Journal Details
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Pages: 17-22
Abstract
Agricultural risks such as climate variability, pest outbreaks, and declining soil productivity pose significant challenges to farming communities, particularly among Indigenous People (IP) farmers who depend heavily on natural resources for their livelihood. This study assessed the Indigenous Knowledge and Practices (IKPs) utilized by IP farmers in Baao, Camarines Sur, as a response to agricultural risks. Specifically, it examined the socio-economic characteristics of farmers, their level of knowledge on agricultural risks, the indigenous practices used to cope with these risks, and the challenges encountered in their farming activities. A mixed-method research design was employed using survey questionnaires administered to 179 IP farmers identified through the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA). Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results showed that rice farmers had the highest level of knowledge on agricultural risks, followed by corn and vegetable farmers, while root crop farmers had relatively lower knowledge levels. Indigenous practices, including environmental observations and traditional rituals, play an important role in enhancing resilience and sustaining indigenous farming systems.