PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE UPLAND DEVELOPMENT AMONG AGRARIAN REFORM BENEFICIARIES IN BUKIDNON SETTLEMENTS, SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES

Abstract

A development project was implemented by government agencies with people’s organization in three upland settlement areas in Bukidnon Province, Southern Philippines to provide alternative source of livelihood to beneficiaries of the agrarian reform program of the government. Specifically, the project aimed to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills on small-scale dairy production and management; augment the income of the upland farmers by introducing an additional agricultural activity, and assess perceived benefits and problems encountered by the farmers in the implementation of the project. A state university, the local government units in the settlement areas and the Department of Agrarian Reform provided technical, financial and other infrastructure support to the farmers and their local organization. Interventions included provision of capability building activities which changed farmers’ knowledge and skills on dairy production and management. As a result, 92 upland farmers in 14 villages produced 158 calves and realized additional income from selling dairy milk in school canteens, bus terminals and in the neighborhood from the 175 cows provided by the project. Farmers’ utilized additional income to support farm and home needs as well as and school needs of their children. The project generated local employment, provided available fresh milk in the neighborhood, utilized farmers’ vacant time and created a cleaner environment in the villages. In general, the project provided a mechanism whereby the government and the local people could collaborate to improve the livelihood of agrarian reform beneficiaries in upland communities.