China-ASEAN Agricultural Cooperation

Workshop on Farmland Development and Management

China-ASEAN Agricultural Cooperation

August 15 – 28, 2007

Agri-business Management Institute, Ministry of Agriculture

Beijing, Peoples Republic of China

The workshop was held at Agri-business Management Institute, Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) in Beijing, Peoples Republic of China from August 15 – 28, 2007. The workshop is a component activity of China-ASEAN Agricultural Cooperation. It was undertaken because China-ASEAN Agricultural Cooperation realized the most ASEAN countries has common problem: lack of effective measure on development, protection and management of farmland; lower level of agricultural technology; incomplete irrigation and water facilities; the increase in production relies on the increase of area of cultivated land. In addition, serious threat to food security and sustainable agriculture development are common that includes decrease of organic elements in the soil; degradation of land fertility; deterioration of land arability; shallower top soil and increased proportion of low-yielding farm land are common to the ASEAN countries.

The workshop aims to introduce policies, practices and advanced technologies in farmland fertilizer, transformation of low yield farmland and irrigation in China to ASEAN member countries; build a platform for cooperation between the enterprises of China and ASEAN member countries in the field of arable land development and management; and push forward the implementation of “go abroad strategy”.

Nineteen participants coming from 7 ASEAN countries participated in the workshop. In the workshop proper, the undersigned presented country paper focusing on the Philippines experiences in the management and development of marginal farmland. The presentation focused on the technologies being used in the Philippines in the management of highland, hilly land and upland marginal areas. The technologies are grouped under the following category: Soil Conservation; Soil Fertility; Water Resources and Pest Management. Other participants presented as well their country papers. The presentations were followed by discussion and interactions among participants with inputs from the organizing committee. The activity was followed by lectures and presentations on the following topics:

1. Arable land protection in China
2. Agricultural Development in China
3. Agricultural Administration in China
4. Plant Nutrition management
5. Water Resources and Use
6. Soil Quality Assessment

Several field tours were done during the workshop, visiting various farms (Xiang tang village, Xiangtanshan Farm and Tianjin). The participants were also exposed to the culture and Chinas heritage by visiting the Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City and the Great Wall.

For more info: Call: Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza At: (02) 923-04-59 Or email us a gurriza258@yahoo.com or visit us at: conservationist.wordpress.com

 

Empowerment of the Community: Key to Project Sustainability

Empowerment of the Community: Key to Project Sustainability

Most of the things I put here are personal opinions based on my experiences while conducting the Community-Based Watershed Project in Talibon, Bohol. As part of the big BSWM group working in the watershed project, I tried to collect the lesson learned and summarized those things gained during the conduct of the project with the intention of sharing the lessons to other doing the same kind of work.

To start with, I want to give a brief background that upland degradation by rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion had become a critical environmental concern in the Philippines. Rapid deforestation and agricultural expansion practices contributed to the ailing problem of soil degradation resulting to soil erosion, low yield and income reduction. The problem rooted from traditional method of cultivating the land without the provision of conservation practices. These happen, primarily, because of the lack of awareness or the lack of knowledge of the developed technologies that can be used. On this premise, concerned agencies fully realized urgent measures should be done to address the issue and a community-based watershed management approach is a key to prevent further ecological imbalance.

Looking back, it is very easy to see that several measures has been done already to address the problem, like for example, various thematic maps (topography, slope, land use, etc.,) are already available to the various stakeholders, information education materials (IEC) were already distributed and several farmers trainings were already conducted.

But quite clearly, there is a pressing need to increase farmer awareness on the depressing effect of conventional farming methods, extra measures need to be done to effectively share and communicate the matured soil and water technologies to the concern groups, encourage them to improve existing technologies and build what they have in terms of soil and water conservation technologies, and provide the farmers livelihood opportunities. All these desire triggered the birth of Community-based Watershed Management Project. Before hand, its worth mentioning that this undertaking is an output of several levels of focused group discussions (FGD).

In Talibon. Bohol, at the very start, I would like to emphasize that we focus on community participation through empowerment (that is authorizing, making them able and allowing them to manage their own resources) and developing the capacity of local people to lead their own development efforts. We believed that empowerment offers technological approaches which address broader natural resource management and household economic concerns – not just pursuing production or yield maximization. It fully addresses identified local priorities and needs, but on one side, it still combines ‘outside’ technical knowledge and practice-based farmer experience (indigenous technical knowledge, or ITK).

Why community participation?

