Rice-Fish Farming In Pangasinan, Philippines: A Farm Land Use Optimization Experience

Abstract

After 2,000 years, rice-fish farming experienced a revival in the province of Pangasinan,
Philippines. The rice-fish farming, an approach to farmland use optimization, is a new experience to three
initiators. This study was carried out generally to examine the rice-fish farming, its influence to bio-physical
environment and the socio-economic conditions of the rice-fish farmers. Descriptive research technique through
field surveys and survey questionnaire were used. From the result, it was found out that the initiators of rice-fish
farming who owned the farmlands were elderly yet schooled rice farmers and members of farmers’ organization.
Their farmlands with varying farm type, physical, and chemical soil characteristics improved the soil fertility as
influenced by the presence of fish. Rice-fish farmers experienced increase of income of about 20% from the
production of both rice and fish and assurance of reliable source of protein for their families. Despite the risk and
tedious task, rice-fish farming not only optimize the farmland but also protect nature’s cycle. An intensive
Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and training needs assessment for would be rice-fish farmers
especially the younger ones should be conducted out by the local government units with the Department of
Agriculture and the local farmers organizations to ensure appreciation and adoption by many, and sustainability of
rice-fish farming in the province.