areas were spreading-out into tiny patches.
   

Reflection on the methodology

Since this project follows the protocol from the ASB Lecture Note (Hariah, K et al., 2001), the team find it difficult to follow step-by-step. Instead, the draft manual developed by Hariah (draft) was useful and with simple step-by-step procedures. Steps and activities of RACSA are very useful to provide basic carbon data for different land uses. Unfortunately, during the carbon measurement, the team wasn’t able to segregate by ages and size of the trees (where c-stocks depend) rather averages were taken.

References

Hairiah, K., Sitompul, SM., van Noordwijk, M., and C. Palm. 2001. ASB Lecture Note 4B: Methods for sampling carbon stocks above and below ground. ICRAF, Nairobi.

Ketterings, Q.M., Coe, R., van Noordwijk M., Ambagau, Y., and Palm, C. 2001. Reducing uncertainty in the use of allometric biomass equations for predicting aboveground tree biomass in mixed secondary forests. Forest Ecology and Management 146:199-209.
 

 

back to top ▲ PaLA, RABA, RaCSA, RHA, RMA and RaTA Application in Municipality of Lantapan, Bukidnon Province, Philippines
By the Bukidnon Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) - Provincial Government of Bukidnon

Lantapan is one of eight municipalities embracing Mt. Kitanglad, located between the 80 9’ N latitude and 1240 55’ W longitude with an average elevation of 600 meters, rising to a maximum 2,938 meters above sea level. About 70 per cent of the area has slopes greater than 10 per cent. The 10-year average annual rainfall is 2,470mm. The place was named after the native word “Lantapan” which means “LEVEL ON TOP”.

Lantapan’s population has steadily increased since the 1970 Census. In 1995, the National Statistics Office (NSO) recorded a total population of 36,943, which increased to 42,383 in 2000, and 51,406 in 2007. The population is predicted to triple in the next 15 to 20 years.

Lantapan is bounded on the south by the left bank of the Manupali River, and in the north by the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park (MKRNP), a protected area. Lantapan covers 35,465ha, of which 14,250ha (40 per cent) is forested and 21,215ha (60 per cent) is classified as Alienable and Disposable land. Ninety-nine percent of the forestland is declared as Protected Area and one per cent is Production Forest.

Agriculture is still the municipality’s predominant general land use, with a significant expansion over the past two years largely through displacing the forest with annual crops. About 90 per cent of households depended on smallholder farming in the past. However, this changed when five multinational highland banana companies started operating in the late 1990s. The Local Government Unit (LGU) estimates that about 60 per cent of Lantapan’s labor force is now employed by these companies, and on commercial swine and poultry farms, while others have seasonal employment on large corn farms, sugarcane plantations and vegetable farms. The ongoing shift to large-scale commercial agriculture by large corporations and rich farmers has pushed smallholders into much smaller plots in less productive and more environmentally fragile areas. Corn is still grown across the landscape, but corporate banana farming uses the prime land. Hence, corn and vegetable growing have been pushed towards the foothills of MKNRP. The municipality’s lower eastern boundary, which is irrigated by the Manupali River Irrigation System (MaNRIS), used to be exclusively devoted to rice, but now farmers are converting vast areas to corn and sugarcane due to poor rice prices.

In Lantapan, the Bukidnon Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) - Provincial Government of Bukidnon will implement five TUL-SEA tools:

1. Participatory Landscape Appraisal (PaLA)
2. Rapid Agro-Biodiversity Appraisal (RABA)
3. Rapid Carbon Stock Appraisal (RaCSA)
4. Rapid Hydrological Appraisal (RHA)
5. Rapid Marketing Appraisal (RMA)
6. Rapid Land Tenure Assessment (RaTA)

 

Participatory Landscape Appraisal - A Case Study of Manupali River Watershed, Lantapan, Province of Bukidnon, Philippines

Cecille M. Egnar, Norma Palma, Celso Pilleren, Bayani Santos, Elena Daguimol, Eller Galarrita & Kristina Soria
 

Integrated Natural Resources Management requires understanding on the dynamics of multifunctional landscape, like the interconnected functions of the natural capital (land, water, forest and other vegetations) with the human capital (livelihood) and the social capital (institutions). However, evaluating the holistic situation of the site specific landscape requires stakeholder’s participation, of which according to Fagerstorm and Noordwijk (2008), the participation of multiple actors in the analysis of the trade-offs between short and long term benefits and drawing their perspectives and knowledge are considered essential in the development and sustainable land use. The World Agroforestry Center known as ICRAF introduced the Participatory Landscape Appraisal (PALA), one of the TULSEA Negotiated Support Tools for Integrated Natural Resources Management in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. PALA aims to capture local and public ecological knowledge on the functions of the landscape and the internal filters and stakeholders interventions to protect the Manupali River Watershed. The PALA output shall be used during negotiations for ENR local planning, policy and decision making, including integration of PES mechanisms for sustainable integrated natural resources management and development.

Study Sites

The Participatory Landscape Appraisal was conducted in 14 barangays/villages of the Municipality of Lantapan (8 0 9’ N, 1240 55’W) Province of Bukidnon, Philippines. Lantapan is situated on the northern side of the Manupali River Watershed and covers the largest part - 31,652 out of the total area of approximately 38.00. The municipality contains nine (9) river sub watersheds (Kulasihan, Alanib, Tugasan, Tributaries 1, Cawayan/Kimanga, Maagnao, Timago, Tributaries 2 and Kinusuhan) draining southeast from Mt. Kitanglad Range to the Manupali River. Lantapan has mean elevation of 1561 m and a highest point of 2938 m. The Municipal landscape begins at river flats devoted to irrigated lowland rice field at 300-600 m above sea level and the middle section areas planted to corn, banana, sugar cane, pineapple, coffee at 600-1100 m. The agricultural areas ends in mid to high altitude areas of corn and vegetable production that extends from about 800 meters into the buffer zone of the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park at 1500m. Areas within high altitude -steeply sloped mountainside that extend to 1100- 2938 meters are covered with protected forest. More than two-fifths of the area has a slope of 40% more; of the remaining 29% is rolling and 27 % is considered flat. The area receives averages annual rainfall of 2,470 mm. Ultisol, Inceptisol and olisol consisting of soil series of clay (Adtuyon, Kidapawan alimodian & mountain silt clay) dominates the area. Farming is the major livelihood in the area. Majority of the upland population are from the ethnic tribe of Talaandigs, followed by Cebuanos and Boholanos.