From the knowledge gained from my training at 11RR, we felt that there is pressing need to do something to efficiently share matured soil and water technologies to the stakeholders; because from experience, “previous extension efforts were not responsive to many rural communities, especially in the upland or other marginalized areas.”; because of the “recognition that rural and agricultural development efforts must be based on the needs and priorities of the local people.” We realized that there is “shrinking public sector budget and resource available to support agricultural research & extension”, because of the “changing contexts and opportunities, especially the multiple source of innovations.” And finally, we believe with what James Yen has said, for us to build the gap between “technical people and the farmers” we need to “start with what they know, build on what they have” and we need to “plan with them and work with them”

A unique approach in the community-based project, we did in Bohol is- we threat that the techno-demo site we set up to serve as field laboratory that provides a hands-on ground for the farmers; where everybody including visiting farmers and students can acquire first hand knowledge about conservation farming. It also caters a training ground for additional livelihood opportunities. In terms of partnership, we threat farmers as partners and they assume the lead-role in the implementation, and we as technical people take the role of facilitator. In all the activities we carried out, there is active participation of farmers that we believe is a key to enhance sharing of technologies.

Overall, I think, the community-based watershed project in Talibon, Bohol is in the right track. There are several elements worth sharing for its initial success. One is the good networking, coordination and linkages. Good networking allows dialogue with the different local government units and various stakeholders. It also gives more rooms for discussion and feed backs. One very good example for this is during the time, we drafted the methodology of the project, there were discussions done in different levels, from individual farmers, among farmers, with the community and in the watershed. This was followed by a discussion in the local government unit and then to the national key officials.

Second essential element is the conduct of pparticipatory rural appraisal or PRA’s (Vehn Diagram, SWOT, FGD, etc.,). PRA helps our group, the Technical Team in identifying the problems, existing livelihood, weaknesses, threats and even opportunities in the site. It helps us in prioritizing livelihood activities and selecting appropriate soil and water conservation technologies that we thought worth sharing to the community. The PRA approaches we did in the community also help in breaking the barrier between the community and our group.

Another very important element is the participatory planning. In here, the community participated in a systematic manner thus ensuring the wide acceptance and dissemination of any information we shared. The process also guarantees participation of the concern groups. By participatory planning, we were able to focused on the concerned groups. When I say concerned groups, these are the people in the watershed who can be directly affected by whatever change that will happen in the watershed. Because of participation, the training modules design catered to the farmers’ level of knowledge and trainings conducted are well represented by the various participants bringing the right mix of information’s.

One very critical element in the watershed project initial success in Talibon, Bohol is the sharing of funds by the LGU in the implementation. The LGU fully realized that government fund is rapidly dwindling and sharing or counter parting is inevitable. Their action provides mutual relationship, insure wide participation of the community, and the community by-heart realized conservation farming is necessary. Overall, sharing of funds gears toward smooth implementation of the project.

From the onset of the implementation, we adopted “bottom up approach”. This means that the community decides on their own guided by the set of criteria, rather than relegated as observer, the community relies on their inherent capabilities plus inputs coming from the partner agencies. Farmers appreciate the activity. It helps in the appreciation of topography, soils, water, forest products, property regimes, land use, ecosystem, etc., it helps the community members identify, locate and classify resources and features, revealing their importance and usefulness from their point of view. It also gives them the idea how to monitor changes in resources and pattern and use this idea later to improve resource management strategies or design new system. More importantly, it bridged the gap between the technical people and the community. It sort of removed the “barrier” between our group and the community.

Another element worth mentioning is the periodic community consultation. Through this process, the vision, mission and objectives are clear in all the parties involved. Participating agencies fully realized that the local government unit is ready to assume key role in a partnership. Both parties work together for common good; the agencies providing the technical assistance, while the community provides the role of stewards- the day to day activities. The consultation also gives a clear idea of the counter parting and assurance that no-activities will be left out.

Coupled with the periodic community consultation, we adopted the participatory implementation. Doing this, provided farmers hands-on exercises on the different soil conservation technologies. It gives everybody a good opportunity to monitor the progress of the project. We also provided a short-segment training design that provides the necessary topics which match with whatever activities scheduled in the Project. In so doing, farmers develop deeper interest in all the activities, and the spirits of collaboration within them were maintained rather than when having one-time training. Additionally, all participating unit were provided with the necessary updates and when problems occurred, these were immediately addressed by the concern group or set in the table for further discussion.

The above are the essential elements that help us in attaining the initial success in the implementation of our community-based watershed project in Talibon, Bohol. Still, we dream of forming a monitoring team/watershed committee that will keep track of the progress of the different activities, ensure that information’s and progress will reach the target group more efficiently, Encourage everybody to continue with the collaboration and cooperation started. More importantly technologies can be assessed and monitored at different stages to identify those that “worked well” and “didn’t work” so the succeeding plans could easily be modified.

