.::. BAR Chronicle .::. A monthly publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research

The Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR), a banner program of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) can now be fully implemented. This was made possible through the issuance of Administrative Order No. 8 Series of 2007 signed by Secretary Arthur C. Yap of the Department of Agriculture (DA) dated 27 February 2007. The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) recently released new guidelines to avail itself of CPAR grants.

BAR views the importance of community participation in midstream and downstream research and technology awareness among farmers and fisherfolks. In 1998, the collaborative CPAR program for all regions in the country was institutionalized.

CPAR aims to: (1) enhance the role of the R D system in technology transfer and production management system; (2) institutionalize the active community participation in the overall management of farm and coastal resources; and (3) develop strategies for effective integration of support services for the development of agricultural-enterprises.

As stated in the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 (AFMA), the technology plays a pivotal role in propelling the development of the A&F sector. Organizing farming communities is deemed important for a cost-effective utilization of technologies and emphasizes the need for complementation of supportive services.

On a broader perspective, AO 8 states that through CPAR, “the participation of the farming/fishing community in the implementation of the project shall be enjoined to fast-track technology transfer”. This would further sensitize the farmers and fisherfolk on the value of participatory action program and of information-based decision-making. Also, this would address the pressing problem of poverty in the country, resulting in increases in productivity and income generation.

CPAR program shall encompass four approaches: (1) farming systems development; (2) farm and coastal management resources management; (3) total farm utilization and total family involvement; and (4) integration and complementation of support services (including credit and marketing facilities).