Roving for Knowledge—In the Field

Interacting with Claveria Farmers

The group visited the Tunggol, Mahayhay, Luna Purok 4 and Lanise Landcare groups within the municipality of Claveria, Misamis Oriental Province (see Figure 1 for location). Planned visits to the Laculac and Sta. Cruz Landcare groups were unfortunately cancelled due to inclement weather and impassable roads. Highlights in the field included:

• interacting with farmers to see and discuss how they evolved from simple NVS to a range of perennial cash crops (e.g., timber trees, fruit trees, pineapple, coffee, tomatoes) and forage grasses

• visiting communal and individual tree nurseries and exploring how they can be effective vehicles for training, extension and profit discussing with farmers and local officials about the role of local government units (LGUs) in supporting conservation farming and Landcare groups

• discussing with farmers and local officials about the role of local government units (LGUs) in supporting conservation farming and Landcare groups

Figure 1. Location of Claveria, Misamis Oriental Province

During the farm and site visits, the participants were able to interact directly with the farmers and Landcare members from Claveria, and gather information on how they adopt and practice different methods of conservation farming on sloping lands. Particularly useful were the interactions with Marcelino Patindol, President of the Claveria Landcare Association (CLCA), who generously shared with the group his rich experiences, wealth of knowledge and excellent sense of humor!