Indigenous knowledge in traditional production of rice: Impact on food security in the upland households in Ifugao, Philippines

Abstract

Indigenous knowledge is essential to the survival of highland farming across the world. In the Philippines, the Ifugao indigenous people have a long history of rice farming which is intertwined with their indigenous knowledge and cultural identity, particularly the Ifugao Rice Terraces (IRT). Their traditional practices of rice production entails the use of indigenous knowledge. The investigation included a number of conventional processes, ranging from land preparation through harvesting and even the planting season. It is clear that Ifugaos continue to grow native rice in the region in the customary manner. It is noteworthy because Ifugao is having food security challenges, thus 82 percent of people believe that there is a high risk of food insecurity, and 70.20 percent believe that rice output is insufficient based on yearly rice production. 51.2 percent felt that even though there is food insecurity, they would not go hungry.