Integrated Organic Farming for Community Development Effectively Bridges the Gaps in Agricultural Instruction, Research, and Extension: Experience of a Public University in an Asian Developing Country

Abstract

This study was conducted in 2011 to 2012 under the aegis of the Cagayan State University-Sanchez Mira campus and the National Economic Development Authority under its Productivity Enhancement Program. The study employed technology-demonstration on organic farming as an entry point in the community. Using the descriptive design, 90 farmers were trained on organic farming technologies and structured survey questionnaire and interviews were used to document the results. The concept was designed to facilitate farmers’ adoption of sustainable and environment-friendly technology in organic farming by integrating the following components: On-Site School on Organic Farming, Technology-Demonstration, Extension and Technical Assistance, and Research. The on-site school included greenhouses, field research, and techno-demo plots on vegetable and livestock, vermi-compost, apiary, and houses for native pigs and chickens. To showcase organic farming practices, a field day was conducted which was attended by 165 farmers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders. Finally, the results showed that 90%, 80%, and 85% of the farmers from the three municipalities followed the technologies demonstrated to them. Around 85% of the total respondents reported an 80% increase in their monthly income. This was attributed to production of food and farm inputs. These results conclude that technology-demonstration was effective in bridging the gaps in agricultural instruction, research, and extension for the adaptation of farmers.