The DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR),  in collaboration with DA-SOCCSKSARGEN, conducted a scoping and appraisal activity for the two municipalities of Sarangani (Kiamba and Maasim) on 31 August 2023 at the Public Market Function Hall, Kiamba, Sarangani Province.

The activity aimed to validate the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) results through a focus group discussion participated by the concerned farmer associations (predominantly corn, abaca, and vegetable farmers) and officials and representatives from DA-BAR, DA-SOCCSKSARGEN, DA-PhilFIDA, DA-Philippine Coconut Authority, Provincial and Municipal Logal Government Units. Possible interventions were also initially discussed as a response to the perceived needs of the community.

The activity is anchored on the bureau’s Participatory Agriculture and Fisheries R4D Technology Transfer Towards Entrepreneurship and Sustainability (PARTNERS) Approach which aims to bring tailor-fitted interventions to stakeholders in selected areas or communities based on their identified needs by proactively engaging the farmers and fisherfolks and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders in achieving an inclusive development.