Socio-Demography and Rice Farming Practices of Indigenous Teduray Tribes in Southern Mindanao

Abstract

This study documented the socio-demographic profiles and rice farming practices of the Indigenous Teduray tribe across four selected municipalities in Mindanao: Columbio (Sultan Kudarat), Lake Sebu (South Cotabato), and South Upi and Upi (Maguindanao). Utilizing a sample of 30 farmer-respondents per municipality (N = 120), the study evaluated the relationship between demographic characteristics and agricultural methods. Survey results revealed a mixed cultivation approach, with farmers integrating both modern and traditional rice farming systems. Access to institutional support significantly dictated technology adoption; respondents who received technical assistance from government agencies, particularly the Department of Agriculture, successfully implemented modern adaptive techniques, whereas underserved farmers remained resistant to technology adoption. Furthermore, correlation analysis demonstrated that key demographic variables specifically sex, age, tribal affiliation, and educational attainment significantly correlated with the tribe's primary rice farming practices.