1.2 Contact details of resource persons and institutions involved in the assessment and documentation of the Technology

Name of project which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Integrated Approach in Management of Major Biodiversity Corridors in the Philippines - GEF 6 Project (BD corridor)

Name of the institution(s) which facilitated the documentation/ evaluation of the Technology (if relevant)

Bureau of Soils and Water Management (Bureau of Soils and Water Management) - Philippines

1.3 Conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT

The compiler and key resource person(s) accept the conditions regarding the use of data documented through WOCAT:

Yes

1.4 Declaration on sustainability of the described Technology

Is the Technology described here problematic with regard to land degradation, so that it cannot be declared a sustainable land management technology?

No

2.1 Short description of the Technology

Definition of the Technology:

Floating vegetable garden as a climate change adaptation strategy for the indigenous communities living in the wetland of Agusan del Sur to grow vegetables during the flooding season.

2.2 Detailed description of the Technology

Description:

Agusan Marsh is considered one of the wetlands in the Philippines that experiences flooding all year round, and most areas are flooded, making it impossible to grow food for the communities living in the area. In order to address this issue, the construction of floating gardens were initiated by the Department of Agriculture CARAGA supported by various government agencies and Non Government Organizations (NGOs).

The floating garden technology and initiative, developed by the Foundation for the Development of Agusanons, Inc. (FDAI), was enhanced by the Department of Agriculture CARAGA and carried out by the Agricultural Program Coordinating Office (APCO) with the aim of establishing a sustainable agricultural system that promotes biodiversity and resilient farming practices. By using decomposed water hyacinth as a medium for growing crops, the technology helps mitigate its negative effects and transforms it into a valuable resource. Water hyacinths have a variety of negative impacts such as clogging waterways hampering boating and fishing, reducing local aquatic biodiversity and obstructing river flows which can aggravate flooding. The technlogy is being adopted by the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) as a mitigation strategy against the impacts of climate change, enabling communities to better manage and adapt to climate-related risks. It also provides means for communities in flood-prone or coastal areas to engage in sustainable agri-fishery activities, ensuring food security and enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem health.

The components of the floating garden include a floater, a base (batangan), flooring (salug), growing substrate composed of layers of water hyacinth and layers of soil. Thewater hyacinths are collected from the river, chopped, and then mixed with the soil for composting before being used as a growing substrate in the floating garden. It is applied in layers as follows: composted hyacinth/soil mix, soil, composted hyacinth/ soil mix, and soil. The use of water hyacinth as substrate for the compost addresses the community’s concern about its proliferation, which causes obstruction in rivers, resulting in the destruction of boats and houses.

The standard dimension of a floating garden is 8 meters (length) by 4 meters (width), but this could be increased depending on the needs and financial capacity of the landusers. Crops planted are high-value vegetables such as pechay (pak choi), string beans, bitter gourd, tomato, bell pepper, cucumber, and eggplant, which were provided by the Department of Agriculture.

The FDAI played a pivotal role in project implementation, overseeing the construction of floating gardens and the provision of supplemental seedlings. The Binus-Ugan Farmers Association (BFA), as the recipient of the project, received 50 units of floating gardens through the Department of Agriculture's Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) Program.

Floating gardens were instrumental to the community in growing crops as their source of food and nutrients during the COVID-19 pandemic, where movement from barangay to barangay was restricted. A barangay is the smallest administrative division in the Philippines. The floating gardens became a source of income as the excess produce was sold to neighbors. The floating garden initiative did not only enhance economic conditions but also attracted local avian species, locally referred to as "pari-pari." Furthermore, it strengthened women's involvement in the community, particularly through their active participation in maintaining the gardens.

2.3 Photos of the Technology

2.5 Country/ region/ locations where the Technology has been applied and which are covered by this assessment

2.6 Date of implementation

Indicate year of implementation:

2022

If precise year is not known, indicate approximate date:

• less than 10 years ago (recently)

2.7 Introduction of the Technology

Specify how the Technology was introduced:

• through projects/ external interventions

Comments (type of project, etc.):

The construction of floating garden at Barangay Sabang Gibong, Talacogon was funded by the Department of Agriculture in response to the needs of the community for food sources during flooding season when growing crops is not possible because the lands are submerged in water.

3.1 Main purpose(s) of the Technology

• adapt to climate change/ extremes and its impacts
• create beneficial economic impact
• create beneficial social impact

3.2 Current land use type(s) where the Technology is applied

Land use mixed within the same land unit:

No

Comments:

Floating gardens to grow vegetables are constructed in the wetlands when the area is flooded. For the past years, flooding occurred all year round.

3.3 Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

Has land use changed due to the implementation of the Technology?

