Indigenous farming practices in selected barangays of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to determine the indigenous farming practices of IP's in selected Barangays of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur using descriptive analysis. Most indigenous farmers were middle-aged, between the ages of 36 and 50 years old, no formal Education and with small family size, and are generally Bagobo-Tagabawa. Most of them are farmers who are married. They own a marginal-sized farm, and have been farming despite of the lack of training. The majority of indigenous farmers practiced "kammet" or deforestation, in which this activity is done by clearing tall trees and using tools that are made by indigenous peoples. By following these pre-planting practices, farmers were able to make their work less strenuous. In addition, "Bagobo-Tagabawa" is well-known for its root crops and fruit-bearing trees, which give farmers something to eat while they wait for their harvest .Multiple cropping is a traditional indigenous agricultural technique. Some farmers use organic manure, just like animal manure, twigs, and leaves. Farmers also stick to their traditional farming methods, they use sanggot to get rid of weeds. Before they harvest crops, there is a feast known as "Anig" this indigenous practice is typically done to thank God for their bountiful harvest. Neighbors help one another and give a portion of the harvest as payment in kind rather than cash.