Methodology

The PALA was implemented for six months (July 2009- January 2010) in the Philippines by ICRAF National Partner, the Provincial Government of Bukidnon through the Bukidnon Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) in collaboration with the Municipal Government of Lantapan and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The PALA team composed of engineers, agronomist, foresters, sociologist, agriculturist & economist conducted series of consultation with the stakeholders from the LGUs of provincial, municipal and 14 barangays/village to ensure a smooth conduct of the study. The PALA implementation covered two phases, the pre-implementation and implementation phase. The pre-implementation phase comprised of strengthening capability of management and team members and arranging & complying protocols The implementation phase started with the collection and review of secondary data/desk stop survey, LEK & PEK survey/FGDs, Spatial and Temporal Mapping (Community Resource Mapping and Spot Satellite Images) Stakeholders Analysis, Processing, Interpretation and Analysis of Data, Feed backing and Report Writing.

The Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) Survey was conducted to 10% the farming household (1024 respondents) representing 14 barangays within 9 sub river watersheds. The Public Ecological Knowledge perceptions was also captured from 364 leaders (an average of 24 leaders/ key informant per village) representing different organizations within 14 barangays.

Problem Tree Analysis was also pursued to determine various causes, core and effects of their identified issues and concerns related physical resources (land, water, forest, biodiversity etc) including socio-economic problems. A transect walk was also conducted to validate the inputs they have reflected in the Transect and Community Resources Maps.

 
 

Results and Discussions

Perceptions in Multifunctional Landscape

Based on LEK & PEK perceptions, the Manupali River Watershed embraces a multifunctional landscape that connects the natural capital– the waterbodies, agricultural and built-up areas and forestland (endowed both protection and production forest) with the human and social (institutions) capital. The interactions of these various resources have significant contribution in maintaining valuable environmental services, not only in the municipality, but through-out the adjacent regions. However, due to land use changes overtime, the water, forest and agroforestry and soil have been perceived as critical element in the environment landscape due to the trade- off of population increase and economic growth.

Natural Capital

Based on the results of the PALA, the water, forest and agroforestry and soil had been perceived as the most critical natural capital in the landscape environment.

Water has been perceived as the first critical element in the landscape. Water quantity is a major concern due to competing uses of water such as: domestic water supply versus irrigation; irrigation versus agri-business (Multinational corporations); agribusiness versus hydro-electric power generation; agribusiness versus small farm holder and also water degradation due to contamination of surface and ground water resources from agricultural wastes especially chemicals and pesticides; as well as Municipal solid and liquid wastes. The core problems identified in 9 major sub river watersheds include; the decline of water quality and quantity.

The second perceived critical element includes forest and agroforestry resources. The large scale deforestation in 1950s to 1980’s due to commercial logging and the spread of intensive upland agriculture in 1990’s to 2009 has reduced the forest cover. The decline of forest cover, aside from the effects of carbon emission and decline of biodiversity has increased soil erosion and eventual sedimentation in low lying rivers and floodplains as well as the occurrence of landslides. The decline of agroforestry adoption in upland and lowland areas in favor of cash crops (mono cultures for banana, sugar cane vegetables -high value crops including livestock and poultry) added strains on the landscape.

These land use changes place the landscape vulnerable to extreme events such as; floods during rainy seasons (that happens during the months of May to July), landslide, unpredictable weather condition, occurrence of droughts or El Nino, floods or La Nina, Fire and pest and disease infestation. The climate extremes according to majority of respondents started in 1980s up to the present. The LEK & PEK respondents cited that these phenomenon brought calamities (destruction of their properties and crops) and difficulties in coping their basic needs.

The third perceived critical element in Manupali Watershed is soil resources. The decline of forest cover, increasing agricultural expansion (corn and vegetable production), inappropriate farming practices, slope farming and Kaingin farming have significantly increase soil erosion leading to increased in suspended sediment loads (thus turbidity) and siltation of water bodies (causing shallowing of rivers and creeks).High turbidity and heavy siltation adversely affect the productivity and diversity of aquatic flora and fauna. Decline of soil fertility due to inappropriate farming practices.

Human Capital

The population in Lantapan is dominated by Indigenous People “The Talaandigs”. There are also migrants coming from other provinces specifically from Cebu, Bohol, Ifugao, Misamis 0riental and Camiguin. Farming is the major source of income.

The farmers observed that the population is increasing and majority said it is alarming. The reasons for changing trends include; off-farm employment offered by agribusiness (mostly multinational corporation), in-migration and on- farm employment opportunities.

There are also perceived cases of out-migration accordingly, it is due to peace and order condition, lack of employment oppurtunities and expensive buying commodities. The farmers also cited that in –migration is also a threat of the local employment due to job competition.

The expansion of agricultural cultivation and settlement in the forestland particularly in the protected areas and buffer zone are visible threats. Some of the IPs and migrants occupied the buffer zone and protected areas for vegetable and corn production (HVC). Based on LEK perceptions, traditional farming system particularly the slash and burn method or Kaingin has been used by the migrants who consequently contributed to soil erosion and sedimentation in lowland areas. If not controlled and regulated farmers emphasized as threats to the environment. Multiple occupants in the upper to lower landscape have no security of tenure and human poverty dominates the whole landscape.

