Second Publication on Permaculture in the Philippines for 2023 (Free Download)

Working with Nature: Practitioners' Perspectives on Permaculture Design in Agricultural Landscapes in the Philippines

Jabez Joshua M. Flores and Inocencio E. Buot, Jr.

Source Title: Nature of Journal Studies

Volume 22      Issue No. 1      January - June 2023

Online ISSN: 2244-5226

(Date of Publication: 6 September 2023)

Abstract

A reductionist view of agriculture as merely food production for profit

often leads to the unsustainable management of agricultural landscapes and their

surrounding ecosystems. Permaculture offers alternative views of agriculture. This

paper looked into how various perspectives of permaculture have influenced different

approaches to sustainable agriculture in the Philippines. The experiences of seventeen

practitioners from twelve permaculture sites were compared using key informant

interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observation using the video blog (vlog)

technique. Interview transcripts were analyzed and interpreted while key messages

were extracted from the vlogs. Results revealed three prevailing perspectives of

permaculture in the Philippines: ecological, socio-cultural, and agricultural. The

ecological perspective was shared in 7 permaculture sites, making it the most common

among respondents. The view emphasized an individual’s participation in the

processes of a larger ecosystem and their symbiotic relationship with nature. A sociocultural

perspective highlighted the human dimensions of permaculture, such as food

culture, personal relationships, and daily life. Moreover, an agricultural perspective

focused on sustainable agribusiness models. The diversity of perspectives has

enriched permaculture as a science and practice and is viewed as a regenerative design

process benefiting farmers and non-farmers alike. Though approaches may differ, the

goal of permaculture to design sustainable and nature-based farming systems remains

the same.

Download the full text here: https://www.journalofnaturestudies.org/

Cite this publication: 

Flores, J. J., Buot Jr., I. E. (2023). Working with Nature: Practitioners' Perspectives on Permaculture Design in Agricultural Landscapes in the Philippines. Journal of Nature Studies (JNS), 22(1).