Success of the San Agustin farmers, Philippines

Where in the world is San Agustin? Living conditions in San Agustin prior to the project? San Agustin Farmers Association gain assistance from Australia Farming the natural way Rising above the poverty Looking up, looking forward   Where in the world is San Agustin? San Agustin is a farming community in the Philippines. It is one of 22 barangays (villages) in Sierra Bullones, a municipality on the island of Bohol. Unfortunately, San Agustin is located on the side of Bohol's water catchment area which receives the least rainfall. The Wahig River is not able to provide water for irrigation so farmers rely on rainwater making farming difficult. What were the living conditions in San Agustin prior to the project? San Agustin is the largest barangay in Sierra Bullones and the least populated, with a population density of only 0.63 persons per hectare. The distance from major cities and poor communication facilities meant that it remained isolated from government help for many years. It was considered the most financially disadvantaged barangay in Sierra Bullones, in the poorest part of the Philippines. Before the project began, more than 70% of the 703 residents in San Agustin lived below the poverty line. The people were depressed, had low self esteem and lacked the knowledge they needed to improve farming practices and living conditions. The only school in San Agustin catered for grades 1- 4 and 70 students. All domestic cooking, cleaning, bathing and drinking water came from the wells which were frequently contaminated. Skin infections, diarrhoea and urinary tract infections resulted from the poor water. The roads into San Agustin were so poor that passenger vehicles were unwilling to go there. Cassava was the main crop because it required very little water however it had depleted the soil of nutrients. San Agustin Farmers Association gain assistance from Australia In 1994, the San Agustin Farmers Association (SAGUFA) implemented the San Agustin Integrated Agro-Forestry and Livestock Project (SAIALP). This was a project designed by the Soil and Water Conservation Foundation (a Philippine organisation) and funded by the Philippines-Australia Community Assistance Program (PACAP). For four years the Australian aid organisation AusAID provided PACAP with the funds to help the farmers learn how to farm in a more economically and ecologically sustainable way. Farming the natural way Farm inputs provided by SAIALP were in the following forms: greater production and collection of animal manure to increase soil fertility; crop rotation using legumes, rice and corn; planting drought resistant crops to reduce the effects of weather on the soil; use of permanent tree crops (to protect the soil and to act as a viable alternative to cassava); education about soil conservation methods such as contour cropping; introducing improved livestock varieties; teaching farmers better livestock management; improving the health of livestock (deworming, vaccinations etc); purchase of new agricultural machinery; support in the construction of infrastructure (water tanks for potable water supply, dams for water collection, solar dryer, rice mill which adds value to the rice crop, warehouse for crop storage); training about gender issues, financial management and team building, arranges exchanges of labour between farms and on-going support for its members. Rising above the poverty Children helped their village plant seedlings for vegetable production Once the poorest place to be in the Philippines, by 1997 San Agustin was ranked at number 10 out of the 22 villages in Sierra Bullones. Family incomes increased dramatically after PACAP's involvement as did the purchasing power of families. Comparative family income, 1993 and 1997 Income per annum (pesos) 1993(%) 1997(%) <20,000 40.9 4.5 20,00 - 35,000 54.5 65.9 36,000 - 50,000 4.5 25 51,000 - 65,000 0 4.5 In 1993, most families purchased only basic necessities such as cooking pots. In 1997, increased incomes resulted in family purchases of materials for house repairs, radio cassettes, farm animals and a television set. Other changes to the living conditions included: Greater understanding of the need for education School enrolment rose from 70 to 215 students, grades 4-6 were introduced and 19 students went on to secondary school. Improved health status The incidence of diseases dropped dramatically with the introduction of potable water. Greater income resulted in more people willing to see a doctor more frequently. Moderate malnutrition cases dropped from 70% in 1996 to 55% in 1997. Accessibility to a potable water supply The introduction of 13 potable water systems accessible to 70% of the San Agustin population had a huge impact on the cleanliness of the domestic water supplies and the health of the people. Improved road conditions There was increased demand for transportation. More farm produce was being sent to market and the farmers were more able to pay transportation costs. The demand for better roads increased and finally resulted in the government laying gravel on the previously muddy dirt road. Increased awareness on environmental protection Several factors led to soil, water and land degradation in San Agustin. The farmers faced weeds, erosion and nutrient deficiency of the soil and depleted water quantity and quality. With the introduction of more diverse crops and livestock varieties and contour farming in 1994, the threat to the environment in San Agustin has been averted. Farmers have been made aware that it makes economic sense to look after the soil, water and farmland. SAGUFA still has improvements to make with the development of a comprehensive environment plan for all of San Agustin. Increased participation of women Prior to the formation of SAGUFA, women were not given the chance to make decisions in the community. Women now actively participate in the Association, comprising more than 50% attendance at meetings. However, little has been done to lighten the burden women carry - as well as increased responsibility in the community, they still are required to conduct domestic chores, care for the children, help on the farm and budget the family income. Women are rearing chickens as a source of protein and income Better response and involvement from the government The development efforts undertaken by the program also resulted in more substantial response from the Filipino government to the needs of the San Agustin people. The government expanded the school, improved the road and assisted with cattle dispersal. It also helped in the construction of three new deep wells. Looking up, looking forward The San Agustin farmers have been hugely successful in raising themselves out of poverty, with the help of Australia. SAGUFA is now a financially sustainable business. By 2000, the income and assets of SAGUFA members has increased 20 times from $250 to $4500. The community have plans for ecotourism and a bus rice trading business, funded through their tree crop. They have been given a lift up out of poverty and with a new sense of pride are looking forward to their future in San Agustin.