Social Capital

The landscape in Lantapan is governed by Local Government Units (LGUs) and National Government Agencies (NGAs) with the support of other stakeholders such as; the Non Government Organizations (NGOs) , Private Organization (POs), Indigenous People (IPs) Organization, Research and Development Institutions, Business Organization, Religious Organization and Peoples Organization. These various institutions and organizations are being convened on various ENR meetings and conference conducted through the Municipal Development Council, Barangay Development Council, Protected Area Management Board and Municipal Watershed Technical Meeting. These institutions provided support on environmental and natural resources management such as; establishment of protected area (Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park), biodiversity conservation, agroforestry development, soil and water conservation measures, watershed capacity building and management and research & development works to protect the Manupali watershed. The main challenge is the integration and harmonization of directions and policies of all these organizations to unify and prioritize support for PES development in Manupali River Watershed in Lantapan.

Conclusion

Quantitative and qualitative information on the impacts of land use change overtime within the landscape revealed that it affects the environmental services provided both upstream and downstream communities. Lack of ENR management support by other stakeholders as well as inappropriate farming technologies adopted by land users added strains on land/soil, forest and water resources within the landscape of Manupali River Watershed in the Municipality of Lantapan.

Based on the results of PALA, the team and the stakeholders involved recognized the importance of the data generated for LGUs ENR planning and policy and decision making including PES development within 14 Villages/ Barangays in the Municipality of Lantapan. Further, the PALA tool upgraded the technical knowledge of the resource providers in appraising the landscape in a cost efficient, but with and substantial and useful outputs generated for INRM within the landscape of Manupali River Watershed.

The methods used during pre implementation, implementation phase and post implementation posed challenge to the PALA team and management on how to cope –up the project coverage and time allotted given. Though, a delay in the report writing (post- implementation) happened due to numerous data to be processed, analyzed, digitized and encoded and administrative limitations. However, these lessons learned provided terms of reference to the TULSEA implementers in Lantapan on how to improved strategies and approaches during the replication of TULSEA tools to other sites in Bukidnon and probably in adjoining provinces in the Philippines.

The PALA output was also done in comprehensive appraisal since it covers the upland to lowland communities during the LEK, PEK and Satellite Images Analysis.

The Stakeholders recognized the participatory process and looking forward in the integration of respective outputs in ENR planning and local policy making. Stakeholders Analysis per Barangay (14) was also pursued to assess the performance of the different organization/ agencies and other resources providers in terms of their power, influence, interest, assistance and importance in the village. Two months was devoted in the tabulation and processing of PEK Outputs of 14 barangays.

Recommendations

1. Present the final output to the stakeholders.
2. Lay-out plans with the LGUs and other stakeholders on the NEXT steps to integrate the outputs during ENRM planning and policy and legislation formulation ( including Integration of PES)
3. Further request ICRAF to trained the TULSEA Team on FALLOW Modeling.

 

References

BENRO, 2009, PALA Proposal Submitted to the World Agroforestry Centrein Southeast Asia(ICRAF, SEA) Unpublished Document
Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2000. Local Government Units of Lantapan, Province of Bukidnon.

Coxhead I. and G. Buenavista (eds). 2001. Seeking Sustainability, Challenges of Agricultural Development and Environmental Management in a Philippine Watershed: Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development, Department of Science and Technology. PCARRD-DOST Los Baňos, Laguna Philippines.

Coxhead I. and Shively G. E. 2005. Land Use Change in Tropical Watersheds, Evidence, Causes and Effects
LGU- Lantapan, Municipal Watershed Management Plan, 2003.

NORDECO, DENR. 1998. Integrating Conservation and Development in Protected Area Management, Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural park1

Rola, A. Francisco H. & Liguton, J. P.T. 2004. Winning the Water War. Watersheds, water policies, and water institutions.
Van Noordwijk, M, Cadish G, Ong CK. 2004. Below-ground Interactions in Tropical Agroecosystems. Concepts and Models with Multiple Plant Components.

Van Noorwijk, M, T.P. and Verbist B. 2001. Negotiation Support Models for Integrated Natural Resources Management in Tropical Forest Margin.
 

 

Potentials of Connecting Landscape as Habitat Niche for Agrobiodiversity - An Interest for PES Development in Manupali River Watershed, Lantapan, Province of Bukidnon, Philippines

Cecille M. Egnar, Victor Amoroso, Bayani Santos, Myrna Decipulo, Benedicto Golosino, Nimfa Carpina, Joemarie Licawan, Roger Salubo, and Edgar Agbayani

 

The adjoining landscape of forest protected area-buffer-zone-agricultural area has been recognized as sensitive and valuable eco-zones for biodiversity conservation. This corridor of connectivity offers convenient habitat niches for partially forest –dependent species that would not survive in a purely agricultural landscape. ICRAF Scientists correlate this type of land use with the agro biodiversity concept and it provides wide range of interests among local diverse stakeholders as potential reference for developing mechanism for Payment of Environmental Services. The RABA output provided significant knowledge gained by local research implementers because among the three important eco-zones, the agricultural landscape connection seems a “missing link” for the stakeholders, local development and management agenda, particularly for biodiversity conservation and poverty reduction support program. Bases of these findings are the result of six (6) months Rapid Agro-biodiversity Appraisal (RABA) conducted in the Municipality of Lantapan, Province of Bukidnon, Philippines.

Study Sites and Methodology

The Rapid Agro biodiversity Appraisal was conducted within the 3 villages namely, Kaatuan, Kibangay and Victory, all in the Municipality of Lantapan, Province of Bukidnon situated in the northern part of Mindanao, Philippines. Lantapan is one of the eight (8) Municipalities embracing Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park (MKRNP) which has been identified as “Hotspots” due to its conservation values and the adjoining landscape has been hypothesized as suitable for agro biodiversity sites. Hence, the interplay, between the natural, social and human capital has been appraised in order to develop a mechanism for Payment of Environment Services necessary to sustain Integrated Natural Resources Management including Biodiversity Conservation Program.

