Slow adoption of conservation farming systems in the
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Philippine uplands is a major problem. To address this
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the landcare approach based on community landcare
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groups is being piloted in several locations. The results
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of a study to evaluate the impact of the Landcare Pro-
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gram in Barangay Ned in Southern Mindanao are
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presented. The sustainable rural livelihoods approach
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was used as a framework for the evaluation. The study
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focused on two impacts the adoption of conservation
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practices and the formation and development of land-
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care groups drawing on four data sources – project
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reports key informants a questionnaire survey and
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case studies of landcare groups. The Ned Landcare Pro-
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gram has been associated with rapid adoption of con-
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servation farming practices and the rapid formation of
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landcare groups linked in an association. The main
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effect of the Program was to enhance human capital
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through practical farmer-led training and extension
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enabling farmers to incorporate soil conservation and
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agroforestry technologies in their farming systems
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with desirable outcomes for livelihood security and
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environmental sustainability. The social capital formed
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especially through the landcare association was
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crucial to these outcomes. Ongoing partnerships with
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adequately resourced facilitating agencies were required
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to maintain the Landcare Program in the long term.
Publication year
2003
Authors
Cramb, R.A.; Culasero-Arellano, Z.
Keywords
Agroforestry, Community involvement, Conservation tillage, Evaluation, Land, Social activities, Soil conservation
