Development of KASC Farming Technologies for Poverty Alleviation

Ernesto T. Miguel

Jovita E. Saguibo
Marciano A. Paroy Jr.

Given the rain-fed agricultural situation in the province of Kalinga, farmers have a tendency to resort to means by which they can address their immediate needs – with little regard to environmental issues.

Clearly, there is a need to solve the pressing subsistence needs of the farmers while taking into consideration the practices that would pose no harm to the environment.

This study focuses on the optimized management of natural resources in the dry areas, resulting to sustained productivity while preventing soil degradation. It is targeted to pre-selected agro-ecologies and socio-economic environment in three municipalities in the province of Kalinga – namely, Rizal, Tanudan, and Pinukpuk.

It introduces a rational use of land-based technologies derived from the farming systems conducted at the Kalinga-Apayao State College, with the involvement of farmers.

Prior to the piloting of cropping systems and improved production techniques developed in KASC is a four-way methodology:

(1) Collection, assembly and analysis of data on soil, climate, crops and inputs;

(2) Assessment of major production constraints to sustainable crop production;

(3) The development of a farm model; and

(4) Dissemination of the technologies generated.

This research undertaking was able:

(a) To increase the knowledge of farmers;

(b) To put in place better land preparation methods; and

(c) To transfer to the farmers’ level the better farming methods resulting to higher income.

This study further establishes the willingness of farmers to take risks when they are fully convinced with the viability of technologies – regardless of their simplicity or complexity.