Indigenous knowledge and household food security: the role of root and tuber crops among indigenous peoples in the Northern Philippines

Abstract

The indigenous peoples of Northern Philippines have always considered roots and tubers as staple food and vegetable. With the changing lifestyles of the younger generation and the lack of documentation, indigenous knowledge on roots and tubers is at risk of disappearing. This study aimed at mapping the knowledge on roots and tubers and assessing the role of roots and tubers in household food security among 15 ethno-linguistic indigenous groups in the Philippines. As part of the study, secondary data analysis, key informant interviews, focus-group discussion, field visits, administered tests and validation follow-ups were conducted. More than 20 roots and tubers consisting of 10 cultivated species and more than 10 species of wild roots and tubers were identified. The first include cassava, sweet potato, greater yam, taro, tannia, lesser yam, arrowroot, potato, yacon and yam bean, the second nami, elephant yam, giant taro, canna, wild yam bean and wild species of taro, greater yam and lesser yam. Among the indigenous people, the roots and tubers are not only used for meeting household food needs, but are also traded, used for medicinal purposes and as gifts and offerings. In the eyes of the people, root and tuber crops farming inculcates the virtues of industriousness and self-reliance. Unfortunately, only those born before the 1980’s retain traditional knowledge pertaining to the diversity and variety of roots and tubers, cropping practices, and utilisation. The younger generation already exhibited loss in both conceptual knowledge and practical skills regarding roots and tubers.