The Philippines, being one of the member-networks of the Southeast Asian Network for Agroforestry Education (SEANAFE), was a participant to the 2nd International Agroforestry Congress conducted on November 27-30, 2016 at the Tay Nguyen University in Vietnam. The congress was held for four days and had the theme, Agroforestry for Sustainable and Resilient Farming Communities.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) was one of the several privileged Philippine institutions to be given the opportunity to present a paper titled, Assessment of Ecosystem Services of Agroforestry Systems in Selected Community-based Forest Management. The paper was presented by Dr. Engelbert R. Lalican of the Forestry and Environment Research Division (FERD) of the Council.
The study assessed ecosystem services of agroforestry systems practiced in Community-based Forest Management (CBFM) sites in Liliw and Sta. Maria, Laguna. Also assessed were the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of farmers, agrobiodeversity, physical and chemical properties of the soil (fertility and erodability), and carbon stocks of agroforestry systems. In addition, the study was able to present the effects of ecosystem services being provided by agroforestry systems to the socio-economic well-being and resiliency of the community.
The congress equipped Dr. Lalican with additional knowledge on the issues, concerns, and opportunities in agroforestry that can be applied in evaluating proposals related to agroforestry and climate change. Moreover, he was able to share with other Philippine delegates from the academe the priorities and the programs and projects of DOST-PCAARRD. The congress enabled him to establish potential collaborations with the academe in preparing proposals focused on community resiliency to climate change through agroforestry farming techniques.
Aside from attending the paper presentations, the participants were able to visit three agroforestry/forest model farms at Buon Ma Thuot City located in Dak Lak Province.
The first model agroforestry farm provides sustainable income to the farmers all year round. Agroforestry farming techniques being practiced by farmers include using animal manure as fertilizer, using concrete posts and live trellis for black pepper, and applying paint with fungicide to tree trunk to avoid fungal and ant attack. The farm showcased coffee, avocado, and black pepper.
Owned by Thang Loi Coffee Enterprise, the second model farm produces seven to ten tons of Coffea robusta per hectare and supplies the big chunk of Vietnam’s demand for coffee. Aside from coffee, the farm also showcased black pepper on Senna siamea tree.
Established as an experimental site, the third model farm is managed by Dak Lak Forest Protection Department. The farm has a mixed plantati on with domestic timber trees composed of Hopea odorata, Senna siamea, Afzelia xylocarpa, Tectona grandis, and Pinus kesia. The mixed trees help determine which trees are more beneficial when planted together with agricultural crops. In addition, the plantation serves as habitat to other flora and fauna.
Dr. Lalican’s trip to Vietnam was made possible through a travel grant funded by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
SEANAFE is a network of 85 member institutions in five country networks, namely, in Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Since 1999, SEANAFE has been working closely with established networks, government agencies, and regional and international development organizations towards building capacities in agroforestry and natural resources education in the Southeast Asian Region. It also welcomes collaboration with civil society and other non-government organizations involved in promoting the practice and science of agroforestry through either formal or non-formal education.