Potential of non-timber agroforestry products for livelihood of Taubuid in Sitio Tamisan, Poypoy, Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines

Abstract

Employing descriptive method, this study explored the potential of non-timber agroforestry products as sources for livelihood of Tau-buid in Sitio Tamisan, Poypoy, Calintaan, Occidental Mindoro. A total of 80 Tau-buid were interviewed using an interview schedule. Data gathered were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and rank. The Tau-buid respondents were mostly males at prime working age; married with household as source of labor; speak local languages; no formal education; cultivate own farm; and affiliated to an organization. They obtained food and income from fruits, cereals, root crops, vegetables, honey, pig, chicken, bassinet, cogon, bilao, bulrush, bamboo, broom, and basket from forest and agroforestry farms. Banana, rice and cassava were top three food products while bassinet, cogon and bilao were the three non-food products, which have the potential to become livelihood activities of the Tau-buid. Nevertheless, they had problems on weeds, rats and birds, pest and diseases, drought, and wildfire. Hand weeding; use of “binsik”; crop rotation and diversification; water harvesting facility; and fire breaks were suggested solutions. Training and seminars to capacitate the Tau-buid deems necessary, such as in processing of products; which may be provided by concerned organizations. High value products out of non-timber products would offer high income.