Philippine Uplands & Agroforestry

• Study notes for upland situations in the Philippines, relevant laws, agroforestry, and basic agroforestry concepts.

Upland Situation in the Philippines

• Uplands are hilly or mountainous areas with slopes exceeding 18%.
• Uplands support forests, biodiversity, and water resources.
• Uplands affect downstream ecosystems, including lowlands and marine areas.
• They serve as homes to indigenous communities.
• They are a source of timber, fuel, and other forest products.
• Uplands face threats like deforestation, soil erosion, climate change, and illegal mining.
• People move to uplands due to push factors like lack of land, jobs, or opportunities in lowlands.
• Pull factors include more land and farming opportunities.
• Solutions for upland development include sustainability efforts like agroforestry and conservation.
• Community involvement in planning is essential.

Laws Related to Agroforestry

• PD 705 (Revised Forestry Code) governs forests and promotes tree farms and agroforestry.
• EO 192 (DENR Reorganization Act) strengthens environmental governance.
• RA 7160 (Local Government Code, 1991) gives LGUs power over local forest management.
• RA 7586 (NIPAS Act) protects natural parks and biodiversity.
• EO 263 (Community-Based Forest Management) encourages local communities to manage forests sustainably.
• Laws in Agroforestry ensure sustainable resource use.
• Laws protect forest lands and biodiversity.
• Laws empower local communities in forest management.

Introduction to Agroforestry

• Agroforestry is combining trees, crops, and livestock for sustainable farming.
• It promotes soil conservation, biodiversity, and climate resilience.
• Traditional agroforestry practices include rice terraces in Ifugao, which are over 2,000 years old.
• Shifting cultivation (Kaingin) has been practiced for centuries but leads to deforestation if not managed properly.
• Modern agroforestry is an alternative to deforestation.
• It reduces the need for clear-cutting forests.
• Agroforestry supports environmental goals, including biodiversity conservation and carbon storage.
• It improves livelihoods by enabling farmers to earn from multiple products like fruits, timber, and livestock.

Basic Agroforestry Concepts

• Agroforestry is important for food security.
• It prevents erosion and improves fertility.
• It helps combat deforestation and carbon emissions.
• Agroforestry includes multiple components: Trees + Crops + Livestock.
• Components are managed together to improve farm productivity.
• It is considered a long-term farming system compared to regular agriculture.
• The Four I's of Agroforestry:
  • Intentional: Trees and crops are deliberately planted together.
  • Intensive: Requires proper care (fertilization, pruning, etc.).
  • Interactive: Components benefit each other (e.g., trees provide shade, crops enrich soil).
  • Integrated: Balances economic gains and environmental sustainability.

Roles of Perennials (Woody Trees) in Agroforestry

• Protective functions of perennials:
  • Soil Improvement: Roots help prevent erosion and increase soil fertility.
  • Water Conservation: Trees regulate water flow and reduce runoff.
  • Microclimate Regulation: Trees provide shade and reduce extreme temperatures.
  • Pest Control: Diverse planting reduces risk of pests/diseases.
• Productive functions of perennials:
  • Direct food production: Fruits, nuts, medicinal plants.
  • Livestock benefits: Trees provide fodder (leaves, fruits) for animals.
  • Agricultural inputs: Timber for fences, compost materials, fuelwood.
  • Cash crops: Trees produce resins, oils, and rubber for income.
• Ecological and Socioeconomic Benefits of perennials:
  • More sustainable than monocropping.
  • Less risk of crop failure due to diverse planting.
  • Creates jobs and supports local farmers.

Agroforestry vs. Classical Forestry

• Land Ownership:
  • Classical Forestry: Mostly government-owned.
  • Agroforestry: Mostly private or community-owned.
• Management:
  • Classical Forestry: Long-term tree harvesting.
  • Agroforestry: Combines trees with crops/livestock.
• Purpose:
  • Classical Forestry: Timber production.
  • Agroforestry: Food, timber, animal feed, soil conservation.
• Production Area:
  • Classical Forestry: Large forests.
  • Agroforestry: Small to medium farms.
• Environmental Impact:
  • Classical Forestry: Can lead to deforestation.
  • Agroforestry: Promotes biodiversity and sustainability.