• No (Continue with question 3.4)

3.4 Water supply

Water supply for the land on which the Technology is applied:

• mixed rainfed-irrigated

Comments:

During rainy seasons, the landusers do not water the crops since the rainwater is already sufficient. When week passed and no rains occur, the landuser will water the crops from the river.

3.5 SLM group to which the Technology belongs

• wetland protection/ management
• home gardens
• ecosystem-based disaster risk reduction

3.6 SLM measures comprising the Technology

Comments:

Floating garden structure as shelter for plants

3.7 Main types of land degradation addressed by the Technology

Comments:

Year round flooding (change in surface water quantity) limited agricultural activities on the land.
This technology address the decline of surface water quality due to the eutrophication of waterbody where water hyacinth is a contributor.

3.8 Prevention, reduction, or restoration of land degradation

Specify the goal of the Technology with regard to land degradation:

• adapt to land degradation

Comments:

The community adapted to the state of land degradation in the area by transferring crop production from the year round flooded fields to floating gardens and using the available resource like the water hyacinth as substrate to produce compost used as substrate for plant growth

4.1 Technical drawing of the Technology

4.2 General information regarding the calculation of inputs and costs

Specify how costs and inputs were calculated:

• per Technology unit

other/ national currency (specify):

Pesos

If relevant, indicate exchange rate from USD to local currency (e.g. 1 USD = 79.9 Brazilian Real): 1 USD =:

55.0

4.3 Establishment activities

	Activity	Timing (season)
1.	Construction of the floating garden	All year round
2.	Collection of water hyacinth	All year round
3.	Composting of water hyacinth and mixing with soil	All year round

4.4 Costs and inputs needed for establishment

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Construction of the floating garden	person/day	16.0	350.0	5600.0	100.0
Labour	Collection and composting of water hyacinth	person/day	1.0	350.0	350.0	100.0
Plant material	vegetable seeds	cans	3.0	1500.0	4500.0
Construction material	bamboo as floater	pieces	200.0	40.0	8000.0
Construction material	wood for crossbeam	pieces	4.0	200.0	800.0
Construction material	bamboo for floor joist	pieces	10.0	30.0	300.0
Construction material	nails	kilos	2.0	80.0	160.0
Construction material	wood as sidings	board feet (bd.ft)	4.0	20.0	80.0
Construction material	bamboo as pole	pieces	6.0	50.0	300.0
Construction material	rope	pieces	16.0	25.0	400.0
Construction material	carabao rope for anchoring the garden	meters	20.0	28.0	560.0
Other	UV plastic roofing	roll (12m x 5m)	1.0	6000.0	6000.0	100.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology					27050.0
Total costs for establishment of the Technology in USD					491.82

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

The cost for the construction of the floating garden was subsidized by the Department of Agriculture

Comments:

The materials used for the construction of the floating garden was subsidized by the government. The counterpart of the land user is the labor for the construction.

4.5 Maintenance/ recurrent activities

	Activity	Timing/ frequency
1.	Change of the bamboo used as floaters	1 to 2 years
2.	Planting of vegetable seeds	All year round
3.	Fertilizer application	All year round
4.	Application of organic spray	All year round

4.6 Costs and inputs needed for maintenance/ recurrent activities (per year)

	Specify input	Unit	Quantity	Costs per Unit	Total costs per input	% of costs borne by land users
Labour	Maintenance of the floater	person/day	3.0	350.0	1050.0	100.0
Labour	Planting of vegetable seeds	person/day	1.0	350.0	350.0	100.0
Labour	Fertilizer application	person/day	1.0	350.0	350.0	100.0
Labour	Organic Spray application	person/day	1.0	350.0	350.0	100.0
Plant material	seeds	cans	3.0	1500.0	4500.0	50.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Organic Fertilizer	bag	2.0	500.0	1000.0	100.0
Fertilizers and biocides	Organic spray	liter	4.0	250.0	1000.0	100.0
Construction material	bamboo	pieces	200.0	40.0	8000.0	100.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology					16600.0
Total costs for maintenance of the Technology in USD					301.82

If land user bore less than 100% of costs, indicate who covered the remaining costs:

The Department of Agriculture partially subsidized the seeds

4.7 Most important factors affecting the costs

Describe the most determinate factors affecting the costs:

Availability of bamboo in the area which is heavily used as the floater

5.1 Climate

5.2 Topography

Indicate if the Technology is specifically applied in:

• not relevant

5.3 Soils

5.4 Water availability and quality

Is water salinity a problem?

No

Is flooding of the area occurring?

