Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR)

Goat Agribusiness Development Project (ABDP) in Region 1 (2009)

Melinda G. Calumpit, Benjamin O. Ronduen, Edmundo M. Quinit, Jovita M. Datuin, Josefina P. Bueno, Joey Warren A. Bragado, Evelyn R. delos Reyes, Josephine P. Serna, Gil A. Datuin, Lemuel M. Abrenica, Edilyn P. Catungal Enrequito Serna, Nieves Puquiz, Emilio Villalba, Norma Pangod, Reynaldo Gacusan, Philip Galang

ABSTRACT

The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) has instituted the Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) as a strategy to fast-track the transfer of technology throughout the country. The intent of CPAR Agribusiness Development Project (CPAR-ABDP) is to facilitate the technology adaptation process and encourage technology adaptation and utilization by the farmers themselves towards technology commercialization. The CPAR-ABDP is a collaborative government rural development approach for the small-hold goat raisers in Region 1 to enhance goat productivity. Four project sites in Alaminos, Mangatarem, Sta. Maria, Pangasinan and Candon City, Ilocos Sur were initially established in 2005, followed by two sites in Pinili, Ilocos Norte and Tubao, La Union in CY 2006. Two phases of the project included: a) Production phase: piloting and operation of 200-doe level goat production system; and b) development phase: establishment of goat multiplier farm in CPAR sites. The step-by-step processes involved the Pre-implementation phase includes selection of project locations and farmer-partners, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and formulation of CPAR project plan. The implementation phase also includes Agreements/ Agreements to all stakeholders, capacity building (training, cross visits and Farmer Livestock School), and establishment of CPAR-ABDP. Monitoring, data collection, documentation and evaluation conduct implementers meeting and on-site data collection. Piloting and expansion thru establishment of multiplier farms and institutionalization by giving assistance to farmers to organize them into association. Project strategy included introduction of technology interventions such as improved housing, upgrading, feeds and feeding, health management and food-feed systems. Economic gains by the farmers showed a considerable increase in income from 5, 10 and 20 doe level after 3-4 years of implementation. Regarding productivity gains, an increase in body weight from native to upgraded boer and anglo stocks at birth and at three months was noted. After four years, the 769 farmer-beneficiaries, expanded co-operators and adopters from the 6 municipalities of the four provinces are ready to venture in to goat production as an agribusiness enterprise. Institutionalization at the farmer’s level enhanced the technical capabilities of 383 farmers and the organization of goat raisers into 6 associations with 409 members. As an offshoot of this project, multiplier farm was established to all CPAR goat sites with 7 recipients. The CPAR ABDP is highly sustainable, because CPAR goat sites have all the capacity to sustain thru LGU initiatives except Pinili site which is still need for improvement and guidance. Capability building particularly value formation of CPAR farmers and extension workers is highly suggested. Further, due to increasing number of doe level in Alaminos and Sta. Maria, Pangasinan and in Candon City, they are recommended for commercialization.