Rural peoples’ perception, attitude, and engagement on invasive alien plants in Mount Manunggal, Cebu Island, Philippines

Abstract

This research examines the perceptions of rural residents of Mount. Manunggal, Cebu Island, Philippines, on the impact of unintentionally introduced invasive alien plants, such as Mikania micrantha, Lantana camara, and Chromolaena odorata, on their livelihoods. Results suggest that their perception of the impact of each species on their livelihood varies based on criteria such as: (1) the length of time invasive alien plants have been established in the forest, and (2) the kind of household. In addition, a household study revealed that forest-adjacent homes have reacted to invasive alien plants as both victims and beneficiaries. Most of the surveyed 77 families are likely to adapt to the invaded environment because they have a history of interacting with invasive alien plants and regard them as wonderful sources of necessities if appropriately involved. In addition, the data demonstrated rural residents are eager to invest in the control and management of invasive alien plants provided the government provides standardized and adequate technical methods and skills. Without government and stakeholder assistance, decreasing the invasion is seen as impossible, and the acceptance of invasive alien plants as part of the rural ecology is foreseen as a predictable result.