Rice-fish practices in Ifugao Province, Philippines

Abstract

Ifugao lies in the Cordillera Mountains in the north-central part of Luzon. It is famous for its colorful inhabitants, lush forests, crystal waters and magnificent rice terraces. The people have traditionally practiced rice-fish culture. Approximately half the area (total area 8,000 ha) of rice terraces are currently utilized for capture of mudfish (Ophicephalus striatus = Channa striata). There are no data on production of this piscivorous species in Ifugao, but from observations made, it is quite low. Changing farming practices such as use of chemical pesticides (needed for high-yielding rice varieties) and illegal fishing practices are reducing native fish production and area.