Philippine Agricultural Economic Restoration

IsraAID Philippines Agricultural Program is now in its fourth year of operation. Currently, over 30 association farmers are receiving training in land preparation, crop planning, plant nursery, irrigation, plant protection, post-harvest, marketing and sales. The program is based on a holistic approach to enhance the farmer’s capacity from production to marketing. It also aims to improve the local farming economy and creating significant agri-business opportunities for the young generations.

While most of the technology and materials were initially provided by IsraAID, mentoring is invaluable in building local capacity and confidence among farmers to be able to successfully utilize the technology and practices they have learned. Three years have passed since typhoon Yolanda affected the region and the communities still struggle. Most donors choose to donate to more recent crises and much of the organizations have since completed their "Yolanda response" programs and have left the country.

IsraAID Philippines believes that the need to provide ongoing support is crucial. It takes years for farmers to begin seeing the advantage of agricultural practices introduced through IsraAID’s program. Farmers in the Philippines are still in need of support, guidance, and training in order to complete the gradual process of knowledge transfer, community empowerment and long term development that will allow the community to really make a change in their lives and their future.

The most recent accomplishments of the program have been the following:

1. Implementation of a tracking system for harvests and income,
2. Structured distribution of funding, ensuring a well balanced budget.
3. In the past quarter, the total sales summed up to an average of 132,000 PHP/ month divided among the 30 farmers. This is rise of more than three times in their income, compared to the previous quarter.
4. Additional water impounding operational pool was dug (total of 2), increasing the pump flow at the high water tanks even more.
5. Trade agreements have been signed between the farmers' association and significant traders to guarantee sustainable income.
6. To ensure the sustainability of all project aspects, a Community Development element has been integrated in partnership with the local university.  The program assigns a core team of leaders who are responsible for different aspects of the production chain.

IsraAID Philippines hopes to receive your continued support to help support farmers and  ensure the sustainability of the program and allow the farmers to take the huge step from recovery to true community resiliency.