Poverty is pervasive in the mountainous region of Cordillera. In addition, food security and sustainability of the environment remain a challenge to people in the region. In response to these challenges, technologies are being tested, experimented, and proven. Despite research and development on appropriate technologies, there has been little effort to bring back and share research results to communities and to people who need them. This research project focused on how research-based information on 4 nutrient-water dynamics, biodiversity, and agricultural productivity in muyong (traditional forest) and payoh (rice terrace) systems can be communicated, evaluated, and translated into a policy brief to benefit farmers and their families in Banaue, Ifugao.

The muyong functions to: 1) provide irrigation water, litter, fuel wood and wood; 2) prevent downslope erosion; and 3) maintain soil fertility and biodiversity. The payoh uses sunflower as organic fertilizer to manage soil fertility and to preserve indigenous and local rice varieties (Macandog et al., 2009). Project Number E-216 was one of three projects under the NRCP-funded program on understanding and communicating nutrient and water dynamics, earthworm composition, and vegetation in the muyong-payoh system in Banaue, Ifugao. The other two projects were Project Numbers E-214 and E-215 carried out in 2012-2013. Dr. Damasa Macandog’s Project E-214 studied nutrient and water dynamics, plant biodiversity, and agricultural productivity in the muyong-payoh system. Project E-215, conducted by Dr. Nestor Baguinon, investigated earthworm species composition in an Ifugao muyong-payoh as they varied with vegetation and soil gradients. These two projects were carried out prior to the implementation of Project E-216. Both projects were implemented in Banaue, Ifugao. Projects E-214 and E-215 provided scientific results as inputs into the communication, evaluation, and policy formulation of popularized research-based information in Banaue, Ifugao. The research results of these two projects were used in Project E-216 to inform and educate farmers and other stakeholders on indigenous technologies and practices relevant to their muyong and payoh systems. Project E-216 focused on how to communicate, evaluate, and formulate policy on the research-based findings of Projects E-214 and E-215. Through communication and understanding of popularized research-based information on the muyong-payoh system, the farmers and other stakeholders were expected to be empowered to make the right decision and take proper action on using technologies to improve their farm production. The results of the evaluation of research-based information provided insights on the immediate effects as well as effectiveness of communication materials and methods used among the farmers and other relevant stakeholders. The evaluation findings also generated directions for future research on the physical and social sciences. Further, the evaluation results showed what aspects of the communication research or of the indigenous technologies can be improved.