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

The Department of Agrarian Reform plans to develop a sugarcane block farm enterprise in Bismartz Agrarian Reform Community in Don Carlos, Bukidnon to alleviate poverty among small sugarcane farmers. With this, the Bismartz Small Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (BSFMPC) was assessed… More

The Department of Agrarian Reform plans to develop a sugarcane block farm enterprise in Bismartz Agrarian Reform Community in Don Carlos, Bukidnon to alleviate poverty among small sugarcane farmers. With this, the Bismartz Small Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative (BSFMPC) was assessed through survey and focus group discussion in determining its agricultural and organizational capacity to implement a sugarcane block farm enterprise in Bismartz ARC. The study shows an experienced local organization established since 1993 that engaged in small-scale agricultural enterprises where farmers share information, skills, and knowledge in farming and have exhibited high social capital in terms of empowerment and political action, trust and solidarity, and social cohesion and inclusion. However, information, technical, and market inefficiencies within and outside the farmers’ cooperative could affect the development of sugarcane block farm enterprise in the ARC. Together with the provision of interventions regarding capability building and common service facilities, the Department of Agrarian Reform could utilize the high social capital among the farmers in consolidating small sugarcane farms into a sugarcane block farm enterprise. Less