ASKEDWELL ACTIVITIES 2015: Drought resistant farming system through science and technology Project

This is a project proposal developed to find an answer to the challenges of climate change and el nino phenomenon. We are glad that DOST Region 7 is interested in the project and may financially support this in cy 2016. Meanwhile, ASKEDWELL center will continue to explore on many training methods or a combination of training technologies that endeavor to make life easier for a marginal farmer live through the challenges of climate change.
The courses Animal Production NC II, Horticulture NC II, Aquaculture NC II and Driving NC II provide specific competencies that can be integrated though diversified to make a holistic system of farming and production for daily sustainance. Income for other family expenditures can also be acquired through the duration of the El Nino.

The introduction of the proposal is posted for information to stakeholders and potential partners in the implementation

November 8, 2015

Engr. Edilberto L. Paradela

Regional Director

Department of Science and Technology

Region 7

Dear Director Paradela,

SUBJECT: LETTER OF INTENT TO IMPLEMENT A PROJECT ON DROUGHT RESISTANT NATURAL FARMING SYSTEMS

Greetings of Peace and Prosperity!

Our training center, the Action for Skills Knowledge Education and Wellness (ASKEDWELL) Center with TESDA Registered programs, is a newly organized Non-stock Non-profit institution based in Borbon, Cebu and authorized by SEC Reg. CN201326762 dated June 6, 2013 to conduct programs anywhere in the Philippines.

We are presently operating in the hinterlands of Northern Cebu, specifically, in the municipality of Bongdo, Borbon, which was affected by Typhoon Yolanda and disrupted livelihood by Typhoon Ruby. We offer Animal Production NC II, Horticulture NC II, Aquaculture NC II and Driving NC II. These are integrated to assist rural communities develop through technology transfer. It is our intent to implement an innovative program to respond to the challenges brought about by the climate change and the el niňo phenomena

The ASKEDWELL center graduated 130 TESDA scholars and ASKEDWELL Center scholars in Animal Production NC II, Horticulture NC II, Aquaculture NC II and Driving NC II. We officially started the training on last week of October 2014 and our volunteer supervisors and trainors are continuously following up on technical assistance to the graduates. Our effort is focused on motivating the farmers to increase production on natural farming methods and improve the spirit of working as a team. With the training assistance of TESDA, we have provided basic tools and materials to assist farmers in developing food substitutes for animals, fish and poultry.

We are also starting our journey towards Organic Agriculture Production NC II, as the undersigned, being the President / CEO of the center is a member of the Technical Expert Panel that drafted the Organic Production NC II Training Regulations.

In this regard, may we request for an endorsement and support to the project which we plan to organize and implement by December 2015 to July 2016 at Barangay Bongdo Gua and Barangay Bongdo. Both Barangays were hit byTyphoon Yolanda and struggling to develop for sustainable growth.

Thank you very much and warm regards,

Very truly yours

Dr. Silvano B. Maranga

President / CEO

annex a

PROJECT TITLE: DROUGHT RESISTANT NATURAL FARMING SYSTEM:
an integrated outcome – based TESDA Registered agri-fishery training courses

PROPONENT: Action for Skills Knowledge Education and Wellness Center

DESCRIPTION: Farmers are the first group of people affected by the negative effects of climate change. Decreasing volume of water will cause most crops and plant life to wither. Animal growth and production may be sustained with increasing inputs from commercial sources but uneconomical to a marginal farmer. Fish in ponds, with increasing temperature are less productive and tend to lose dissolved oxygen in water creating an environment less conducive to its survival

Damaged crops, less productive animals and dwindling fish are expected to result in imbalance in the life and livelihood of farmers. With the reduction of water volume and increasing ambient temperature, water supply dwindles. Then the series of disastrous events follow the natural course.

There are two schools of thought in developing a response to the incoming crisis as predicted, the el nino phenomenon which has already damaged several agricultural lands in many provinces. The el niňo is expected to last for nine (9) months at most and based on past records could happen again in the next six (6) years or so.

One response is creating new jobs and skills for farmers that tend to make them move away from their homes and engage in a livelihood endeavor which detach them from what they were doing for the past many years of their life.

Second option is to respond to the challenge through science and technology. Train the farmers on methods of natural farming, applying principles of bacterial action in plant and animal life, cleansing water, and producing nutritious food for plants and animals. In short, let this el niňo occurrence be a preparation and a learning time for them to become better farmers and better prepared in facing natural crisis

Farmers shall be trained to build simple and easy to construct above ground fish pond which can be transported or put in places where water is available. Pumping or moving water in and out of the pond shall be done through siphon principles or even to the extent of using small pumps run by solar energy.

In this set - up drought resistant trees, such as breadfruit and jackfruit, are planted as feed for animals and for human consumption. Root crops shall also be selected and planted based on its resistance to drought and mineral content or nutrients.

In natural settings, goats and cattle can best withstand the effects of drought. Hogs , native chicken, turkey and sheep shall be raised as these animals and poultry produce waste that can easily be converted to fertilizer.

Pantat or catfish can live without water, as it can hibernate under soil. Tilapia is also one of the most versatile fish as it can live in varying temperatures, ph and dissolved oxygen in water. Concoctions, such as faa, labs, ffj, and fpj are useful technologies in controlling odor and increasing water quality for fish and plants even in low volume conditions.

