Farming Systems and Crop Diversity in Selected Protected Areas in the Visayas

Agricultural Production systems inside protected areas are shifting from subsistence to cash economy. Along this shift, farming systems are also significantly changing from low to high intensity cropping, characterized by continuous cultivation and heavy application of inorganic fertilizer and pesticides. Based on the main crops grown, spatial arrangement and cropping intensities, the different crop production systems were identified such as traditional mosaic, low-input mosaic, low-input abaca-based intercrop, low input staples, and high input vegetables. Crop diversity at the farm level is generally low. Perennial crops are integrated into the farming system but are limited to few species of fruit crops and exotic forest trees. Farm level species diversity is positvely realted to age, number of years with livelihood projects. Livelihood module must be implemented and institutinal support be strengthened to lessen dependence of inhabitants of protected areas on these less sustainable production systems.