Comparative analysis of selected regular and foreign funded integrated social forestry projects in Region 4, The Philippines

The findings showed positive environmental impact (i.e., more crop diversification, soil fertility improvement, more farmlot development, and more soil maintenance practices were observed in both types of projects). Kaingin practices were still prevalent of projects. The occurrence of pests and diseases was more prevalent after the implementation of the projects because of the planting of more crops, particularly calamansi and coffee. In the foreign-funded projects, the following variables emerged as consistent factors that were associated/related with the socio-economic impact of the ISF [Integrated Social Forestry] projects: number of years in the project, perceived competence, frequency of visit, number of training programs attended, number of staff, material support, expenses, and benefit sharing. In the regular projects, number of years in the project, frequency of visit, number of training programs attended, number of staff, material support and expenses were found to be the significant factors that contributed to the projects' socioeconomic impacts. In the foreign-funded projects, the following variables: number of years in the project, perceived competence, frequency of visit, number of training courses attended, number of staff, expenses, planning, implementation, and benefit sharing, emerged as the consistent factors that influenced the project's environmental impacts. In the regular projects, number of years in the project, perceived competence, number of training programs attended, material support and expenses were the variables found significantly associated/related with the projects' environmental impacts. The regular and foreign-funded projects were significantly different in total income, income from outside CSC area, off-farm income, change in income, fertilizer application and soil improvement practices