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Archives
May 1-15, 2000
CPAR Mindanao-Visayas projects evaluated
by Carmencita V. Kagaoan
The National Programs Division of the
Bureau f Agricultural Research, with the technical support
of the National Corn RDE Network, evaluated the performance
of Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR)
projects in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. The evaluation
meetings was held on 27 April 2000 at the Grand Men-Seng
Hotel in Davao City.
CPAR, a program started by the BAR in
1998 through the Regional Integrated Agricultural Research
Centers (RIARCs), aims to promote client participation
in research project identification, planning, implementation,
and evaluation. Each of the 15 RIARCs was granted an
initial fund of P500,000 for trainings and community
consultations as well as the implementation of small
projects identified by the communities.
The coverage of the accomplishment reports
presented by the regional project leaders ranged from
the conduct of PAP training and community learning centers.
The disparity in accomplishments between the regions
shows the resourcefulness and strong linkage with local
government units (LGUs) are major determinants of the
success of participatory projects similar to CPAR. In
Region 10 for example, the project was able to get the
support of other government agencies, even NGOs. With
the seed money, a CPAR Farmers' Learning Center was
constructed. An action research was also conducted on
corn livestock and fisheries in addition to sponsoring
farmers' trainings and cross-visits.
Overall, the program shows that the major
objective of increasing farmer participation in resource
assessment and needs identification was achieved. The
add-ons such as the generation of additional support
for the community vary from region to region. Site validation
of the project accomplishments for the Visayas-Mindanao
areas is scheduled this month and in early June together
with the following partner SCUs: ViSCA for the Visayas
Region, CMU for Regions 10, 11 and CARAGA, and USM for
Regions 9, 12 and ARMM.
Although the evaluation process of the
total program is ongoing, reports from Visayas and Mindanao
regions show that the program is worthwhile and should
therefore be continued. The process facilitates the
identification of projects relevant to the needs and
aspirations of the community and ensures support of
the beneficiaries.
As corn RDE team leader and evaluation
chairman, Dr. Salazar said in his report, "It looks
like we have found in CPAR the critical key in making
our DA field staff effective change agents in improving
the lives of our poor countrymen in the rural areas.
One that is truly MakaMASA." 
May 1-15 2000 Articles: ::
CPAR Mindanao-Visayas projects evaluated
::
BAR-WINROCK opens new opportunities for smallholders
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CSSP 30th annual scientific conference-paving the way for new discoveries and advances in crop research
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Interregional RDE project underway
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Corn-based farming systems project conducts farmers' field day
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BAR unifies national and regional RDE networks
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The CPAR: an approach to rural development
::: More May 2000 articles :::
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