Looking ahead, community participation is very promising and could be a key element in the sustainability of the project; however, I see a lot of challenges ahead. It involves considerable investment in the development of human resources and local institutions (continuous training, sharing, monitoring) – slow process with delayed impact. Even if human resources and institutional conditions are in place, financial constraints still exist; the local government still needs outside source of funds. It is very difficult to have rigorous assessments (evaluations) of costs and benefits of the scheme. We still observe the reluctance of few farmers to share their knowledge and skills with others.

We see a lot of challenges ahead…

For more info: Call: Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza At: (02) 923-04-59 Or email us a gurriza258@yahoo.com or visit us at: conservationist.wordpress.com

 

 

The P3 Award: People, Prosperity and the Planet

A Student Design Competition for Sustainability

Apply by December 1, 2006

Got an innovative solution that protects the environment while growing
the economy?  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
sponsoring an exciting environmental design contest for undergraduate
and graduate students

The P3 Award.  Through this national design competition, students and their faculty advisors submit cutting-edge,
sustainable solutions to environmental challenges and compete for
$10,000 to develop their designs.  Winners from the first phase of the
competition advance to the National Sustainable Design Expo in
Washington, DC, in the spring of 2008 where they compete for the chance
to win up to $75,000 in funding to move their designs to the
marketplace or implement them in the field.

Last year, 42 teams were awarded grants, including a team from Oberlin
College that designed and tested a low-cost system for observing and
interpreting energy and water consumption for individual dorms and
college campuses.  The project led to the creation of Lucid Design
Group, a small business that designs and implements data acquisition
and
display systems for the green building industry.

You can see all the grant winners, designs and ideas at www.epa.gov/P3.

P3 stands for People, Prosperity and the Planet.  EPA and its
partners launched the P3 Award in 2003 to promote innovative thinking for moving
the world toward sustainability.  Participating college students gain
new skills and knowledge as they research, develop, design and
implement scientific and technical solutions to environmental challenges.

Teams of undergraduate and/or graduate students at institutions of
higher education located in the U.S. are eligible to apply.  But time
is running out!  This year's P3 competition closes on December 21, 2006.

Learn more by visiting www.epa.gov/P3.  Assemble your team and apply
today!

 

Conservationist Job

Conservationist manages natural resources, such as the watershed. They make conservation plans and programs that both make resources productive, healthy, sustainable and very conducive to live on.  We, conservationist protect the natural resources ensuring that minimal degradation happens to the resources. As a “conservationist”, we constantly faced with a range of challenges to help support the needs of human  with emphasis on the needs of nature’s replenishment and flourishment. The job is a balancing act of careful management and scientific practice which aims to ensure the sustainability of human’s co-habitation with its natural environment.

An example of this is the management of farmland so that it supports the most number of stocks (diversity) while maintaining the land for the natural wildlife and its staple requirements. A “conservationist” would be responsible for investigating ways to ensure that people meet their needs (water and food), and fulfilled their goals with minimal effect on the natural ecosystem. Most of the “conservationist” makes intricate decisions to come up with plans that give sense of balance economic goals with minimum environmental impact and meet government policy and worldwide standards.

The perfect aspirant for a “conservationist”  would be someone who is an exact nature lover, appreciate inter-relationship and enjoys working outdoors. He must be very attentive and watchful  who likes coming up with innovative solutions to problems and issues. He should get pleasure from the sciences and math; statistics probability and relationships will probably be a large factor in the job as a means for assessing and forecasting progress or trends. He must be able to work by himself and at the same time communicate with many types of people. Some “conservationist” become popular figures and pose as role models and mentors for society. Many “conservationist” won’t look for public recognition but still offer an important behind-the-scenes contribution to help human and nature live together in harmony.

If you are fascinated in “conservation job” as a career, you’ll need to pursue further education.  Most universities will offer an agriculture and biology degree with a major in a specific conservation work. Alternatively, you could pursue a marine sciences or socio-economic degree depending on where you’re interests lie and the flow you’d like to take forth for a career. There are several related “Short Courses” that offer training in applied sciences which may also be relevant. If you’d like to give “conservation Job” a try, volunteer with a local nature park or eco-rebuilding program and you’ll get a good overview of the type of work a conservationist is involved in and it may help you determine which area of conservation you’d like to take on as a career. 

For more info:  Call: Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza  At:  (02) 923-04-59 Or email us a gurriza258@yahoo.com or visit us at: conservationist.wordpress.com 

 

Increasing Farmer Participation in Extension through Farmer-led Approaches

Echoing the 11RR (Sept. 19 to Oct. 7, 2005; Silang, Cavite, Philippines) Training Experience…

Increasing Farmer Participation in Extension through Farmer-led

I. Course Description

This course was designed to advance rural development objectives through improved agricultural research and extension practices with increased community participation. From experienced, it is very clear that conventional, technology transfer-oriented agricultural extension has failed to promote rural development in much of the world, particularly those regions characterized as agro-ecologically diverse, resource-poor and risk-prone. Moreover, there is an on-going search for institutional arrangements which will foster 1) greater sustainability, 2) increased participation of rural communities, 3) the incorporation of indigenous technical knowledge into agricultural research and development strategies. Thus, there is a need to consider alternatives within a constantly changing environment.

