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In the desire to promote sustainable farming practices and address the challenges posed by climate change, the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) recently conducted a comprehensive training session for 375 members of the Carmen Organic Slope Farmers Association (COSFA). The training, held on April 12, 2024, at Brgy. Malapag, Carmen, Cotabato, was part of the project titled “Going Bananas – Restoring Livelihoods of Conflict Affected Farmers In Cotabato.”
Under the guidance of Prof. Bhullar Gurbir Singh from Bern University, Netherlands, and Mr. Rezin Cabantug of USM, the training aimed to equip smallholder slope farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills for Climate-Resilient Agriculture (CRA). Funded by Aide Environment through Bern University, the project responds to the pressing need to mitigate climate change impacts, such as prolonged dry spells and unsustainable agricultural practices in slope farming.
The initiative, which targets to capacitate 1,000 farmers through training and partnership with USM, underscores the university’s pivotal role in realizing and impacting the project. During the training, participants delved into key topics, including “Enhancing Crop Resilience: Nutrient Management in Drought Conditions” and “Strategies for Resilience: Coping with Drought and Water Stress.”
The event garnered participation from local government officials of Carmen and was guided by the overarching theme: “Climate Resilience in Agro-Ecosystems: Addressing the Challenges Posed by Climate Change and Identifying Opportunities to Build Resilience in Agricultural Systems in Southern Mindanao.”
Francis Española, the president of COSFA, emphasized the association’s commitment to organic farming, particularly in cultivating bananas due to their resilience to drought conditions. He underscored the indispensable role of USM as technical experts in providing crucial training and guidance. COSFA envisions Carmen to become a model municipality for organic farming in Cotabato Province.
Following the training session, a meeting between COSFA leaders and officials from the Department of Agriculture Carmen Office, including OIC Agriculturist Ma. Lourdes Salac and Agriculturist I, Judilyn Española, was held to plan the next training activities.
Ritchel O. Torres & LF Sumalinog
Edited by: JMBAngoy
Photo credits to: USM Devcom, BAT interns