The RABA methods included the Identification and Consultation with the stakeholders and Selection of Study Sites; Data Collection comprised of five major activities such as: Compiling, Reviewing and Analyzing Secondary Data, Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) Survey with farmer households, Public Ecological Knowledge (PEK) Survey through Focus Group Discussions and interviews with leaders from diverse stakeholders, Quick Biodiversity Survey in agricultural and forest ecosystem, Spatial–Analysis-Remote Sensing-based Mapping, Institutional Assessment and Stakeholders Analysis, feed backing and report writing.

Results & Discussions

Biodiversity Hotspots

Desk Stop Survey

The Municipality of Lantapan has a critical ecological landscape - the upland, lowland and water bodies are important natural capital not only for biodiversity conservation but for social and economic survival of more than 214, 153 thousand people living within and outside the Manupali River watershed.

The upland area (classified as forestland) is part of Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park (MKRNP) and found rich depository of biodiversity and a source of many environmental services and forest products. Based on published and unpublished literatures, the forestlands have major types of habitat: the Lowland Evergreen Forest, Lower Montane Forest, Upper Montaine Forest, Grassland and Freshwater. The conservation status of these habitats provides living area for a large number of endemic and globally threatened species of wildlife (NORDECO, DENR, 1998).

The upland areas have designated buffer-zone, an adjoining area of protected forest about 800-1500 m asl. These are multiple-use zones that provides social fence to prevent encroachment into the protected area by outsiders. About 7 barangays of the Municipality of Lantapan falls within the Bufferzones.

The lowland areas (classified as Alienable and Disposable land) that falls at 300-800 m. asl. mostly characterized by agricultural crops and built-up areas caters more than 51, 406 people (2007 NSO Survey). The agricultural areas has been devoted to agricultural crops such as palay, corn, vegetables, sugar cane, banana, pineapple, root crops and various exotic forest trees (e.g. mangium, gmelina etc.) and fruit trees.

The Mt Kitanglad Range is also the head water source of Manupali River which have 9 tributaries. These rivers provide water supply for domestic, irrigation and other agricultural activities, commercial, & industrial uses & for hydro-electric power generation, not only in Lantapan but also in Mindanao (BENRO, 2003). It Is also the habitat for aquatic life.

Spatial Analysis- Remote Sensing Mapping

SPOT Satellite images showed that the forest land in Lantapan is still covered with forest (mossy, primary and secondary forest) and mostly found in Protected areas. However, GIS data (1990-2007) indicated that there is a substantial changes in land use for almost 2 decades. The forest cover is shrinking and the bufferzone area surrounding the protected forest continues to degrade. In three sampling sites (Figure 1) showed that Approximately 400 hectares or 10 percent disappeared since 1990-2007 within the lowland evergreen rainforest and lower montane forest. Other tree based crops also declined such as agro forestry and planted trees. Vegetables (HVC) and other agricultural cash crops are increasing in 3 sites.

Figure 1 Land Cover Change in 3 Barangays (Kaatuan, Kibangay and Viictory) of Lantapan. Bukidnon based on analysis of Satellite Images Map 1990- 2007

Quick Biodiversity Survey

Quick Biodiversity Survey (QBS) on selected groups of fauna accounted for 117 species of vertebrates and 20 species of butterflies. Of the 117 vertebrates, 7 were amphibians, 12 were reptiles (8 snakes and 4 lizards), 84 species of birds and 18 mammals (Table 1).

Table 1. Species Richness and Status of Fauna in three Barangays of Lantapan

^{Note: T- Threatened, E- Endemic, R –Rare & U- Undetermined}
 

Assessment of the status of each faunal species showed a total of 34 threatened species in three Barangays. Three (3) were observed in Kaatuan, 29 in Kibangay and 28 in Victory excluding the unidentified reptiles. A total of 16 endemic vertebrate species of vertebrates in Kaautan were listed, 21 in Kibanggay and 17 species in Victory. Respectively five rare species were accounted in Kaatuan, 4 in Kibangay and 3 rare species in Victory.

Assessment of butterflies showed 20 threatened species. Of these, 2 endemic species were observed in Kaatuan, 3 in Victory with 3 rare species. The new recorded species of butterfly, Parantica dannatti reyesi was observed only in Victory.

A total of 18 mammals were recorded from Barangay Kibangay and Victory, Lantapan, Bukidnon. Of these, Eight (8) were from Kibangay and 11 in Victory. Out of 18 species of mammals reported only two species were rare (Saladung and Ingik:daga) while the other species were very abundant. Ten out of 18 species listed were Philippine endemic (60%), 3 vulnerable, 2 critically endangered, 5 endangered. There might be more endemic and endangered species but these have not been identified like the rodents and bats. Ten (10) of the species are beneficial as source of food (60%), 1 for ritual (Saladung) for a good harvest, 2 as indicators for a best farm location and a good harvest, 1 for bag material, 3 cure for paralysis (monkey), 1 for fever (milo), 1 for good eyesight (kabug). These 18 mammals recorded in this present study is one-third of the 53 species list of Heaney et al, 2006.

A total of 186 species are flora species Of these, 88 species were pteridophytes, 6 species of gymnosperms and 92 species of angiosperms (Table 2). Of the 186 species of plants assessed, a total of 19 species are threatened and 34 species endemic of the 3 barangays, barangay Kaatuan exhibited the highest number of threatened and endemic species with 17 and 25 species, respectively. The 2 other barangays had low threatened as well as endemic species.

