Typology of agroforestry practices, perceived benefits, and challenges: The case of Kapit-Bisig Farmer’s Association Inc., Barangay Sta. Catalina, Atimonan, Quezon, Philippines

Abstract

This study examined the perceived benefits and challenges of agroforestry technologies adopted by the Kapit-Bisig Farmer’s Association Incorporated (KBFAI) members in Barangay Sta. Catalina, Atimonan, Quezon. The association was established in 1989 and became a partner organization of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to implement the Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) program, including agroforestry, in 1997. In 2018, the KBFAI was awarded the Best CBFM Model in the CALABARZON region. All 50 active members interviewed adopted the multi-storey agroforestry system, which provided farmers with economic benefits, such as a variety of produce, better yield, and regular monthly income. Some respondents’ farmers integrated forest/fruit trees and crops, poultry, livestock, and apiculture into their farms. Socially, the KBFAI encouraged members to participate in various organizational, technical, and life skills training initiated by linked government agencies. Livelihood skills augmented members’ income through the “coprahan” venture, selling seedlings from their nursery, rattan basket weaving, and tiger grass broom making, where raw materials were sourced from the CBFMA area. The training also sensitized them to avoid traditional livelihood activities, such as kaingin and charcoal making. Members likewise enjoyed the environmental benefits of their agroforestry farms through soil improvement, shade to crops, sustained water supply, and reduced soil erosion in steep slopes. Despite these benefits and improved well-being, findings showed that farmers’ continued adoption of agroforestry was uncertain as most members became senior citizens and had difficulty maintaining their agroforestry farms. Their children were hardly interested in farming. This study recommends that the DENR and support organizations incentivize agroforestry farming to attract and engage the young generation and sustain the beneficial agroforestry systems in Barangay Sta. Catalina and in all uplands nationwide.