A science and technology initiative towards food security has provided local communities in Bukidnon with livelihood opportunities and sustainable food sources.
Led by advocates from Central Mindanao University (CMU), the Community-based Livelihood Improvement for Bukidnon, also known as Project CLImB, took advantage of technology transfer initiatives to empower disadvantaged communities with invaluable knowledge, information, and tools essential for achieving sustainability.
Dr. Judith Intong, the Dean of the College of Agriculture at CMU and the driving force behind Project CLImB, summarized the project's goals as "pagkain, pagkakakitaan, at pangkabuhayan."
The primary beneficiary of the project was the Kiharong Women’s Association (KWA). The group includes 53 women farmers of Barangay Kiharong, one of the poorest barangays in Bukdinon. Through Project CLimB, KWA members were equipped with farming technologies and training on natural farming technology systems, mushroom production, goat farming, vermicomposting, and organic vegetable production.
The project also gave way to the various developments in the community. First among these was the establishment of a communal vertical garden. Backyard gardens also sprung within the homes of the farmers. During the pandemic, these green spaces became their alternative source of food and income. With the help of the provided technologies, KWA members produced around 4,700 kilograms of vegetables within the duration of the project.
Following the results of the project, Dr. Intong shares that there was a positive shift in terms of food availability and utilization within the community of Kiharong. “We found out, in our survey, that there was an increasing food stability and utilization among our KWA Women. Based on statistics, there was a significant difference in the food availability and utilization among our KWA Women, showing that more available foods were utilized by our women farmers, particularly during the pandemic,” Dr. Intong explained.
Talking about income, the evaluation of Project CLImB outputs shows a significant increase in the household incomes of the KWA members. Among the critical objectives of the project was to provide a way to increase the household of the community to above the Poverty Threshold level in Bukidnon, which is around P10,500. The poverty threshold is set as the minimum income for a household to ensure an adequate living.
In addition to its various achievements, Project CLImB was also able to increase the household income in the community. At the project's onset in 2019, the average monthly income for KWA members stood at approximately P6,500. Thanks to Project CLImB's interventions, this figure surged to P8,500 in 2020 and reached an impressive P11,200 in 2021.
Among the critical objectives of the project was to provide a way to increase the community's households to above the Poverty Threshold level or the minimum income for a household to ensure adequate living in particular areas. In Bukidnon, the poverty threshold is around P10,500.
In conclusion, Dr. Intong expressed that Project CLImb, in its effort to bring social change through science and technology, is a testament to how such intervention can empower local communities and improve social conditions.
NSAARRD 2023
Dr. Intong’s paper on Project CLImB was named as the 2nd runner-up for the Development Category at the 2023 National Symposium on Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resource Research and Development (NSAARRD). Led by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resource Research and Development of the Department of Science Technology (DOST-PCAARRD), NSAARRD showcases the most outstanding contributions of individuals and institutions in the field of agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources research and development.