Rice farmers in the Philippines have found an ally as they try to protect their crops from pests and the effects of global warming.<br /><br />Farmers use ducks to help keep the water in their paddies fresh, and to get rid of weeds and other pests that could damage their crops.<br /><br />Duck manure also works as a good organic fertiliser, which helps to decrease the amount of money farmers spend on harmful pesticides.<br /><br />Integrated rice-duck farming was first introduced to the country in the early 1990s. However, it has not been easy to convince more farmers to let go of their dependence on chemicals.<br /><br />Al Jazeera's Marga Ortigas reports from Bukidnon, in southern Philippines.
