Soil Conservation Guided Farm System (Philippines)

Soil Conservation Guided Farming System (SCGFS) is a land use management approach that integrates technologies: terracing, agro-pastoral technology, multi-storey cropping, and contouring within the socio-economic and bio-physical limitations of upland areas for optimum development of soil and water resource in a sustainable manner.

Generally, SCGFS aims to promote sustainable land use management that provides agricultural livelihood while protecting and maintaining environmental sustainability in the upland areas of the country. Its specific objectives: (1) Establish community-based and farmer-managed techno demo farms cum learning centers on soil and water conservation in marginal uplands and watersheds of Small Scale Irrigation Projects (SSIPs); (2) Promote and disseminate effective soil and water conservation approaches and technologies for broader adoption; and (3) Develop a strong linkage and partnership among local stakeholders and cooperators to protect our upland resources and watersheds.

Participatory Approach amongst stakeholders as spearheaded by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) through the Soil Conservation and Management Division (SCMD)

Stages of implementation: (1) Coordination with the Local Government Units (LGU) and consultation with farmers; (2) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) preparation; (3) Reconnaissance survey (a. Site selection/ identification b. Dialogue with farmer cooperators); (4) Field Survey/Ground Truthing (Topographic survey, Land Resources survey); (5) Maps Preparation( Topographic Map, Soil Map, Land Use Map, Slope Map and Erosion Map); (6) Preparation of preliminary Farm Development Plan; (7) Presentation of Farm Development Plan to the LGUs and Farmer Cooperators (Discussion, Revision/modification); (8). Preparation of Project Study Report (Final Farm Development Plan); (9) Institutional Development/ Capacity Building; (10) Implementation Stage / Farm Development; (11)Conduct of season long farmer field school; and (12) Monitoring and Evaluation including Operation and Maintenance.

Role of stakeholders: A. Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM):
1. Provide the over-all direction in the preparation of plans and programs for the implementation of soil and water conservation through the SCGFS;
2. Provide technical support and assistance in the promotion and implementation of soil and water conservation and in the conduct of capacity building activities (i.e. in terms of training modules and resource persons);

B. Partner agencies/institutions (e.g. LGUs and other concerned agencies):
1. Prepare and endorse request to the BSWM for the establishment of SCGFS as demo farm of soil and water conservation technologies;
2. Provide technical support and assistance to the co-operators in the conduct of field survey and investigation, preparation of soil conservation farm plan, establishment of the SCGFS, and undertaking the necessary training activities;
3. In coordination with BSWM, assist the co-operators in availing necessary farm inputs and facilities for the establishment of the SCGFS; and
4. Undertake monitoring and assessment of operation and maintenance of established SCGFS to immediately address on-farm problems.

C. The Farmer Cooperators (i.e. interest groups/individuals):
1. Signify their interest to establish soil and water conservation demo farm through formal request to the BSWM;
2. Be willing to provide their own resources in the establishment of the demo farm;
3. Provide support and assistance to BSWM in the conduct of field survey and investigation;
4. Act as extension agents in the local community to disseminate soil and water conservation technologies with the demo farm as the community learning center.