Today, change rather than sustainability has become the operative norm within which most rural development institutions make decisions, allocate resources and plan programs and activities. Examining alternative extension approaches can provide a wealth of lessons and rich opportunities for comparing and contrasting extension programs that employ participatory approaches.

Using farmer-led approaches better integrates research and extension functions, combining knowledge and research capacities of local communities and research and development organizations in an interactive learning process. It involves identifying, generating, testing and adapting new techniques and practices to help solve local agricultural problems. The primary goals are to strengthen local capacity for experimentation and to support the adaptation of technology and its wider dissemination.

From this training, we were able to developed new capacities for planning, managing and evaluating participatory extension programs. We also developed an action plan appropriate to the Community-based Watershed Management Project.

II. Course Objectives

As participants, we were able to appreciate and discussed a historical perspective of the provision of agricultural extension services to farmers and their communities which was tackled in Module 1; we analyzed and explained basic concepts and principles which guide participatory and farmer-led extension approaches and methodologies (Module 2); we identified the advantages and disadvantages of various participatory extension methods (Module 2); examined the set of factors (i.e., social, institutional, financial, etc.) that influence the decisions and actions to incorporate participatory approaches into agricultural extension programs (Module 3); and prepared an action plan that will complement and strengthen participatory agricultural extension approaches into our own on-going programs/project (Module 4).

III. Course Content and Activities

In the course introduction, we discussed factors, which contributed to a conducive learning environment during the entire duration of the training. The training started with a getting to know each other, followed by leveling of expectations, and then course overview. Finally, different responsible team that was in-charged throughout the duration of the training was formed.

Module 1 Overview of Agricultural Extension Approaches: The Path Towards More Participatory Extension

In this module, we participants l have the opportunity to described our own experiences in our agency agricultural extension programs. Then, we looked at the historical overview of various agricultural extension approaches concluding with the emergence of participatory approaches. The module encouraged us to analyzed these approaches and reflected on the past and look to the future of extension.

Here, we engaged on activities such as the individual visualization exercise “what extension means to me?” We also shared our own of agricultural extension experiences and discussed the historical overview of agricultural extension approaches

Module 2 Participatory and Farmer-led Approaches to Agricultural Extension: Principles, Methods and Applications

In this module, we begin analyzing basic principles and concepts, which support participatory and farmer-led extension approaches. The module provided a forum for discussion on various components of farmer-to-farmer methodology which include issues about methods and techniques for creating learning/sharing opportunities for farmers; and management considerations of an extension strategy that is based on the use of participatory approaches.

This part focused on farmer participation, empowerment, capacity building and leadership development, combination of outside technical knowledge with practice-based farmer experience and Applications of farmer-led extension

Module 3 Transitions Toward Farmer-led and Participatory Approaches to Agricultural Extension: Challenges and Opportunities

For some agricultural development practitioners the introduction and use of farmer-led and participatory extension may just be a small step away. But for many, especially within the public sector, the application of the methodology may be very difficult given existing institutional and attitudinal constraints. Recognizing that these constraints are real, this module presented us the opportunity where we discussed the issues and challenges in moving toward more participatory extension approaches.

In this third module, we identified institutional and attitudinal constraints specific to our work situation and context which face the inclusion or integration of participatory extension approaches into existing extension programs; and assessed the relevance of these experiences to overcome existing institutional and attitudinal constraints within our work context.

Module 4 Action Planning

Before beginning the action planning, we synthesized lessons from the previous course modules. We reflected on how these lessons may (or may not) be applied in our particular work situations, and then we developed an action plan for implementation in our assigned work. The action plan we prepared were presented for constructive critiquing and feedback from the other course participants and facilitator.

For more info:

Call: Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza

at: (02) 923-04-59 or email at: gurriza258@yahoo.com

or visit us at: conservationist.wordpress.com 

 

Conservation Assistance for Your Farm

Conservation Assistance for Your Farm

We want you to be informed consumers of our services and make use of our knowledge gained thru several years of working in the field of soil conservation. We hope you give us a call, so that we can assist you.

Who We Are

We are professionals in the field of Environmental Science, Chemistry, Agriculture, Engineering, Socio Economics and Cartography working at the Bureau of Soils and Water Management. Thru the years we obtained expertise in the various fields we are working. In the early years of our career as an organic component of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, we help farmers minimize soil erosion, but now we help farmers and other landowners solve a variety of natural resources problems on their land by providing technical assistance for resources conservation.

