Shrinking rice bowls: tracing the decline of Philippine rice lands

Abstract

Rice farming is a pillar of food security, livelihoods, and cultural heritage across the Philippines. However, available rice lands face mounting pressures. This systematic review synthesises evidence on factors driving the decline of Philippine rice lands over the past 30 years (1993–2023). Literature was retrieved from academic databases and grey sources, screened for relevance, and analysed following the PRISMA guidelines. Results show that natural disasters such as recurrent typhoons, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and periodic flooding damage rice areas, human activities dominate rice land loss, accounting for 75% of documented drivers. Anthropogenic factors have converted an estimated 97,592.5 hectares of agricultural land between 1988 and 2016. Rapid urbanisation and sprawl have converted 30–50% of rice lands near cities over recent decades. Agricultural policies spurred farmers to convert paddies to aquaculture, cash crops, and other uses. Inadequate irrigation leaves 30% of lands dry. Deforestation disrupts water supplies essential for wet rice cultivation, prompting abandonment. Groundwater over-extraction causes land subsidence, enhancing flood risks and infrastructure damage. The Cordillera rice terraces face erosion and landslides after abandonment. Integrated land use planning is urgently needed to safeguard sufficient rice lands and support climate-resilient, sustainable intensification. Stronger protection of agricultural zones, expansion of irrigation infrastructure, and incentives for farmers’ adaptation can help secure rice farming livelihoods and long-term food self-sufficiency, given the projected pressures of urbanisation and climate change across the rice lands of the Philippines.