Farmer Perceptions of GIAHS: Analyzing Farmer Involvement and GIAHS Benefits in the Ifugao Rice Terraces

Clarisse Mendoza Gonzalvo, Keshav Maharjan, Jude Cadingpal Baggo and John Mervin Lasafin Embate
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Clarisse Mendoza Gonzalvo: Department of Educational Communication, College of Development Communication, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines
Jude Cadingpal Baggo: Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) Center, Ifugao State University, Nayon, Lamut 3605, Philippines
John Mervin Lasafin Embate: Department of Educational Communication, College of Development Communication, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031, Philippines

Agriculture, 2024, vol. 14, issue 12, 1-19

Abstract: The Ifugao Rice Terraces have been the Philippines’ first and only Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS) since 2011. More than a decade later, this study assesses whether Ifugao farmers find this designation beneficial and if it enhances their sense of involvement. Through a cross-sectional survey of GIAHS farmers in Banaue, Ifugao, this study examines perceived benefits and involvement, along with views on youth participation in agriculture, farmer livelihoods, and tourism management in Ifugao. The findings reveal that 65.1% of farmers see the GIAHS designation as beneficial and 58.7% feel involved. Farmers who perceive limited tourism benefits from the GIAHS are more likely to feel uninvolved, while those who value the designation’s potential for improving income and consumer demand for Ifugao rice report higher involvement. Cultural heritage and ancestral values are significant motivators, with some farmers viewing the GIAHS as a means of preserving traditions. Support from local government, subsidies, and media enhances involvement, particularly among those practicing rituals or growing the traditional Tinawon rice, which strengthens ties to the GIAHS. Additionally, farmers involved in discussions or training on Environmental Conservation Agriculture (ECA) report a stronger connection to the GIAHS, as ECA practices align with their traditional, sustainable approaches. Overall, this study highlights the complex role of the GIAHS as a bridge between cultural heritage, livelihood, and sustainability, underscoring the need to integrate farmer perspectives more closely into GIAHS initiatives in Ifugao.

Keywords: GIAHS; Ifugao farmers; GIAHS benefits; GIAHS involvement; Ifugao Rice Terraces; indigenous farmers; Ifugao tourism; environmental conservation agriculture; expectancy–value theory; Tinawon (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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