Sustainable agricultural farming practices of Mamanwa tribe in Eastern Visayas, Philippines

Abstract

Agricultural farming is the primary source of food for indigenous people all over the world, including crops, vegetables, and fruits. In terms of planting, growing, harvesting, and storing, indigenous people established diverse agricultural techniques. The study’s goal was to explore and explain the Mamanwa tribe’s sustainable traditional farming practices and other agricultural activities on Biliran Island, Philippines. Multiple case study design was employed, and Mamanwa participants were identified and determined using purposive sampling. In addition, semi-interviews, direct observation, physical artifacts, field notes, and comments from various sources were gathered, transcribed, and classified. Significant statements from the participants were grouped based on the commonalities and coded. Then, codes were grouped, and themes were formulated. Moreover, the themes were submitted, and reviewed by selected validators for their appropriateness and relevance, with the support of relevant studies as well. The Mamanwa tribe on Biliran Island continues to undertake farming to meet their daily requirements. While the Hanunoos practiced multiple cropping, Manobos, Suludnons, and Atis practiced crop diversity, Mamanwa’s practiced soil profiling, multiple cropping, organic farming, astronomical calendar, and cultural ritual activities, to name a few. Furthermore, these agricultural practices are environmentally friendly and long-term, as shown by their forefathers over many years. As a result, environmental education might be used to preserve and integrate these environmentally favorable farming methods.