Farmer's approach to conversion from conventional to sustainable agriculture

Issue Date

8-2007

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the factors considered by farmers in the conversion process from conventional to sustainable agriculture (SA) and their SA practice in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan, Negros Oriental. Respondents were pre-selected after consultation with the leaders of the Bugana Ferderation of people's organizations; selection was based on the length of membership of their local organization to the Federation, and number of years of SA application in their farm. Reasons for conversion, nutrient management, pets management and utilization of resources were gathered through interview using a semi-structured questionnaire and focused group discussion. The main reason found for the farmers' conversion to sustainable agriculture were mostly economic and environmental concerns. Economic benefits from SA could be realized with the reduction, ensured household food security and maximizing of internal resources. The dominant practice of the respondents related to sustainable agriculture were diversified farming with crops and animals as part of nutrient and pest management, crop residue recycling and crop rotation. To minimize risk, the respondents employed the strategy of gradual process of conversion with input substitution in small parcels of land that were later expanded. Nutrient and pest management were correlated with the number of years the farmers had been practicing sustainable agriculture. Respondents practicing SA for longer periods had several more combinations of nutrient and pets management practices than those who were just starting to convert to sustainable agriculture. Crop rotation is one of the very first step in the farmers' conversion to SA.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Crop Science

ISSN

0115-463x

Volume

32

Issue

2

Page

63-76

Document Type

Article

Frequency

tri-quarterly

Physical Description

tables

Language

English

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