Table 2. Total Number of Plant Species& Total of Threatened and Endemic Plant Species

Local Ecological Knowledge (LEK) and Public Ecological Knowledge (PEK) Perceptions on Social and Economic Trends Affecting the Ecosystem

Population and Livelihood

According to the 2007 Census from the National Statistics Office about 8513 people are living within 3 sites. The upland area was cited as stronghold for the Indigenous people called Talaandigs and the migrants (Cebuanos Boholanos & Igorots) most of them settled in different sitios of barangays proper. Population increase is alarming and more migrants is encroaching the upland areas. Farming is the main livelihood activity and supplemented by hunting and gathering of minor forest product. The other sources of some IPs and migrants are employed as farm laborers earning 100 to 150 pesos per day (2009 rate). The factors affecting farmers income are crop failure due to climate change, soil erosion and lack of capital to finance their farms. Farmers aspired to have an improved living 5 to 10 years from now. Population increase was often correlated by economic opportunities offered by agribusiness (sugar cane, banana and pineapple and vegetables (High value Crops). Majority of the farmers and leaders interviewed in 3 barangays, expressed that “despite of agricultural and economic gains majority of us are still trap in Poverty”.

Tenure and Tenurial Right

Tenure. Certificate of Land Title (CLT) is the tenurial instrument issued to farmers within Alienable and Disposable (A&D) and Certificate of Stewardship Contracts (CSC) or Community based Forest management Agreement (CBFMA) for farmers in the upland areas. However, only few of the farmers interviewed have security of tenure both in upland and agricultural areas. Farm sizes are small of which the the average land holding pattern is 1-2.99 hectares. Land acquisition among IPs and migrants is based on inheritance claims, leased, purchased and some of them however have tax declarations and are regularly paying taxes based on the land productivity. With the entry of agricultural plantation, many farms have been rented by agribusiness and farmers now become tenants.

Land Uses & Farming System. Majority of the farmers and leaders are very much aware that the existing land use of the forestland is for protection forest. and only small portion for production forest. They are also aware that allowable area for cultivation is only the A &D areas. In the past farmers cited that they used to have several years to adopt fallow method to maintain natural soil fertility in their area. However, traditional shifting cultivation system and fallow cultivation practice has changed due to increasing population pressure, clearing of land for commercial practices and subsequent competition for limited resources. Other farming system adopted consisted of multiple cropping & mono-cropping, contour farming, agro forestry & alley cropping.

For the past 10 years, they observed that “ the forest is decreasing and its fast” and agricultural development is increasing for banana plantation & commercial vegetable production. Staple crops like rice and corn production is also decreasing in favor of cash crops. Famers disclosed that food shortages is expected to increased five years from now if the government will not enforced zoning in prime agricultural lands.

Peoples Organizations and Collective Actions

Various People’s Organizations are common in three Barangay consisted of; Religious, Social, Farmers, Women’s, Senior Citizen, Cooperative, Land Care and Kitanglad Guard Volunteers. Farmers cited that these organizations started to exist in 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. The common collective action done was the combination of Bayanihan, Pahina and Hunlos. However, it has been observed that CAs have not been sincerely practiced since 1980s and reasons why CAs not functioning well are the absence of officers and they can hardly pay the contributions for laborers and maintenance of POs activities.

Governing Institutions and Other Resource Providers

Existing government institutions are composed of : DENR& PAMB, LGUs & BWPDC, NIA and NAPOCOR. They stated that their interest, power and legitimacy are high because it’s their statutory mandate & legitimate functions to manage the natural resources and the community. However their influence to protect the environment is only moderate due to budgetary limitation and others cited political will is not strong enough. The role of other stakeholders (NGOs Agribusiness ACADEME, Peoples Organization and Research and Development Institution) provided support and services on the value of resources (both natural and Human) they need to protect and develop, provided, it is consistent within their program, projects activities.

Perception of conservation and incentive policies.

Majority of the farmers interviewed were aware on the regulations and policies regarding MKRNP like the regulation strictly prohibiting certain uses of the park, extraction of flora and fauna is strictly prohibited and regulated only for those tenure migrants ( IPs and tenure holders).Most people interviewed believe that only DENR staff are allowed to enter the park, and believe that permits should be sought from the barangay officials or the Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB) if one has to enter the park. To some tribal leaders and IPs, this policy is a denial of their rights, because they believe that the entire range is their ancestral domain. Majority of the farmers have no knowledge whether there are policies regulating wildlife invading the agricultural areas, except hunting of Philippine Eagle.

Barangay leaders and some farmers were aware that there are NRM Incentive policies enacted but accordingly they have not receive government incentives yet. The only incentives received by few farmers were livelihood, seeds & fertilizers on the year 1990 and between 2006-2009. 67 % per cent of the farmers have no knowledge about any rewards and incentives provided by the Government & other providers. 47 per cent of the farmers preferred that if any incentives be provided to them it should be based on the farm inputs they needed and should be provided by individual household. Kitanglad Guard Volunteers (KGV) are receiving incentives (honorarium) from LGUs ( Provincial and Municipal Government) for forest protection since 1990s and up to the present.

Figure 2. Threats and Opportunities (Based on Secondary Data, LEK & PEK) Assessment

 

Conclusion

The Municipality of Lantapan have potential sites for Agrobiodiversity conservation based on the following findings:

1. The upland area which contained part of the Mt. Kitanglad Range Nature park is rich depository of biodiversity and a source of many environmental services and forest products and these declarations were substantially supported on various data collected (Desk Stop Survey/Secondary Data, LEK, PEK and QBS assessment including data derived from SPOT Satellites Images). The presence also of connecting landscape ( the protected area-bufferzone and agricultural area) is also found suitable for Agrobiodiversity Conservation site.
2. The three (3) barangays, Kaatuan, Kibanggay & Victory selected as RABA sampling sites contained the critical ecological landscape suitable for agro-biodiversity site (i.e. it has been found as BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOTS and the current land uses is impairing the flow of ecosystem services on a large scale and the THREATS continues e.g forest degradation, agricultural intensification and quantity and quality of some species are declining.
3. Willingness of diverse stakeholders (both Human and Social Capital) to provide support and collaboration for INRM (through Bundling Services) is a positive gesture and motivation to proceed with PES for INRM to sustain environmental services.

