Current Status of the Golden Apple Snail in the Ifugao Rice Terraces, Philippines

ABSTRACT The golden apple snail (GAS) was introduced in the Philippines between 1982 and 1984 to supplement sources of food protein of low-income Filipino farmers. However, in 1986, it began to damage heavily rice farms in northwestern Luzon. Its rapid multiplication and wide distribution threaten rice production and food security in the country. This study led by scientists and researchers of the DA-PhilRice focused on farmers' KAP (knowledge, attitudes and practices) survey and snail sampling. The current status and management of GAS in the IRT (Ifugao Rice Terraces) was determined with emphasis on ecological, and socioeconomic aspects. Farm interviews were conducted using a pretested questionnaire translated into Iloko (the local dialect), using a list of key issues but not limited by it. In-depth interviews gathered greater insights on farmers' perceptions of the GAS problem. These were aimed at developing seasonal and historical profiles, and interaction matrices describing GAS development in the IRT. Secondary data from the MAO, CECAP, ITC, DA and key informants in the barangays were gathered to validate the interview data. Randomly selected and interviewed were 127 farmers from the 26 barangays in the Ifugao municipalities of Banaue, Hungduan, and Mayoyao. Women outnumbered men. Majorities of the farmers had average literacy and were aged 31–70 years old. They had substantially long rice farming experiences aside from non-farm activities such as woodcarving. Farmers ranked GAS as their main pest after earthworms and rats. GAS had invaded the IRT because of human intervention and lack of adequate basic knowledge of the pest. Farmers' perceived a yield loss of 41–50% caused by GAS. Farmers in the IRT use many indigenous technologies, but their potential and integration will have to be validated. GAS was the only snail pest species found in the IRT irrespective of elevation. GAS females always outnumbered males, but operculum size varied with shell size, and could not be related to sex. The most common color encountered in the GAS samplings was golden brown. Specific technologies to manage GAS are needed in the IRT taking into account the indigenous technology and farmers' knowledge, rather than making blanket recommendations which lowland farmers now use for GAS management. This is possible through the farmer-scientist participatory research, extension and training approach. The existing National IPM program of the Department of Agriculture could further strengthen this approach to promote other uses of GAS through the farmers' field school.