Author : Seco, Catalina Z.

Summary : This study is an attempt to explore the potentials of indigenous agricultural knowledge and practices (IAKP) as tools to promote or enhance sustainability of upland farming systems, particularly of a tribal community in Nueva Vizcaya. The study employed a critical analysis of the existing communication situation in Kalahan that could help identify the prospects, constraints and approaches in communicating IAKP to enhance SUA. Specifically, it sought to : (1) trace communication patterns among the Ikalahans of Sta. Fe Nueva Vizcaya; (2) describe the methods of communication; (3) identify key actors in the communication process; (4) identify barriers to communication; (5) elicit the Ikalahan's perception of IAKP vis-a-vis SUA; (6) draw out implications of IAKP in enhancing SUA; and (7) provide recommendations to future development communication practitioners as guide in utilizing IAKP to communicate SUA. Ethno-communication profile of the tribe revealed that the patterns of communication (existing network, direction and flow of messages, etc.) in each of the five barangays studied are influenced or heavily determined by the existing social systems and structures in the community.