As this project deals with a systemic loss to the environment, it is also important that the science and technology response to the threat of farmer’s livelihood should also be systemic. The combination of traditional and modern technologies, such as fermentation and solar power are all incorporated in this project.

The process will involve farmers and future farmers. Ponds and water catchment units will be a major component of the project. The above ground ponds will be quick to install while the water catchment on ground will need the support for backhoe machines and good pond liners.

It is also important to protect the pond from predators, hence it is necessary to cover with nets. Fish inside the pond will be placed in fish cage for easy movement and control in fish density. Ponds for azola and duck weed shall also be set up as these are food for the fish. Plants shall be watered through a modified, low cost watering system. Whenever necessary, an electric or solenoid water valve can be used to reduce further the farmers’ burden in keeping the farm functional.

It is envisioned that, after the completion of the project and el niňo closes, more technical training will be linked to the project which will include biogas technology and windmill in areas where it is feasible. Farm and business planning, including financial and organizational management will form part of the project sustainability.

As per feedback from farmers, it is noticed that water loss rate is increasing. It is possible that water springs are starting to dry up or soil is drying faster that water gets dissipated to the ground faster than normal. It is also observed that even plants watered in early morning, wither in the afternoon even if the soil is still moist. It is important to determine the ambient temperature and dryness of air. Science and technology must find a solution to this condition to assist farmers.

This drought condition may last longer or shorter than expected. Farmers will always be farmers, it will be difficult for them to change a lifestyle away from the land. It is their home and life. Science and technology should prepare them in their struggle for survival. This project envisions to prepare them with science and technologies which will prepare them to respond for survival and development. Farmers are the backbone and source of food for communities. Let this be an effort of providing them with science and technology to act during crisis conditions, retool farmers to improve production in better climate conditions.

ASSUMPTIONS:

1. That the el niño phenomenon may last for 9 to 10 months

2. That farmers are within the 56 to 70 year old range

3. That most are below grade 4 level of education

4. That most of farming practices are learned from parents

5. That conventional agricultural practices are based on intensive systems

6. That land areas available to marginal farmers are less than ¼ hectare or 2,500 sq. meters

7. That farmers get their food and other necessities from a daily farming labor.

8. That a farmer with 4 children earns Php 8,000.00 per month for one year under normal weather conditions and expected to drop lower during weather disturbances

PURPOSES:

1. PROVIDE FARMERS’ ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF LIVELIHOOD IN PREPARATION FOR CLIMATE CHANGE SPECIFICALLY EL NIŇO PHENOMENON

2. UTILIZE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLGY IN NATURAL FARMING SYSTEMS

3. DEVELOP ENTREPRENEURIAL COMPETENCIES AMONG FARMERS

4. PURSUE THE GOALS OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES

5. FARMERS EARN AN AVERAGE OF PHP 5,000.00 PER MONTH DURING THE DURATION OF THE EL NIŇO WHICH COULD LAST FOR 9 TO 10 MONTHS BASED ON HISTORICAL INFORMATION

6. DEVELOP YOUTH FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND CONTINUING THE WORK OF ELDERLY FARMERS

PROJECT OUTCOME

1. WATER SOURCES IDENTIFIED AND PRESERVED

2. RAIN WATER CONTAINED IN LOW COST AND ABOVE GROUND FISH POND

3. FISH RAISED FOR FOOD AND FERTILIZER

4. DROUGHT RESISTANT PLANTS IDENTIFIED AND PLANTED

5. DROUGHT RESISTANT ANIMALS, POULTRY AND FISH ARE RAISED

6. TECHNOLOGY IN NATURAL FARMING, FOOD PROCESSING AND PACKAGING ARE APPLIED

7. FARMERS PRODUCTS ARE SOLD AT FARM GATE PRIZES OR PROCESSED NATURALLY

8. 25 FARMERS TRAINED

9. GROSS SALE OF EACH FARMER EACH MONTH FOR TEN MONTHS IS ESTIMATED AT PHP 5,000.OO OR A TOTAL OF 5O T FOR 10 MONTHS

METHODOLOGIES

1. COMPETENCY-BASED INSTRUCTION

2. ADULT-LEARNING MODALITY

3. PEER-LEARNING APPROACH

4. COMMUNITY-BASED RURAL DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM

5. PACKAGING AND MARKETING OF PRODUCTS IN A TEAM ENVIRONMENT

TRAINORS, LECTURERS, TECHNICAL ASSISTANTS

Ø TESDA CERTIFIED TRAINORS AND ASSISTANTS

Ø VOLUNTEER EXPERTS IN VARIOUS DISCIPLINES

Ø AGRICULTURAL OFFICERS

Ø TESDA OFFICERS IN ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT

Ø LGU OFFICALS ASSIGNED IN AGRICULTURAL PROGRAMS

two ponds were set-up while the water in the pond started to recede. the small ponds took an hour to install. Tilapia was transferred as soon as water was put in.

water was knee deep when the ponds were set-up

In less than a week the main pond dried up. Tilapia in the small ponds survive . Concoctions are used to control odor and water salinity to keep the fish alive.