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.
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.
Also, Dr. Suhas P. Wani, former senior scientist at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics and sustainable agriculture expert, discussed the challenges and perspectives regarding ensuring food security in the Philippines through an integrated scale-up approach. His technical guidance and expertise further enriched the discussions and strategies for the future of the SCALE-UP program.