126 farmer-partners complete climate-resilient FFS, FBS training under livelihoods-for-peace in Mindanao project
Training is part of capacity-building interventions under the under the New Zealand-funded 'Support to Agriculture-based Livelihoods and Agribusiness Enterprise for Sustainable Peace and Development in Maguindanao and Cotabato' project that aims to help farmer-partners strengthen their livelihoods and contribute towards achieving just and lasting peace and development in the restive Bangsamoro Region of the Philippines.
Some 126 farmers representing four community-based organizations (CBOs) participating under the New Zealand-funded project “Support to Agriculture-based Livelihoods and Agribusiness Enterprise for Sustainable Peace and Development in Maguindanao and Cotabato” have successfully completed the season-long training on Climate Resilient-Farmer Field School (CR-FFS) and Farm Business School (FBS). The training was capped by a graduation ceremony held at the Municipality of Aleosan last 1 December 2022.
The participating CBOs included the Tomado Irrigators Association, Dualing Chrislam Free Farmers Organization, Aleosan Cacao Farmers Association, and New Leon Rural Improvement Club.
The CRFFS on Rice Production and Management comprised 16 weeks of theoretical and hands-on sessions that sharpened the knowledge and skills of the farmers in crop production and productivity, geared toward sustainable farming practices. The course also provided an avenue for the farmers to share knowledge with each other. Sixty-two members of the Tomado Irrigators Association and Dualing Chrislam Free Farmers Organization participated in this season-long training conducted within the community.
On the other hand, the FBS improved the participants’ farm business management to complement their production and product diversification competencies. The aim was to make them more responsive to the changing demands and needs of markets, thereby giving them more opportunities to boost their incomes. Sixty-four members of the Aleosan Cacao Producers Association (ACFA) and New Leon Rural Improvement Club actively participated and completed the season-long FBS training.
The participating farmers were very grateful to the project for conducting this kind of #capacitybuilding activity, which they said further enriched their knowledge in rice production and management, particularly on pest management. They also indicated that the activity promoted camaraderie among fellow farmers in the community, especially during the knowledge and experience-sharing sessions.
FAO cites the strong support of the municipal local government unit of Aleason, which contributed to the success of the CRFFS and FBS season-long training. In particular, the municipality, through the Office of the Municipal Agriculture, provided resource persons to the activity.