Changing the traditional land use system of the world renowned Ifugao rice terraces

Abstract

The rice terraces in the mountains of Northern Luzon are an ecologically balanced agricultural system developed by the Ifugao cultural communities. It is closely connected to swiddens and forests, and intensively interrelated to the social life of the Ifugaos. Very soon, this ecosystem will be changed by modern agricultural technologies and social developments. Therefore, the status quo was investigated to maintain the knowledge of the complex interrelations within this system, which could provide positive impulses to similar agroecosystems in tropical mountain areas. Occurring changes and damages of the ecosystem and possible solutions for conflicting problems are discussed.