Documentation and assessment of the members of the Pabag-o Cooperative in Mabinay, Negros Oriental for the improvement and adoptation of sustainable agriculture

Date

4-2010

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture

Major Course

Major in Agronomy

College

College of Agriculture and Food Science (CAFS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Oscar B. Zamora

Abstract

The farm practice conducted nom April to May 2007 in Barangay Luyang, Barangay Bato, Barangay Sama, Barangay Mayaposi and Barangayy Pandanon, Mabinay Negros Oriental aimed to analyze the farming system of the members of PAGBAG-O cooperatives. The farming systems of the live barangays were documented taking into account their biophysical, economic. and socio-cultural aspects. Identification of the facilitating and constraining factors in the adoption of Sustainable agriculture (SA) by the tanners in the project site was also done. The results were used in the analysis and in providing recommendation to improve the current farming situation in the said communities.

The farming systems of the five barangays were influence by biophysical, socio-cultural and economic aspects. The choice of crops depends on its adaptability to several biophysical attributes of the farm such as climate, soil properties and water availability. In addition, sock-I-cultural influence such as familiarity and case of crop management and economic aspects such as market demand and price are also important. Conventional farming system is the common practice of the fanners. Crops commonly grown ate sugarcane, corn, rice, coconut and peanut. Monocropping and use of chemical inputs are the prevailing practice of majority of the farmers. Continuous application of synthetic fertilizers resulting to acidic and infertile soils is common in the farms of the respondents. With the continuous increase in prices of farm inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, farmers are looking for alternatives to improve production and lessen expenses at the same time. Sustainable agriculture practices are alternatives to maintain or better increase the farm's productivity and profitability.

Farmer respondents have limited knowledge about SA and equate it with organic farming. Organic farming is being promoted by the local government and NGO in the area. Adoption or non-adoption of SA or organic farming is influenced by attitude, openness and willingness to try new approaches. Other factors considered were profitability of the practice and ease of application in their farm. The presence of a demonstration farm which uses organic rather than chemical approach is useful in the promotion of SA in the area. Facilitating and constraining factors for the adoption of SA in the project area were identified.

Recommendations were suggested to enhance farming system in the community. Improvement in soil fertility in the area could be done through the adoption of agroforestry system, increase biodiversity in the farm, green manuring and minimum tillage to reduce erosion, especially for sloping areas, especially for sloping areas. Alternative pest management and incorporation of livestock in the system could further improve the farming system. Water conservation practices like mulching and establishment of small water catchments could maximize the efficiency of available water. The establishment of learning farm, seed bank, postharvest and storage facility and accessibility of the market in the community must be done to further uplift the socio-economic condition in the project area. The role of PAGBAG-O is vital to ensure that the principles and practices of sustainable agriculture that were introduced to the farmers are practiced and to facilitate the conversion to SA.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 993 2010 A42 S26

Document Type

Thesis

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS