BAR TODAY || Official Quarterly Publication of the Bureau of Agricultural Research

Community succeeds in alley cropping
by Laarni C. Anenias

January-March 2002
Volume 4 No. 1

In a recent study, senior agriculturist Gavina M.. Huelgas of the Southern Tagalog Integrated Agricultural Research Center (STIARC) detailed how community mobilization worked towards the improvement of the lives of most residents of Barangay Maria Paz in Tanauan, Batangas through the adoption of alley cropping system.

Alley cropping is an effective method in managing erosion in the sloping areas. It involves cultivation of food, forage, or other specialty crops between rows of trees. Previous studies revealed that sloping areas devoted to alley cropping achieved minimal erosion, thus, enhancing soil sustainability.

The community-based approach, as Ms. Huelgas stated in her study, "allowed members of the community representing different sectors to actively participate in the development of the community. The evaluation of Barangay Maria Paz into a conservation farming village (CFV) facilitated the transfer of technology among farmers within and outside the community."

To enhance the technology's adoption, the authorities made sure that other support services are available such as a training center, trainings and fora, and farmers' cross visits. Researchers and extension workers were also trained to facilitate the adoption process.

At the end of the project, Brgy. Maria Paz farmers expressed their satisfaction in the alley cropping system in enhancing the soil's sustainability. Soil erosion in the farms, according to them, was reduced. The farmers likewise perceived the system as economically viable and socially acceptable.

Ultimately, what convinced the farmers of the effectivity of the system was that it helped increase their crop yield, consequently, their income. They also noted the ease of planting and cultivation in alley cropping, thus, giving them more time for other ventures like selling balut and bread.

As testimony to the success of the adoption program, Brgy. Maria Paz was declared as the first conservation farming village in 1999, the first to be declared as such. This became the turning point, according to Ms. Huelgas, wherein the different sectors began pouring, or even strengthened their support for the village. Now, neighboring barangays and foreigners frequently visit the once unknown village that gave new perspective in the meaning of 'people power'.

Source: "Community-based approach in the promotion of sloping land management technology in Batangas" by Ms. Gavina M. Huelgas, STIARC, Marawoy, Lipa City