As a group of “Conservationist” we strongly advocate – what we call “locally-led conservation” .

What Help Can We Give You?

The first step for you as a farmer/land owner public or private is to think about your operation. There are many issues with a farm business just as with any business, but farming is a profession that is often intimately connected with the land. So, start by thinking about your land and its natural resources. What are your natural resource needs, areas where you need more information, or suspect there may be a problem?

Ask yourself of the following:

• Do I have a good quality water supply?

• Is the water as clean when it leaves my property as when it arrived? Can I re-use the water leaving my land thru small water impounding? Could I be wasting water?

• Do I have too much manure around? Can I engage in organic farming?

• How much fertilizer should I use? When to apply? What to apply?

• What can I do to improve diversity on my land?

• Is there evidence of soil erosion or water runoff from my field like sheet erosion, rill erosion, rain splash, gullies or mass soil movement?

• How can I control pests without too many pesticides? Can I do IPM?

• How can I start bio-composting? Or combine other livelihood scheme?

• Do I have good access to my forest land? Is it well managed?

• Am I doing some things on my farm that I know are good for the natural resources?

These are just some of the natural resource questions that could come up when you are thinking about your farming operation. The questions can be limitless. Since it is our business to help people deal with their natural resources and promote good land stewardship, these are issues that we may be able to help you with.

Contacting Us

When you are ready to start working on your natural resource problems or want help identifying natural resource management opportunities, the next step is to contact us. We will be able to guide you with information about current resources available to you, your strength and weaknesses including the opportunities and threat you are facing in the farming business.

The Next Task

Please keep in mind that a “Conservationist” may need to visit your farm before answering all your questions. Also, the availability of Conservationists for field visits is limited due to the workload but we can arrange “Work Time” with you.

Conservation Plan

The major part of “Conservationist” assistance is helping people develop and implement a Conservation Plan for their farm. A Conservation Plan is a record of decisions on how to wisely manage your soil, water, plant, animal, and air resources.

A conservation plan is a working sheet/customized document that outlines the use and best management practices of the natural resources on public or private lands. The plan defines and explains the resources in a simple, easy to understand manner. Typically, the plan will include land use maps, soils information, and inventory of resources, engineering notes, and other supporting information. In the plan, the land user, make all the decisions, but we will help you tackle resource problems alone.

The Conservation Plan identifies opportunities to improve these resource conditions by solving problems. It seeks to balance natural resource issues with economic and social needs.

We believe all farmers need a Conservation Plan, the plan makes it easier for you and your conservationist to work together.

Maintenance by the farmer is also required to ensure that the conservation practice functions properly as it was designed.

The Conservationist Guidance

Some conservation work requires that a “Conservationist” visit your property for a topographic, soil survey, land use, socio economics and other engineering survey. This various survey will include focus discussion and other means of appraisal. The activities are needed in order to design practices that will fit your property and continue to work long after installation. The complexity of the project will often determine how long it takes to complete the design, and install the practice.Conservation work done on your land need to be maintained by you and periodically inspected by the “Conservationist” to verify that the plan is being carried out.

Remember –

The more informed you are about soil and water quality, land management, habitat improvement, nutrient management, soil erosion control, and other natural resources issues… the better you will be prepared to develop and apply a Conservation Plan that is right for your land.

For more info:

Call: Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza

At: (02) 923-04-59 or email at gurriza258@yahoo.com or visit us at: conservationist.wordpress> com

 

Who Needs Conservation Farm Planning?

You want sustainable production, higher income and healthy environment?

It is difficult to succeed without goals and a plan of how to get there.

The “CONSERVATIONIST”

Professional staff of the BSWM with technical expertise on Soil Conservation and Fertility Rehabilitation (Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza), Soil Conservation (Mr. Joseph Rojales), Soil Chemistry (Ms. Florpina Sanches), Soil Survey (Mr. Oscar Costelo), Land Use Plan (Engr. Eduardo Alberto), Socio Economics (Filipina Ventigan), Soil Engineer (Engr. Bony de la Cruz) and Cartography (Patricio Yambot) can help you reach informed decisions about soil, water, air, plants, and animal resources while considering human, social and economic concerns…

WHAT IS A CONSERVATION FARM PLAN?

A conservation plan is a working sheet/customized document that outlines the use and best management practices of the natural resources on public or private lands. The plan defines and explains the resources in a simple, easy to understand manner. Typically, the plan will include land use maps, soils information, inventory of resources, engineering notes, and other supporting information. In the plan, the land user, make all the decisions, but we will help you tackle resource problems alone.

Conservation Farm Planning is a process which can be used by the farm family to balance the quality of life they desire with the farm’s resources, the need for production and profitability, and long-term stewardship.

