Abaca production and farming practices in Caraga region

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine Abaca’s production areas and farming practices in the Caraga region. There were 1,256 abaca farmers identified and interviewed through a survey questionnaire. Geo-tagging was done to verify the area and location of abaca production areas in the Caraga region. Moreover, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted among farmers and traders. A stakeholder’s forum was also done to validate the data collected, which farmers, traders, and representatives from DTI, LGUs, PAOs, and PhilFIDA attended. The results showed 31 abaca-producing municipalities in the Caraga region, with Surigao del Sur as the leading province. Likewise, Surigao del Sur had the most abaca farmers among the provinces, dominated by males. The majority of the farmers have a 1-hectare farm area. At the same time, the land owner they were cultivating was also members of different organizations, either government or nongovernment. Most farmers engaged in abaca production for 11 to 20 years already, and aside from Abaca, they planted falcata as another source of income. The variety commonly planted by the farmers was Inusa, primarily given by neighbors. Most of them do not use fertilizers due to the high cost. Eighteen months after planting, most can frequently harvest fiber 3-4 times yearly. As practiced, the waste materials were just dumped in the area after harvesting.