Project leaders and members from the pilot implementing DA-Regional Field Offices recently highlighted their achievements in the Sustainable Community-based Action Research for Development and Extension (R4DE) for Livelihood Enhancement, Upliftment, and Prosperity (SCALE-UP) program during the National Review and Planning Workshop on 7-10 May 2024 in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.
The primary goal of the SCALE-UP program is to increase both yield and income by 15%. Notably, DA-Eastern Visayas and DA-Zamboanga Peninsula surpassed this target with an average 23% increase in yield and a 62% rise in net income. Meanwhile, DA-CALABARZON shared inspiring stories from farmer beneficiaries who reported significant yield improvements, and DA-Ilocos Region showcased the success of their Climate Resilient Farm Business School (CRFBS) in enhancing the knowledge and skills of farmers.
DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) officials and SCALE-UP program focals shared their observations and recommendations based on their monitoring and evaluation activities. The accomplishments were presented across four key objectives of SCALE-UP, covering program management structure and policies; productivity enhancement and natural resource management towards sustainable farming; capability building and community empowerment; and sustainable livelihood, marketing and income enhancement.
Based on the results and observations, DA-BAR director Junel B. Soriano committed to strengthening the program by inviting stakeholders and sharing the program's outcomes to enhance support for both the program itself and research as a whole. As a kick-off to this initiative, the SCALE-UP program team has invited former senior scientist at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics and sustainable agriculture expert, Dr. Suhas P. Wani, to provide technical guidance and expertise that will further enrich the discussions and strategies for the implementation of the SCALE-UP program moving forward. During the national review and planning workshop, Dr. Wani likewise discussed the challenges and perspectives regarding ensuring food security in the Philippines through an integrated scale-up approach.
Assistant director Joell H. Lales highlighted the program's potential to set a benchmark for agricultural research for development. The experiences and successes discussed during the workshop will serve as valuable insights for other partners and agencies to improve farmers' livelihoods and productivity.