Farmers' knowledge, attitudes and practices of rice crop and pest management at Ifugao Rice Terraces, Philippines

A survey of 150 rice farmers in three municipalities of the Ifugao Rice Terraces. Philippines, carried out in June 1998, aimed to assess the farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices of rice crop and pest management. The survey revealed that: 54% of the farmers fall within a narrow age range (31-50 years), the majority having 11-30 years of rice farming experience; they are of average literacy; and they have large households. Non-farm activity such as woodcarving was the most common source of additional income. The majority of farmers planted a single crop of rice per year and followed traditional cultivation practices. Major rice crop production constraints were drought due to the El Nino phenomenon and insufficient irrigation infrastructure. Zinc deficiency was widespread. Major, non-insect pests known to farmers were earthworms, rats, golden apple snails, and house sparrows. These pests damage either the rice plant or the terrace wail. Earthworm damage to the terrace wail is most obvious. Farmers had very little exposure to integrated pest management and new rice technologies.