Assessment of the Intervention Design and Benefits of Sustainable Land Resource Management Approach (SLRMA) on Corn Farmers in Ilagan City, Isabela, Philippines

Abstract

Sustainable farming systems have been acknowledged as an approach that balances the production of food and preservation of the environment. It involves practices that protect natural ecosystems such as soil conservation and water management, while also supporting the long-term economic viability for the farmers. To promote sustainable agriculture, various soil conservation technologies were introduced to corn farmers in Ilagan City, Isabela, Philippines through Sustainable Land Resource Management Approach (SLRMA). This study aimed to assess the intervention design and benefits of SLRMA to the 49 farmer-beneficiaries using the collected data on contour farming systems, crop diversification, training, and challenges encountered. A quantitative research design was utilized, incorporating descriptive and comparative approaches to examine and interpret the collected data. The analysis was focused on changes in production and profit before and after the implementation of SLRMA, using paired t-tests to compare these variables. Results revealed that SLRMA has had a positive and significant effect on farming practices and livelihoods, particularly for those with 2 to 5 years of participation. These beneficiaries experienced increased income, improved farming practices, and enhanced land productivity, including reduced soil erosion, restored cultivation areas, and higher crop yields. Beneficiaries with 5 years of involvement saw significant increases in ROI (from 16.54% to 147.81%), net income (from PhP5,504.45 to PhP45,724.45), and overall income (from PhP42,979.35 to PhP94,095.64). Similarly, 4-year, 3-year, and 2-year participants experienced notable improvements in ROI, net income, and overall income, with significant statistical results. On the other hand, only minimal changes with no significant impact on ROI and net income in the production were observed with 1-year participants. The study found that prolonged participation in the program was associated with higher income, but further analysis using more robust statistical methods is needed to determine the actual drivers of income changes. Based on the findings, recommendations include provision of additional support on manpower or financial assistance on the first year to ensure crop survival; evaluation of the suitability of the research design and methodologies employed for future researches; and formulation and implementation of strategic adaptation and upscaling plan for the SLRMA.