Aspects of land use systems along a Catena on Leyte, Philippines

In Layte several ecosystems exist which were all used traditionally by the farm households to ensure their livelihood. From the aquatic-ecosystems they got their protein, the agro-ecosystems along the coast and hillside provided starch while the forest-ecosystem supplied the families with fire wood and timber. Kaingin farming is the traditional land use system for hillsides in the Philippines, comparable to shifting cultivation. In Leyte, Kaingin farming is frequently supplemented by forest product collecting activities. Traditionally this system was adapted to the given natural resources, as long fallow periods (15 yr) were able to restore soil productivity. Because of the growing population the supplementary role of hillside farms has evolved into a primary source of subsistence, followed by resource depletion. More productive and sustainable land use systems need to be introduced and adapted which are able to restore soil productivity in the same efficient way as does the secondary forest during long fallow periods. Agroforestry will improve ecological sustainability and economic stability of the farm households. -from English summary