WHO NEEDS CONSERVATION FARM PLAN?

Farmers and land users on public or private land who want to achieve a healthy working landscape; develop a vision for their farm twenty, or fifty years into the future; improve the profitability and efficiency of the farm operations; and make the farm a safe and healthy place for the family.

FARM VIABILITY

A conservation plan can result in more viable and productive land, giving the farmer a sustainable production and higher income.

Conservation Farm Planning is distinct from other farm planning approaches because it ties all the planning you do together for the whole farm and bases it on the long-term vision your family has for itself and the farm in the future. It is farmer controlled, voluntary, and flexible. The plans are owned by the farmer and the information contained in the plans is confidential.

WHY YOU NEED A CONSERVATION PLAN

We can help you develop a conservation plan one step at a time, while looking at your parcel of land.

• Would you like the opportunity to enhance the natural resources on your land?
• Do you have muddy runoff, carrying precious soil nutrients and water away?
• Are your surface soil depth decreasing and gullies growing and difficult to cross?
• Do you see sediment accumulations at the lower part of your land or field?
• Are your fields less productive now than before?
• Is your fertilizer usage increasing? Do you need more and more fertilizer and water to sustain yields?
• Is your property providing wildlife habitat?
• More resource problems?

BENEFITS OF CONSERVATION FARM PLANNING

• Maintaining or improving profitability while enhancing sustainability.

• It can also lead to protection and enhancement of the soil quality, water, and other natural resources on and near the farm.

• More importantly, the planning process helps the farm family define long- and short-term goals which lead to an improved quality of life and a better relationship with the community.

MAKING A CONSERVATION FARM PLAN

When you are ready to start a conservation plan, we will meet with you to discuss your goals, plans, resource problems, the soils. We will ask which crops you want to grow, the livestock you want to keep, the wildlife or recreation uses you want to plan, and any other interests you have that will affect the land. We will help you consider the effects a planned practice may have on an adjacent farms or parcel of land and the down slope areas. We will help you think on-site as well as offsite.

Conservation Farm Planning involves four steps:

• Setting goals

• Making an inventory and assessment of farm resources

• Developing and implementing an action plan

• Monitoring on-farm progress toward goals

Examples of goals for your long range vision of the farm:

• Might include wooded or grassland areas around streams which benefit wildlife and improve water quality; windbreaks for fields, livestock, and buildings;

Goals for how your farm will produce the income and good living environment:

• Listing the enterprises or livelihood undertaking you would like to continue, or add to your farm, such as locally marketed vegetables, or a cash crop corn, beans, and other.

Some examples of short-term goals:

• Include adopting conservation tillage, crop diversification, improving your livestock feeding system, and profitable marketing strategy.

The second step in Whole Farm Planning involves

• Inventory and assessment of resources, including the natural resources, human resources, financial and capital assets, crops and livestock systems.

• Information needed to complete the inventory and assessment may include soil maps, soil test results, cropping and animal management records, and financial data.

The third step in the process is to identify and evaluate management alternatives, and to develop and implement an action plan

• For instance, you may want to evaluate the effect that a change from a continuous cropping system to an agro-forestry system would have on your income, quality of life, and natural resources such as soil and water.

• You may want to evaluate the impact of adopting soil conservation practices such as conservation tillage, vegetative control measures or the income possibilities of direct marketing.

• You might consider the effect of organic farming and chemical management alternatives on the safety of your drinking water and your family’s health, as well as profitability.

The final step after developing an action plan is to monitor progress toward these goals.

• Try to evaluate how the plan is working, and make minor corrections and refinements as time goes by.

• Keep records and check your progress toward the goals set, so you can see how your plan is working.

• If the work you’re doing isn’t helping reach your goals, or if something just isn’t working out the way you expected, its time to make adjustment.

THE DECISION IS YOURS

• You make the decisions. We will give you many good alternatives and make some economic comparisons. However, you decide how, what, and when. It’s your plan!
• Decisions are needed on both the uses of the land and its treatment. When you make a decision on land use, you will need to consider how to treat each field to get the desired results. These treatments are known as conservation practices. Several practices may be used in combination to solve resource problems.
• We can help you understand how the conservation practices fit together in a farm management system, and what is necessary to provide the maintenance for continued effectiveness in the future.
• The plan can be a guide for you for several years, and can be modified as your goals and objectives change.

APPLYING THE CONSERVATION PRACTICES

Once planning decisions have been made, we will assist you in implementing the planned conservation practices.

KEEPING YOUR PLAN UP TO DATE

Your written conservation plan provides you with a ready reference guide for your year-to-year operations. However, economics or other circumstances may change, and prevent you from following your conservation plan. We conservationists can help you revise the plan when needed.

