Enhancing agricultural sustainability through intensification of small farmers' resources: the case of rice-based farming systems in Ilocos Norte [Philippines]
2008
Abrogena, N. Q. | Catudan, B. M. | Aguinaldo, A. C. | Agres, E. P. | dela Cruz, L. M. C. | Solero, J. M. | Inoue, K. | Castro, R. C., Philippine Rice Research Inst., 17 Tabug, Batac City (Philippines)
The paper presents the impact of advocating resource intensification through partnerships among RD + E workers (LGU, JICA, PhilRice) and farmers. To ensure the sustainability of intensification, the existing production constraints of small farmers in rainfed environment were considered in formulating package of technologies that are yield-increasing and resource-conserving. In the Technical Cooperation Project (TCP3), recommended technologies for vegetables and rice production were showcased in the technology demonstration farms (TDFs) where participating farmers observed the implementation and performance of the technologies during weekly FFS [farmer's field school] and had the option to apply a combination of these technologies. The study found that early planting of DS [dry season] crops for better market prices (through raising seedlings in nurseries while the WS rice was still in the field), use of cost-reducing production technologies (field monitoring to minimize pesticide use, and use of own-produced compost from farm residues), implementation of yield-boosting management practices (appropriate varieties and application of fertilizers and irrigation water), and introduction of off-season vegetable production were the main sources of the increase in production and income of the farmers. With the implementation of the recommended package of technologies for rice and vegetables, the yield and income of the farmer partners progressively increased, much higher than their performance before the TCP3 was implemented. Off-season vegetable production, a new element in their farming system, provided cash income to the farmer ranging from P7,151 to P10,749/1000 m2 during the lean months while the farmers were waiting for their rice crop to be harvested.
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