Description

Executive Summary: This paper presents the outputs of the scaling-up component of the SANREM TMPEGS Philippines. The primary objectives of this component is to test and employ different methods of scaling up in the dissemination of the benefits that can be generated from the research on the Integration of Vegetables and Agroforestry System in Philippine Watershed. The study area is located in Barangay Songco, Municipality of Lantapan, Province of Bukidnon, Philippines.

The scaling up activity involves a conduct of training need assessment, analysis of research outputs that are ready for dissemination to different users and stakeholders, development of training modules and implementation of training course. It is in this context, that a seminar-workshop was conducted to disseminate the SANREM research results. The seminar-workshop had the following objectives: 1) to present the SANREM research progress and results to the various groups in the study area and 2) to solicit the feedback of the various stakeholders in terms of what technology interests them, their major considerations for adoption or adaptation, opportunities, concerns and recommendations. This is important for wider application of the appropriate SANREM technologies.

The seminar-workshop was undertaken in collaboration with the Bukidnon State University, Malaybalay, Bukidnon. Fifty eight participants from the farmers group, Non-government Organization, People’s Organization, government institution (e.g., Local Government Units, Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources), and the academe attended the seminar.

The papers presented were: – Potential Applicability of the IDE Drip Irrigation System in Vegetable-Agroforestry Systems by Dr. Victor Ella, Professor, College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial Technology (CEAT), UPLB;

– Vegetable Agroforestry (VAF) Systems: Understanding Vegetable-Tree Interactions is a Key to Successful Enterprises by Dr. Agustin Mercado, World Agroforestry Center;

– Introduction of Indigenous Vegetables in the Vegetable Agroforestry System in Lantapan Watersheds, Philippines by Dr. Agustin Mercado;

– Adoption of Integrated Vegetable-Agroforestry System among Small Holder Upland Farmers in the Philippines by Dr. Judith D. Intong, Central Mindanao University;

– Gender, Issues, Marketing and Institutional Aspects by Dr. Ellen Javier, DLSU, Manila; – The Organization of the Vegetable Agroforestry System by Dr. Jean Saludadez, UP Open University

The seminar workshop provided the venue for the presentation of an overview of the integrated approach technology of SANREM on drip irrigation and vegetable agoforestry system (VAFs) and the impacts of the upland irrigation and VAFs to the various aspects of marketing, institutions and gender. The workshop also provided the forum for discussion on various issues and concerns related to the implementation of integrated vegetable-agroforestry system. Among the issues raised were the challenges on how farmers can access the technology, marketing access and opportunities, community organizing as an important process to enhance the ability of small farmers to benefit from the SANREM technology and the role of Local Government Units and Department of Agriculture in the promotion of sustainable agriculture.