Overview

Original Research

TRANSFORMING AGRICULTURAL PRACTICES IN HILLYLAND AREAS: ACHIEVING ECONOMIC GROWTH AND GENDER INCLUSIVITY THROUGH INTEGRATED FARMING

ROBINEL M. OCAMPO 1, Dr. EMILY A. SORIANO 2, Dr. IRENE M. ADION 3, RAQUEL E. GUIAO 4, and JOSIAH JOSEPH A. IGNACIO 5.

Vol 19, No 07 ( 2024 )   |  DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.13066228   |   Author Affiliation: Agricultural Center Chief III, Research Outreach Station for Hillyland Development, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3, 1; Research Division Office, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3, 2; Office of the Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulatory, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3, 3; Science Research Specialist II, Research Outreach Station for Hillyland Development, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3, 4; Science Research Specialist I, Research Outreach Station for Hillyland Development, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 3, 5.   |   Licensing: CC 4.0   |   Pg no: 467-480   |   Published on: 25-07-2024

Abstract

This study investigated the implementation and outcomes of integrated farming systems in hillyland communities, focusing on enhancing farm productivity, profitability, and sustainability. Two primary farming systems were studied: Farming System 1 (Rice Corn Cassava Poultry Vermicomposting) and Farming System 2 (Corn Poultry Vermicomposting). Through comprehensive training sessions and technology demonstrations, farmers were educated and empowered to adopt integrated farming practices tailored to local conditions. The study found significant improvements in farm profitability with Farming System 1 achieving a 158.95% increase in profit and Farming System 2 realizing a remarkable 183.27% increase. Adoption of these systems also led to the development of 1.57 hectares of previously unproductive land, effectively optimizing land use and expanding agricultural production capacities. Gender inclusivity was a key focus, and both male and female farmers actively participated in adopting new technologies, particularly in corn and poultry production. Sustainable agricultural practices such as organic fertilization and integrated pest management were emphasized, contributing to improved environmental stewardship and economic resilience in the communities studied. The findings underscored the transformative potential of integrated farming systems, not only in increasing farm incomes but also in promoting sustainable development and enhancing livelihoods in challenging hillyland environments. The study highlights the importance of continued support for integrated farming initiatives, policy frameworks that incentivize sustainable practices, and the need for ongoing education and capacity-building programs to sustain these positive outcomes in agricultural communities.

Keywords

CPAR, Integrated Farming Systems, Hillyland Communities, Farm Productivity, Farm Profitability, Sustainability, Gender Inclusivity, Training and Technology Adoption, Agricultural Development, Organic Fertilization, Integrated Pest Management.