 

Recommendation

1. Capacity Building relative to PES should be followed.
2. The RABA outputs should be presented to the local executives and policy makers and for replication to remaining 4 possible RABA sites and integration with the plans and policies within the Municipality of Lantapan.
3. Stakeholders Forum for Agrobiodiversity Conservation is necessary.
4. Valuation of Ecosystem Services is recommended for further research studies.

References

BENRO. 2009. RABA Proposal Submitted to the World Agroforestry Centrein Southeast Asia(ICRAF, SEA) Unpublished Document
Cairns, Malcolm(2007) Voices From the Forest. Integrating Indigenous Knowleedge into Sustainable Upland Farming.

Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). 2000. Local Government Units of Lantapan, Province of Bukidnon

Coxhead I. and G. Buenavista (eds) 2001. Seeking Sustainability, Challenges of Agricultural Development and Environmental Management in a Philippine Watershed: Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development, Department of Science and Technology. PCARRD-DOST Los Baňos, Laguna Philippines.

Coxhead I. and Shively G. E. 2005. Land Use Change in Tropical Watersheds, Evidence, Causes and Effects
Kuncoro, S. Noordwijk,M., Martini, E., Saipothong, P., Areskoug, V. Putra,A & O’connor, T (2006), Rapid Agrobidiversity Appraisal (RABA) in the Context of Environmental Service Rewards.

LGU- Lantapan, Municipal Watershed Management Plan, 2003
NORDECO, DENR. 1998. Integrating Conservation and Development in Protected Area Management, Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural park1

Oposa, Antonio A., A Legal Arsenal for the Philippine Environment.

Rola, A. Francisco H. & Liguton, J. P.T.(2004) Winning the Water War. Watersheds, water policies, and water institutions.
Van Noordwijk, Van M., Cadish George., Ong, Chin K., (2004) Below-ground Interactions in Tropical Agroecosystems. Concepts and Models with Multiple Plant Components.

Van Noorwijk, M. T.P. and B. Verbist. 2001. Negotition Support Models for Integrated Natural Resources Management in Tropical Forest Margin.

Wertz S. 2006. Payments of Environmental Services- A solution to Biodiversity Conservation
 

 

Rapid Carbon Stock Appraisal (RaCSA) - a Tool to Estimate Carbon Stock Changes in Manupali Watershed, a Case Study of Manupali River Watershed, Lantapan, Province of Bukidnon, Philippines

Myrna Decipulo, Diober T. Gabule, Carlos Sioquim, Benedicto Golosino, Neptali Ambos and Roger Diana
 

Background

A study was implemented to estimate carbon stocks in different land uses through actual measurement of aboveground biomass of selected sub-watersheds in Lantapan, Bukidnon, Philippines, using RaCSA (Rapid Carbon Sock Appraisal). The selected major land uses are: old growth natural forest, manmade forest plantation, agroforestry farm, grassland, banana plantation, corn field and sugarcane plantation.

Figure 1. The three sub watersheds as focused areas for the study.

The three sub watersheds are still dominated by perennial crops such as natural forest, planted trees, fruit trees and coffee in agroforestry farms, rubber and banana. Table 1 shows land cover data of the three sub watersheds considered for the study. There is a noticeable decrease of natural old growth forest areas from 1990 to 2007. The natural old growth forest covered an area of 6,737.4 hectares in 1990 and it has decreased to 6,305.22 hectares in 2007. The tree-based and agroforestry farms increased from 1990 to 2002 but decreased tremendously from 2002 to 2007. Consequently, there is an increase in non-tree-based areas for the three assessment years. In 1990, the area occupied by non-tree-based crops is only 3,201.84 hectares. It has almost doubled to 6,158.79 hectares in 2007. This is due to expansion of agri-based industries in Lantapan.

Table 1. Total land cover/uses of the three-focused sub-watersheds for three assessment years

Figure 2. Changes of land cover/uses of the three sub watersheds for the assessment years based on land cover maps.

Table 2. Land cover/uses per sub-watershed (in ha) for three assessment years.

 

Biomass and carbon stocks in the old growth natural forest

Carbon stocks in natural old growth forest and manmade forest plantations were measured thru above ground biomass (ABG). Carbon in the soil was not measured due to time constraint and resources.

Since the natural old growth forest is found in high elevation, the dominant species are under the genus Castanopsis and Lithocarpus. These are the trees that thrive mostly in mossy forests. Using allometric equation, the carbon content for each tree above 30cm dbh was computed to range from 117 to 4,436 kg, while those less than 30cm dbh has a carbon content of 1.7 to 61.8 kg per tree. The necromas yielded 27,610 kg per hectare. From standing trees and necromass alone, the natural old growth forest contains 190,632.5 kg of carbon per hectare. Litters and under storey vegetations were computed using the values from the result of laboratory analysis. The total carbon stock in this paper is coming from the above ground biomass of live tree + understorey + necromass + litter.

Biomass and carbon stocks in man made forest plantation

The man made plantation forest being assessed is dominated by Shorea contorta and Paraseriantes falcataria. There are more trees identified, at least 42 individuals in a plot of 20 X 100m, which are of 30 cm DBH and above, than in a natural old growth forest which has only 28 trees. Consequently, it has higher biomass and carbon stock in terms of standing trees. However, it has lower necromas with only 3,011 kg per hectare compared to 27,610 necromas of old growth natural forest. There are also fewer trees of below 30 cm dbh considering that it is an established plantation with an almost even age stand. The total carbon stock from standing trees and necromas of a forest plantation in Lantapan is 216,410 kg per hectare. These data are based on the average of two sample plots as measurements in other forest areas were not allowed due to security reasons.

