Title
Introduction
Body
Causes and Risks
Soil degradation in Davao City’s upland farms is a growing problem caused
by unsustainable practices and environmental disruption. It threatens not only ecological
stability but also the livelihoods of communities dependent on agriculture. The main causes
include monocropping, deforestation, watershed degradation, and poor farming methods, all
of which increase erosion, deplete nutrients, and reduce water retention.
One of the foremost causes of soil degradation is monocropping, a practice
that involves cultivating the same crop repeatedly on the same plot of land without rotation.
While it simplifies farming processes, monocropping accelerates the depletion of specific
soil nutrients, weakening the soil's structure and fertility. This degradation makes the land
more vulnerable to erosion and necessitates the use of synthetic fertilizers, which in turn
further harm soil quality. As detailed in the Environmental Sustainability Issues in Philippine
Agriculture, this cycle of nutrient depletion and chemical reliance undermines both the
environmental integrity and the long-term productivity of upland farms.
Another factor contributing to soil degradation is deforestation. Forests play a vital
role in protecting soil by reducing surface runoff, maintaining organic matter, and shielding
topsoil from harsh environmental conditions. However, the clearing of forests in upland
areas to make way for agricultural activities has left the soil exposed and defenseless.
According to findings from Earth Journalism Network, this loss of forest cover has led to
severe erosion and compromised the soil's capacity to retain essential nutrients and
moisture, further exacerbating the problem.
Moreover, watershed degradation is also a contributor to soil degradation.
Watersheds are essential for regulating water flow and maintaining adequate soil moisture
levels. Unfortunately, poor land management and agricultural expansion have reduced the
ability of watersheds to absorb rainfall. As Soil Conservation in the Philippine Uplands
explains, this increases surface runoff, which erodes nutrient-rich topsoil.
In addition to these factors, unsustainable farming practices such as over-tillage,
excessive use of chemical inputs, and inadequate erosion control measures have
exacerbated soil degradation in Davao City's upland areas. These practices lead to large-
scale soil erosion, compaction, and chemical imbalances, as outlined in a review published
in ATR-VSU. The consequences of these practices include reduced agricultural output and
a significant decline in the resilience of upland farming systems.
The effects of soil degradation extend beyond the environmental sphere, posing
severe risks to agricultural productivity and community well-being. Soil erosion removes the
fertile topsoil necessary for crop growth, leading to lower yields and increased dependence
on chemical fertilizers. The loss of nutrients further hampers plant growth and threatens
food security in the region. Additionally, the reduced water retention capacity of degraded
soil makes it more susceptible to droughts and floods, intensifying the challenges faced by
upland farmers. Indigenous and smallholder farmers, who heavily rely on upland farming for
their livelihoods, are particularly vulnerable to these adverse conditions. Alarmingly, data
from Edge Davao reveals that over 60% of the country's upland areas are already affected
by severe soil erosion, placing these communities at heightened economic and
environmental risk.
Analysis of Environmental Policies and Regulations
With the growing issue of soil degradation, Davao City has put several environmental
policies and regulations in place. The Organic Agriculture Ordinance of Davao City (Ordinance No.
0384-10) wherein this ordinance encourages farmers to transition to organic farming by offering
incentives, awards, and financial support to farmers, schools, and barangay local government units
that adopt and promote organic farming practices.
Moreover, the City Government has constituted the Davao City Ecological Solid Waste
Management Board (DCESWMB, City Ordinance No. 044-02) provides that the City must provide
an efficient and effective system of solid waste and garbage collection and disposal under the
policy of the state to protect and advance the right of people to a balanced and healthful ecology in
accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. It also states that the DCESWMB shall develop the
City Ecological Solid Waste Management Plan that shall ensure the long-term management of
solid waste as well as integrate the various solid waste management plans and strategies of the
barangays in the city; adopt measures to promote and ensure the viability and effective
implementation of solid waste management programs in the barangays; monitor the
implementation of the City Solid Waste Management Plan through its various political subdivisions
and in cooperation with the private sector and NGOs; adopt specific revenue-generating measures
to promote the viability of its Solid Waste Management Plan; convene regular meetings for
purposes of planning and coordinating for the implementation of the solid waste management
plans of the respective barangays; oversee the implementation of the City Ecological Solid Waste
Management Plan.
The City Agriculture Office (CAgro) is ramping up efforts on modernizing farming practices
by incorporating precision agriculture technologies, including the Geographic Information System
(GIS). The technology allows for precise application of inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, and water,
improving overall efficiency. Aside from that, it utilizes software to create maps that help to identify
areas at risk of floods or landslides, enabling proactive mitigation strategies.
However, despite these policies, implementation remains weak. With only 60 environmental
officers covering over 182 barangays with 4,000 hectares, enforcement is inadequate due to the
challenging comprehensive monitoring. Moreover, large-scale plantations continue to operate in
environmentally critical zones due to poor zoning compliance which leads to soil degradation, and
Indigenous communities still on traditional farming methods such as slash-and-burn often lack
support in transitioning to sustainable practices.
Alternative Solutions and Advocacy
Conclusions
Recommendations
To address the rapid deterioration of soil quality in Davao City’s upland farms, we need a
combination of effective strategies, smart policies and hands-on farming methods.
Local governments should update zoning rules or sometimes called the “agricultural zoning”
or “land-use zoning” to create agroforestry strips and protect riversides, reducing the
cultivation of the same crop on steep slopes and keeping our watersheds intact. Farmers
might utilize contour rows, terraces, and rotate cover crops rotation on their fields- methods
recognized for reducing soil erosion, replenishing nutrients, and retaining moisture during
dry periods. Integrating nitrogen-fixing plants alongside fruit trees not only offers farmers
additional income opportunities while also enhancing organic matter and contributes soil
stability on hills. At the same time involving Indigenous and smallholder farmers in training
workshops—organized by NGOs, agricultural officers, and community leaders—is also
crucial as they can gain and learn about making compost, biochar production, and
constructing simple water-harvesting systems. Take advantage of our modern world today
by integrating technological advancement like using high-resolution soil mapping based on
satellite imaging and mathematical models. Finally, provide farmers with incentives or
funding to encourage them for more environmental protection, eco-friendly efforts or even
the programs for access to discounted sustainable goods, in this way we can encourage
them to adopt eco-friendly farming practices, effectively motivating them to support the
ecosystem while simultaneously enhancing their business.
With better land-use policies and regulations, using smarter ways or practicing healthy soil
habits and strong community support, we can go a long way in revitalizing Davao’s upland
areas, we're also protecting farmers’ livelihoods, and strengthen food security for the future.
References
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