Cacao mapping using Geographic Information System (GIS) in the Province of Cagayan, Philippines

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the locations of the cacao areas in the province of Cagayan and to map the cacao using Geographic Information System (GIS) specifically in the three districts with known cacao plantation. Baseline data were gathered in each municipality of the Province of Cagayan to find out the different location and to map the cacao in the three districts of Cagayan using Geographic Information System (GIS). The cacao plantations were then validated by reconnaissance survey with the aid of Global Positioning System (GPS) and a survey questionnaire form developed by National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA). The surveys determine geographic locations and the agricultural land use systems of cacao growers. Land use systems data gathered were capital intensity, market orientation, labor intensity, mechanization and power usage in relation to mechanization, farm size, infrastructure requirements, cropping characteristics and cultural management practices. A cacao map was generated using Quantum Geographic Information System 2.18.4 (QGIS 2.18.4). All data gathered were spatially analyzed using QGIS software and the resulting map is a glimpse of where large areas of cacao plantation in Cagayan are located. Based on the results generated, it was found out that bulk of cacao plantations is located in the municipality of Lasam and Sta. Praxedes which are covered by 2^nd District. Other areas are located in District I (Gonzaga, Sta. Teresita, Lal-lo, Gattaran, and Sanchez Mira). For District III, Peñablanca and Rizal were also surveyed to have a vast area for cacao.