Breaking through in Lantapan: The incentive-based conservation farming policy

Abstract

In Bukidnon, Philippines, scientists, policy makers, and farmers are working together to create a network of support for farmers adopting or investing in sustainable farming systems. With slopped lands and high elevation, the farmers of Lantapan were experiencing soil erosion and soil quality problems. Technical supporters provided financial, infrastructure, and marketing support, as well as awards for farmers who practiced conservation farming. By creating an incentive-based system, they encouraged local farmers to plant varieties of crops, trees, and use contour hedges and vegetable agro-forestry (VAF). With the adoption of these conservation agriculture techniques, farmers have seen noticeable improvements in soil quality and crop production.