REMEMBER…

CONSERVATION FARM PLANNING process is voluntary, flexible and open ended. You make the decisions and carry them out, including maintenance. It is your plan for your own land for your own use. We are ready to help you.

Feel free to contact: Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriuza

Call: (02) 923 04 59

E-mail at gurriza258@yahoo.com or

visit: conservationist.wordpress.com

 

 

 

Training for “Sustainable Farming Methodologies for Marginal Soils”.

Training For “Sustainable Farming Methodologies for Marginal Soils“.

The Course will be conducted in accordance with the following:

Title of Training

The Course will be entitled “Farmers Training on Sustainable Farming Methodologies for Marginal Soils“.

Purpose

• To teach and introduce to the farmers the sustainable and readily available farming methodologies for the improvement of productivity of sloping marginal soils,

• To identify farmer cooperators who will be willing to use his farm as demonstration farm and who is willing to provide his labor, farm equipment and animals for free;

• To recommend them the crops, soil conservation and farming practices suitable to marginal lands;

• To encourage farmers the concept of “learning while doing”,

Expected Output

At the end of the training, farmers should learn the following:

· Familiarize themselves with the readily available farming methodologies in sloping marginal areas;

·  Assess and identify potential problems/limitations in sloping marginal lands;

· Learn to characterize (simple) their own land;

· Design an appropriate technologies to the identified problems/limitations;

· Test and validate their own recommendation; and

· Learn, disseminate and share their findings/experiences on the designed technologies through the conduct of Cross Visits and Farmers Field day.

4. Duration of the Training

The training will be composed of several activities (ANNEX 1):

Activity 1: Lecture Training Proper.

Duration of the training will be five (5) days; compose of lectures (2 days), field tour, hands-on exercise (field practicum) and workshop (Details are provided in ANNEX 2).

Activity 2: Establishment of Techno-demo sites.

One techno-demo site each will be established, a Farmer participant, willing to be a Farmer Cooperator and have his farm as Farmer-Managed Techno-demo site will be identified. The Farmer Cooperator should have the following qualification:

· Can read, write and speak “Tagalog” or English;

· Has his own farm; willing to provide resources for the techno-demo i.e. land, animal and labor;

· Member of cooperative/ peoples organization

· Not over 55 years old;

· In good health, both physically and mentally; and

· Willing to continuously attend other training’s such as Cross-visit, Farmers Field day and share experiences

Activity 3: Farmers Cross-Visit

Once, the techno-demo sites were established, one-time Farmer Cross-Visit will be organized. The participants for this activity will be the participants during the Lecture Training Proper (Activity 1). This activity will be done during the third year of the techno-demo. The objective is to expose the farmers to variety of technologies on marginal soils being adopted in other areas. During the said Cross-visit activity, the participants will share experiences observed and learned in the techno-demo site in their own area.

Activity 4: Farmers Field Day

One-day Farmers Field Day will be done during the third year of the techno-demo. The Field Day will coincide with harvest time. This activity will be highlighted with sharing of Farmer Cooperator experiences and lessons learned.

5. Curriculum

List of topics during the Lecture Training Proper are listed below and details of the training is provided in ANNEX 2.

1.  Sloping Marginal Soil Management

Status of soil resources

Extent and severity of soil erosion

Farming in sloping land

Concepts and principle of SLM

Importance of conservation farming

2. Soil Erosion

Process of soil formation

Soil erosion: mechanics and process

Factors affecting soil erosion

Principle of erosion control

3.  Major Technologies of Conservation Farming

Appropriate technologies for sloping marginal lands

Biological

Mechanical

Combination

4.  Supporting Technologies

Farm characterization

Farm Problem Identification

A-frame

Water harvesting

Livestock integration

Forestry integration

5.  Basic Soil Fertility

Soil sampling and analysis

Use of Soil Test Kit

Deficiency symptoms

Fertilizer computation

Seed inoculation

Amelioration

Composting

Balance Fertilization Strategy

Cropping Pattern and Crop Rotation

6.  Economics of Soil Conservation

6. Qualification of participants

Can read, write and speak “Tagalog” or English

Willing to attend in all the activities

Has his own farm

Member of cooperative/people organization

Not over 55 years old

In good health, both physically and mentally

For more info:

Call at: Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza

At: (02) 923-04-59 or email at: gurriza258@yahoo.com or visit us at: conservationist.wordpress.com

 

Farming Methodologies For Marginal Soils Management

 

Farming Methodologies For Marginal Soils Management

I. Introduction

Soil and environment

The need to manage the soil

What it takes to manages the soil (farm level)

II. Farm Characterization (Farmer level)

A.  Soil Characterization

At the end of this lecture, the farmers at the farm level should learn to characterize their own farm. The farmers know essentially their own farm, the characteristics, the strong point and the weak point in their present practices.

