A participatory learning experience on sustainable agriculture in Pasong Callos, San Rafael, Bulacan

Allan S. Cruz

Date

5-2000

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Major Course

Major in Agronomy

Adviser/Committee Chair

Oscar B. Zamora

Abstract

The existing agroecosystem of Pasong Callos, San Rafael, Bulacan was analyzed. The area was characterized and documented based on the existing physical, biological, economic and socio-political resources. The constraints were also identified to provide some potential and possible technological inventions to improve the agricultural production in the area. The practitioner stayed for a total of twenty-five days to do transects and mappings together with the farmers, interviewing the key informants and collection of other pertinent data.

The area is generally rolling and hilly. Rice terraces can be seen all over the place. These rice terraces are at the gulod or hills. They grow rice and vegetables. The hilly areas are planted to mangoes and other agroforestry species native in the area. Mango is a major crop since they profit more from it. Farm animals such as carabao, cattle, goats, pigs, chickens and ducks are also raised for additional income source. Aside from farming, other farmers do off-farm jobs like carpentry and building construction.

The biophysical, cultural and socio-economic indicators for the area's agricultural sustainability were also undertaken. Farmers were interviewed and the indicators were noted. The SA indicators were analyzed and recommendations were made on the existing problems and resources of the area. A least significant Differences test was done among the indicators. Significant differences on the indicators were found among the farmers converting to SA and conventional farmers in the following parameters: number of plant and animal species, the number of local organic materials recycled and used. The indicators that are not significantly different are: the soil color, soil depth, ease of plowing, rice yield and rice income, land ownership and the size of the farm.

The strengths-weaknesses-opportunities-threats (SWOT) analysis was also undertaken to support the analysis made on the SA indicators. The analysis dealt on the positive/good things that are happening in the community. The difficulties and problems, the opportunities perceived, and the barriers to the development in the community.

Technological interventions such as construction additional small farm reservoirs, bio-intensive gardening, soil and water conservation. Other recommendations include road cementing. These recommendations should be addressed to the barangay council and to the existing farmer's organization in the area. They could thoroughly analyze the recommendations made by the student practitioner and other plan of action could be done to improve the existing resources of the area.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

Thesis

Document Type

Thesis

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