Yes

Regularity:

frequently

Comments and further specifications on water quality and quantity:

For the past three (3) years, the community has observed that flooding is all year round

5.5 Biodiversity

5.6 Characteristics of land users applying the Technology

Indicate other relevant characteristics of the land users:

Fishing is the main source of income of the landusers

5.7 Average area of land used by land users applying the Technology

5.8 Land ownership, land use rights, and water use rights

Land ownership:

• communal/ village

Land use rights:

• communal (organized)

Water use rights:

• communal (organized)

Are land use rights based on a traditional legal system?

Yes

Comments:

General characteristics of the situation in the area where the floating gardens are being implemented

5.9 Access to services and infrastructure

6.1 On-site impacts the Technology has shown

Socio-economic impacts

Production

Income and costs

Socio-cultural impacts

Ecological impacts

Biodiversity: vegetation, animals

Climate and disaster risk reduction

6.2 Off-site impacts the Technology has shown

6.3 Exposure and sensitivity of the Technology to gradual climate change and climate-related extremes/ disasters (as perceived by land users)

Gradual climate change

Gradual climate change

	Season	increase or decrease	How does the Technology cope with it?
annual rainfall		increase	well

Climate-related extremes (disasters)

Meteorological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
tropical storm	moderately
local rainstorm	very well

Hydrological disasters

	How does the Technology cope with it?
general (river) flood	very well
flash flood	not well

6.4 Cost-benefit analysis

How do the benefits compare with the establishment costs (from land users’ perspective)?

How do the benefits compare with the maintenance/ recurrent costs (from land users' perspective)?

6.5 Adoption of the Technology

• > 50%

Of all those who have adopted the Technology, how many did so spontaneously, i.e. without receiving any material incentives/ payments?

• 0-10%

6.6 Adaptation

Has the Technology been modified recently to adapt to changing conditions?

No

6.7 Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities of the Technology

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the land user’s view
Serves as an efficient mode of resource utilization on a small productive land area like the Agusan Marsh.
Relatively sustainable use of environmental resources.
An additional source of sustenance/income from the floating garden's produce.

Strengths/ advantages/ opportunities in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view
The floating garden technology could act as an additional tourist spot in Agusan Marsh.
There is strong support from various stakeholders, including the Municipal and Provincial Local Government Units, Department of Agriculture and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
Promote greater engagement within the community.
Reduce eutrophication by recycling water hyacinth

6.8 Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks of the Technology and ways of overcoming them

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the land user’s view	How can they be overcome?
Initial capital cost can be a hindrance for the community in Agusan Marsh.	The floating garden could be a project of the Local Government Unit (LGU) where they can subsidize the initial costs.

Weaknesses/ disadvantages/ risks in the compiler’s or other key resource person’s view	How can they be overcome?
Erosion on river banks due to bamboo utilization for the construction of the floating garden. (Lack of resource sustainability program).	The community can initiate a bamboo planting program to ensure the sustainability of bamboo production and prevent soil erosion in riverbanks.
Some of the floating gardens constructed sunk because of the incorrect proportion of soil and compost ratio	Close monitoring during the land preparation to ensure the stability of floating garden.
Lack of monitoring of the technology by concerned government agencies due to the difficult accessibility of the community where the technology is being practiced. It will take three hours using pump boat to reach the barangay.	Government agency involved to look for possible source of funding for procurement of pump boats to be used for monitoring. The Department of Agriculture could train people from the barangay on how to do the monitoring and take measurements.

7.1 Methods/ sources of information

7.2 References to available publications

Title, author, year, ISBN:

Design, User, Experience, and Usability; Aaron Marcus, Elizabeth Rosenzweig, and Marcelo M. Soares (Eds.); 2023; ISBN: 978-3-031-35704-6

Available from where? Costs?

Google Books; Free of charge

7.3 Links to relevant online information

Title/ description:

Residents build flood-resilient floating gardens in Agusan Marsh

URL:

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2021/07/residents-build-flood-resilient-floating-gardens-in-agusan-marsh/?fbclid=IwAR2PNh3GmiUKpk8JTWw5kHjcTRz4opsPxJGlWmvzjU33BWyHNR9jUb5ipnw

Title/ description:

Feature: Vegetable Garden floats in Agusan Marsh

URL:

https://issuu.com/caragainfocus/docs/october_15-21_2022/s/17258517?fbclid=IwAR0tLILkV0qGVCkcLJbMWcn5bAgBKJqxp4bfKKPzXDBBm9Zd3MmQTMlG0Wg

7.4 General comments

The questionnaire, though it's lengthy, has all the relevant information that the interviewee must determine from the site. This incites a comprehensive documentation process, ensuring that all the subject's technology and adjacent information (i.e. community and environmental impacts) are captured.