The growing number of people affected by hunger and food insecurity, especially during the pandemic, is one of the biggest challenges in the rural areas. A livelihood project was implemented from 2019 to 2021 among the 33 members of a… More

The growing number of people affected by hunger and food insecurity, especially during the pandemic, is one of the biggest challenges in the rural areas. A livelihood project was implemented from 2019 to 2021 among the 33 members of a women’s association in a disadvantaged upland community in Bukidnon province, Southern Philippines, for inclusive development. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the livelihood intervention in changing income, knowledge about farming, social capital, and food security amidst the pandemic. The project implemented facilitated extension activities and surveys considering the health protocols imposed by the government. The technical training has resulted in a positive change in the knowledge level, promoted the production of vegetables in the households which generated additional income vital during the pandemic. Besides, there was a significant increase in the social capital of rural women during the last two years. Though not statistically significant, the project has caused an increase in food availability, accessibility, and utilization in the household during the pandemic. The findings indicated that a livelihood intervention can effect changes in the social and economic situation of the rural women even during the pandemic which could be promoted to other members of the community. Less

Food security has long been a major development priority of all countries and will remain to be in the future. This has become all the more important in this time of COVID19 pandemic. It is achieved when there is the… More

Food security has long been a major development priority of all countries and will remain to be in the future. This has become all the more important in this time of COVID19 pandemic. It is achieved when there is the availability of and adequate access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food at all times for individuals to maintain a healthy and active life. The United Nations has identified four pillars of food security: food availability, food access, food utilization and food stability. Through the years, all our efforts are expected to contribute to the pillars of food security, and a country’s ability to consolidate its resources towards defining and achieving their aspired food security targets across relevant scales has become a major hallmark of development success. Less