Carbon stocks in agroforestry farms

Very few big trees are found in an agroforestry farm in Lantapan. In the assessed area of 2,000 m2 only nine trees were identified and recorded. These are usually fruit trees dominated by Lansium domesticum, Durio zibethinus, Coffea sp., and Artocarpus heterophylla. The estimated carbon stock is only 13,754 kg per hectare.

Carbon stock in trees is highest in manmade forest but in terms of litters and necromass, the old growth natural forest yielded the highest. Necromass in agroforestry farm is negligible, thus, it was not included during the assessment. Agroforestry has the lowest total carbon stock among the three tree-based land uses in Lantapan, Bukidnon. Manmade forest plantation exhibited the highest total carbon stock with 216,116 kg per hectare and it is followed by old growth natural forest with a total of 193,372.5 kg.

Carbon stocks of herbaceous plantations and grasslands

The biomass and carbon stocks of banana plantation, grassland, corn and sugarcane were computed based on the result of laboratory analysis from IRRI. Among the herbaceous plants being assessed, grassland/shrub lands with natural regrowth exhibited the lowest carbon stock in terms of above ground biomass with 2.27 t/ha only. However, it does not differ significantly from corn and banana plantations that yielded almost the same stock with 2.58 and 2.53 tons per hectare respectively. Grassland areas in Lantapan are dominated by Saccharum and Imperata species with a mix of some species of ferns and dicots. The dense population of sugarcane yielded a high carbon stock of 12.85 t/ha. Banana which has almost 90% water content especially on its trunk yielded very low above ground biomass.

Table 3. Estimated carbon stocks (t/ha) per land use in three assessment periods.

The area for tree based land use is decreasing while the area for non-tree based is increasing. The highest increase in terms of land area is the grassland/open shrub land from 698.76 hectares in 1990 to 1,102.32 in 2007. The area planted to sugarcane increased more than four times from 218.88 hectares in 1990 to 863.91 hectares in 2007. The decrease on the area for agroforestry and coffee farms is more than 30% from 6,393.96 hectares in 1990 to 4,013.73 hectares in 2007 while the area for planted trees changed from 366.93 in 1990 to 171.09 hectares in 2007 which is about 46% decrease. The decrease in the estimated area of the old growth forest is not very alarming. Consequently, with the decreasing tree-based areas, the total carbon stocks also decreased from a total of 1,645,690.24 tons in 1990 to 1,433,250.7 tons in 2007 as shown in Table 3.

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations

The assessment proved that trees (woody vegetations) have more carbon stocks compared to herbaceous vegetations per unit area. Densely populated manmade forest plantation can stock carbon higher than the natural old growth forest in terms of above ground biomass but in terms of litters and necromass, the old growth natural forest yielded the highest. Necromass in agroforestry farm is negligible. Agro forestry farms are dominated by fruit trees and coffee which normally do not grow as big as forest trees, thus lesser carbon stock.

Among the herbaceous plants being assessed, grassland/shrub lands with natural regrowth exhibited the lowest carbon stock in terms of above ground biomass with 2.27 t/ha only. However, it does not differ significantly from corn and banana plantations that yielded almost the same stock with 2.58 and 2.53 tons per hectare respectively.The dense population of sugarcane yielded a high carbon stock of 12.85 t/ha. Banana which has almost 90% water content especially on its trunk yielded a low above ground biomass.

The area for tree based land use is decreasing while the area for non-tree based is increasing. The highest increase in terms of land area is sugar cane plantation followed by the grassland/open shrub land of more than 60% from 1990 to 2007. The area planted to sugarcane increased more than four times from 218.88 hectares in 1990 to 863.91 hectares in 2007.

The decrease on the area for agroforestry and coffee farms is more than 30% while the area for planted trees changed from 366.93 to 171.09 hectares which is about 46% decrease. The decrease in the estimated area of the old growth forest is not very alarming. This maybe due to efficient and effective bantay gubat program with the Kitanglad Guard Volunteers.

With the decreasing tree-based areas, the total carbon stocks also decreased from a total of 1,645,690.24 tons in 1990 to 1,433,250.7 tons in 2007 within the three sub watersheds of Alanib, Maagnao and Kulasihan as focused areas for carbon stock assessment.

Since carbon can also be stored in the soil, assessment should also be done for below ground biomass and soil to determine what land use system can best maintain carbon stock.It is also important to assess the performance of existing land use systems managed by farmers, and those managed by agro-industrial corporations in Lantapan as carbon sinks. The Rapid Carbon stocks assessment provided the RACSA team members a very useful knowledge and undertakings on how to measure carbon stocks which is very important in negotiating PES development in the site. However, ample time is necessary in conducting assessments like this especially when laboratory analyses are needed. The gathered data still need further analysis; the knowledge of the researchers on the use of suggested models are yet limited. There is dire need for capacity building thru trainings.


 

Rapid Hydrological Appraisal (RHA) in Manupali watershed

Lantapan harbours two important ecosystems: the left bank of the Manupali River that bounds Lantapan on the south, and the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park (MKNRP) on the northern boundary. Lantapan is wholly contained within the Manupali Watershed, which was declared ‘critical’ by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in 1992 and made subject to conservation and restricted development. There are 220 tributaries that drain from MKRNP, crossing extensively cultivated lands to the Manupali River. Lantapan has nine sub-watersheds, namely Timago, Kinusuhan, Tugasan, Kimanga/Cawayan, Maagnao, Alanib, Kulasihan, and Tributaries 1 and Tributaries 2. The river runs into a network of irrigation canals operated by the Manupali River Irrigation System (MaNRIS). The river’s 17-year average discharge at the diversion point is 7.45m³ per second. The whole system ultimately drains into the Pulangi reservoir, which feeds hydroelectric power generation by Pulangi IV – the National Power Corporation (NPC)’s largest hydroelectric power facility in the Mindanao Province, located about 50km southeast of Lantapan.

