National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development Yields 30-Percent Increase in Income for Filipino Farmers

Strategic Insights -

The National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte has made significant strides in improving the livelihoods of farmers. By implementing improved farming practices, diversified crops, better access to punts, and environmental stewardship, the initiative has resulted in a 30-percent increase in income for over 270 farmer-beneficiaries. The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has been at the forefront of this initiative, working closely with other government agencies to promote sustainable farming, agroforestry, and ecotourism while protecting the Siocon-Lituban Watershed.

Key Takeaways:

  • The National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD) has resulted in a 30-percent increase in income for over 270 farmer-beneficiaries through improved farming practices, diversified crops, better access to punts, and environmental stewardship.
  • The Jolipaman Irrigators Association (IA), with 270 members managing 430 hectares of farmland, serves as a model for success in the NCI-SRD initiative.
  • The association benefits from a 7-kilometer irrigation canal that ensures a year-round water supply, enabling two rice cropping cycles annually, even during dry months.
  • Support from the Department of Agrarian Reform's (DAR) Climate-Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program has included a farm tractor, along with training in organic and diversified farming.
  • The association has now grown rice alongside coconut, vegetables, and fruit trees, enhancing income and strengthening soil and water conservation.
  • The training in agroforestry, organic agriculture, and enterprise development, along with the distribution of farm equipment, has helped farmer-beneficiaries become more self-sustaining.
  • Farmer-benefitaries, such as Eduardo Romina, have witnessed the benefits of organic farming, citing an increase in income and improved soil and water conservation.

Statistics:

  • 30% increase in income for over 270 farmer-beneficiaries.
  • 270 members of the Jolipaman Irrigators Association (IA) managing 430 hectares of farmland.
  • 7-kilometer irrigation canal supporting year-round water supply.
  • 2 rice cropping cycles annually, even during dry months.
  • 150 FAR tractors distributed to ARBs.

Sources:

  • Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)
  • Climate-Resilient Farm Productivity Support Program (CRFPSP)
  • National Irrigation Administration (NIA)
  • Jolipaman Irrigators Association (IA)