How to collect farm level information and its importance

topography

Other physical information (i.e. land-use, slope, and drainage system)

2. How to do soil sampling, the need to analyze the soil and its importance

Lay-out for sampling

Auger boring

Composite sampling

Representative pedon

Soil analysis (what is needed, where this can be done, recommendation and other

3. How to do conventional way of soil fertility mapping of the area(N, P, K, pH)

B) Socio-Economic Information

The topic will focus on teaching the farmer how to collect and manage the following information’s and enabling them to use this information.

Farm income (i.e. corn farmer, rice, etc.)

Farm physical constraints (i.e. low soil fertility, degree of soil erosion, drought, pests and diseases)

Existing soil conservation technologies (i.e. tillage operation, cropping pattern, mulching, planting time, cropping system, manuring, waste recycling, erosion control, water harvesting structure)

What they feel about the technologies (Reason for adoption/non-adoption of technologies)

Preferred soil and water conservation technologies

6. Other management practices (i.e. Crop residue management practices such as. burning, chopping, incorporation, composting, mulching and animal feed)

C.  Selected climatic data

Enable the farmer to realize the minimum requirement and the importance on daily farming activities.

III. Assessment and Identification of Major Soil Fertility Problem (Diagnosis)

After this lecture, it is expected that the farmers will learn to identify and assess potential problems.

a. Household and gender analysis: task and control

b. Mapping nutrient flow on the farm

c. Assessment and analysis of soil fertility management

d. Analysis of cropping/fertility history

- Cropping history

- Nutrient addition

- Nutrient removal (by crops, erosion, run-off, volatilization, leaching, fixed by the soil, available to subsequent crops)

-Nutrient budget

- Nutrient balance

e. Nutrient deficiency symptoms documentation

f. Evaluation of soil fertility practice

g. Diagnosis

IV. Designing appropriate technologies for the potential problems identified

This lecture will give the farmers the various technology available for them that can be used and help them design appropriate technologies in their own farm.

a. Major consideration (Conservation tillage and conservation farming system, timing of fertilization, method, balance, organic use, optimization)

b. Soil Conservation technologies

b.1 tree-crop – livestock system

b.2 cropping pattern, rotation, improved fallow

b.3 introduction or improvement of legumes

b.4 soil and water conservation

I. Major Technologies

A. Conservation Tillage

1. Contour farming

2. Minimum tillage

3. Contour tillage

4. Contour ridging

5. Multi-storey

6. Alleycropping/NVS/hedgerows

7. Zero tillage

B. Mechanical

1. Stoneline

2. Stonewall/rockwall

3. Terracing

4. Brush dams

II. Support Technologies

C. Improved cover

1. Mulching

2. Inter-cropping

3. Mixed cropping

4. Relay cropping

D. Enhanced Organic matter

1.  Legume

2. Green manure

3. Compost manure

4. Rotation/fallow

5. Residue incorporation

6. Stubble’s mulching

7. Trash line

E. Water Harvesting Technologies

1. Trenching

2. Water collecting pond

3. Water reservoir

4. Water impoundment

c. Finalizing/selecting a recommendation

V. Test and validate their own recommendation

This will enable the farmer to put their self designed recommendation, how to conduct such test and validating the output.

VI. Monitoring and Evaluation of Test with the Farmers

a. crop growth

b. harvest

c. yield

VII. Follow-up Field Test

VIII. Dissemination of Results/ sharing with other farmers

Farmers will learn how their experiences can be shared with other farmers and the venue for sharing.

For more info:

Call: Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza

At: (02) 923-04-59 or email at: gurriza258@yahoo.com or visit us at: conservationist.wordpress.com

 

Why this blog “The Conservationist”?

You want sustainable production, higher income and healthy environment?

Contact…

The “CONSERVATIONIST”

Professional staff of the BSWM with technical expertise on Soil Conservation and Fertility Rehabilitation (Dr. Gavino Isagani P. Urriza), Soil Conservation (Mr. Joseph Rojales), Soil Chemistry (Ms. Florpina P. Sanches), Soil Survey (Mr. Oscar Costelo), Land Use Plan (Engr. Allan Anida), Socio Economics (Filipina Ventigan), Soil Engineer (Engr. Bony de la Cruz) and Cartographer (Patricio Yambot) can help you reach informed decisions about soil, water, air, plants, and animal resources while considering human, social and economic concerns…

It is difficult to succeed without goals and a plan of how to get there.

 For more Info:

Contact: Dr.  Gavino Isagani P. Urriza

at: gurriza258@yahoo.com

or (02) 923-04-59   or visit us at: conservationist.wordpress.com