Indigenous pest control: The case of Meranao farmers in Southern Philippines

Abstract

The effectiveness of indigenous pest control shown by various research findings are quite motivating. Likewise, the diminishing of IKS due to a lack of proper documentation of those indigenous practices that is found to be effective, particularly in farming and more specifically in pest control is also a challenging. This paper aimed to explore the indigenous peat control of some selected Meranao Farmers in Northern Mindanao. A case study design and mixed method of quantitative and qualitative approached was used in documenting the 30 Meranao farmers’ indigenous pest control. Survey questionnaire and informal interview was used as the data collection tools. Findings revealed that the farmers use an amalgamation of traditional, indigenous and conventional methods of pest management control on their farm. Their indigenous knowledge (IK) on pest management have helped them control and sustainably manage pest problems and meet their subsistence needs without depending on costly energy-based inputs. The continued utilization may be attributed to the effectiveness, affordability, communicability, ecological soundness and sustainability of these practices in controlling pests, and diseases. Since practices of IKS for pest management is eco-friendly and cost-effective, it is therefore recommended that the IKS of a different Indigenous group of people may be recorded and be used for innovative research before it will vanish in history.