Rapid land use change is causing degradation in Lantapan, reducing on-farm productivity and impairing watershed functions. Downstream, poor ‘water quantity’ is observed during peak dry months, due to poor stream flow and the huge quantities of water diverted by the agri-business sector. In wet months, heavy sediment flows cause flooding in MaNRIS. Decreasing water quantity and soil erosion are seriously affecting the performance of MaNRIS, and in turn, the capacity of NPC’s Pulangui reservoir. The multiple landscape uses within the Manupali Watershed put more strains on land and water resources, requiring serious attention if water services are to be maintained to benefit both upland and downstream users. The value of the resources remain at risk, unless concerned stakeholders are brought to the table to discuss common issues, and find ‘win-win’ solutions to the watershed’s emerging ‘water competition’.

Since 2006, several collaborative efforts have been made to manage the watershed in the context of payments for environmental services (PES). To understand the watershed’s dynamic, we have initially gathered secondary data such as thematic maps, hydro-meteorological, biophysical and socio-economic data. Initial meetings and discussions with stakeholders were also conducted to pursue PES. However, quantitative data that would strengthen observations on the decreasing water supply vis a vis increasing demand is still lacking.

Thus, the Rapid Hydrological Appraisal (RHA) is recognised as a fundamental tool to assess the current hydrological situation, thereby providing necessary data for PES negotiation. Moreover, a research-based input for policy- and decision-making processes is also considered important in the Bukidnon Provincial Government’s watershed management program. The RHA report will include recommendations for a PES mechanism for policy-makers and decision-makers to reward upland communities for protecting the watershed.

 

Rapid Market Appraisal (RMA)

Lantapan has an agriculturally based economy. The most widely planted food crops are corn, rice, sugarcane, bananas, coffee and vegetables. About 90 per cent of households used to depend on smallholder farming, but this changed when five multi-national highland banana companies started operating in the late 1990s. Together with improved rural infrastructure, this has expanded commercial opportunities to many farm communities. Private agricultural lands are predominantly vegetable gardens. Hence, Lantapan is known as the provincial vegetable basket. It supplies vegetables to urban markets in Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City, Cebu City, metropolitan Manila and as far as Japan. However, numerous problems hamper vegetable production, including high costs in controlling pests and diseases, lack of quality seeds, unavailability of post-harvest infrastructure, low adoption of post-production technologies, inadequate storage facilities, unstable market prices and limited market access.

Lantapan farmers also generally lack access to market information (product demand, specifications and prices), lack understanding of market channels, produce products of unreliable quality nd quantity, rarely engage in grading to improve product quality, and sell their products as individuals. Many farmers do not fully understand their local markets. They sell products through middlemen and seldom engage in post-harvest activities. They produce and sell agricultural products in local markets, competing with their neighbors.

Tree farmers in Lantapan face similar problems. Many farmers were encouraged to put up nurseries and plant trees on farms by various organisations keen to promote tree farming. The Agroforestry Tree Seeds Association of Lantapan (ATSAL), a group of tree farmers, was known as a producer of both exotic and endemic seeds and seedlings in the municipality and even the whole country. The marketing problems they encountered include undisclosed sales transactions, loss of leadership and facilitation, and the emergence of market competition. Even more challenging is the marketing of their timber during harvest time.

Efforts have been made to improve the marketing of agroforestry products, particularly vegetables. With local government support, NGOs have facilitated groups of farmers to produce and market vegetables as a cooperative cluster. Though the implementation of their agro-enterprise plan is still very recent, lessons are already emerging that can help farmers improve the marketing of their products. In light of this, the Rapid Market Appraisal (RMA) tool is important for farmers to understand the market situation, and encourage them to adapt their production and marketing strategies. This will also guide the local government and other service providers in determining interventions to improve the efficiency of marketing systems, and generate benefits for farmers.

Therefore, the RMA study will identify the production and marketing practices of vegetable and agroforestry farmers; identify the market value chain of vegetable and agroforestry products, particularly timber, bananas and coffee; determine the costs (production, marketing) and benefits (profit margin) of each marketing channel; identify market constraints and opportunities related to vegetable and agroforestry products, particularly timber, bananas and coffee; and, recommend interventions in commodity system organisation and technologies.

 

Rapid Land Tenure Assessment (RaTA)

Several tenurial instruments were issued within Lantapan for alienable and disposal land, such as the Certificate of Land Transfer (CLT) and Certificate of Land Ownership Award (CLOA). The forest tenurial instruments issued were the Certificate of Stewardship Contract (CSC) or Community-Based Forest Management Agreement (CBFMA) and Proclamations for the protection forest.

Based on DENR records, three proclamations currently cover the Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park, apparently overlapping with other agreements and despite barangays (villages) being within the forestland. They are Proclamation No. 127, declaring Muleta Manupali as a critical watershed, Proclamation No. 896 declaring Mt. Kitanglad Range as a Natural Park, and Proclamation No. 283 declaring Cinchona Reforestation Project as a Forest Reserve. A Community-Based Forestry Management Agreement was also issued in the protected area.

Most occupants in the forestlands are indigenous people who also have a pending application for a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT). Overlapping water rights permits between the national Government and multinational corporations are also greatly affecting local domestic and small-scale agriculture users in upstream and downstream areas. The Rapid Land Tenure Assessment (RATA) is an important tool to explore all these competing claims.

The proponent in collaboration with partner agencies has agreed to pursue this tool’s application so that various stakeholders will be aware of and understand the land tenure issues and concerns. This understanding is vital to finding solutions to settle land conflicts through appropriate planning, policy making, and decision making processes. The RATA outcomes could be also used to negotiate compensation or rewards for payment of environmental services (PES) that will support Integrated Natural Resources Management.

 

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