The Major livelihoods of the Ifugaos are farming, handicrafts and wood carving. From these livelihoods, they are able to support their children's education and acquire the basic necessities of life. Their farming practices have greatly altered the environment, but have nevertheless been recognized as among the most productive, stable and sustainable system in the world.
The farming system of the Ifugaos consists of the payoh (rice terraces), muyung (woodlot) and the uma (swidden)
The construction of pond fields considers many factors.
Muyongs were generally described by the key informants as a traditional land-use zoning system that is usually placed along mountain peaks down to mid-slopes. These woodlots are also sources of their fuel wood, wood for house construction and various edible fruits such as the areca nut (Areca catechu).
Swidden farming was described as the oldest form of agroforestry practice in Ifugao. Key informants described that swidden farms or uma are confined to areas that are not being used for muyong and rice terraces. Swidden farming practice involves clearing a patch of sloping grasslands and secondary forests.
The Banaue Rice Terraces exemplify sustainable farming practices. The Ifugao people work in harmony with nature, emphasizing the importance of preserving the environment for future generations. Some sustainable practices includes:
The terraces are surrounded by forests that are considered sacred. These forest protect the watershed and maintain the ecological balance of the region
chemical pesticides are fertilizers are rarely used, instead the ifugao people rely on organic farming techniques passed down through generations
maintaining the terraces requires collective effort. the ifugao community works together during planting and harvesting seasons, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility
THE ICONIC RICE TERRACES OF IFUGAO ARE A TESTAMENT TO THEIR TRADITIONAL FARMING METHODS. THESE TERRACES, METICULOUSLY CARVED INTO MOUNTAIN SLOPES, CREATE A STEPPED LANDSCAPE THAT ALLOWS FOR EFFICIENT WATER MANAGEMENT AND RICE CULTICATION. THE IFUGAO EMPLOY A SYSTEM OF IRRIGATION CHANNELS, CAREFULLY BUILT STONE WALLS, AND GRAVITY -FED WATER SYSTEMS TO ENSURE A CONSISTENT WATER SUPLY TO THE RICE PADDIES.
THE IFUGAO PRACTICE CROP ROTATION TO MAINTAIN SOIL FERTILITY, AFTER EACH RICE HARVEST, THEY PLANT OTHER CROPS LIKE SWEET POTATOES, BEANS, AND VEGETABLES. THIS PRACTICE NOT ONLY REPLENISHES THE SOIL BUT ALSO DIVERSIFIES THEIR DIET.
CHEMICAL PESTICIDES AND FERTILIZERS ARE SPARINGL USED, IF AT ALL. INSTEAD, TRADITIONAL ORGANIC FARMING TECHNIQUES ARE FAVORED. CROP RESIDUES AND ANIMAL MANURE ARE USED TO ENRICH THE SOIL NATURALLY.
IFUGAO FARMERS HAVE A RICH TRADITION OF SAVING AND SHARIN HEIRLOOM SEEDS. THIS PRACTICE ENSURES THE PRESERVATION OF TRADITIONAL RICE VARIETIES THAT ARE ADAPTED TO THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT
A STAPLE ALONGSIDE RICE, SWEET POTATOES ARE GROWN FOR THIER VERSATILITY AND NUTRITIONAL VALUE
BEANS AND OTHER LEGUMES ARE ESSENTIAL PROTIEN SOURCES IN THEIR DIET.
IFUGAO, FARMERS CULTIVATE A RANGE OF VEGETABLES, INCLUDING CABBAGE, TOMATOES AND EGGPLANTS.
FRUIT-BEARING TRES LIKE MANGOES AND BANANAS ARE GROWN IN ORCHARDS, PROVIDING ADDITIONAL SUSTENANCE
TARO AND CASSAVA ARE GROWN IN LOWER-LYING AREAS.