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The
Crop-Animal Systems Research Network (CASREN) Philippines
is a collaborative research and development project aimed
at increasing the productivity of crop-livestock production
systems in rainfed areas through basket of technologies.
PCARRD
and the Central Luzon State University (CLSU) implemented
the project in Umingan, Pangasinan. Initially, set for three
years from 1999 to 2001 in collaboration with farmers, extension/development
workers, researchers and local government units, the project
drew funding from the International Livestock Research Institute
(ILRI)and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
To determine
the project outcomes, a research team headed by Dr. Fe Porciuncula
of CLSU conducted participatory monitoring and evaluation
(M&E) using various participatory tools and techniques.
The research
team documented a total of 102 farmers adopting 390 specific
technology options in 2002. Additional 123 farmers adopting
939 specific technology options were reported in 2003. In
2004, 252 new farmers adopting 1,078 specific technology mixes
were added.
Through
the introduction of technologies on housing; stall feeding;
endoparasite control; feed and feeding for goat including
cattle; and use of improved forage and multipurpose tree species,
CASREN significantly improved the growth performance of upgraded
goats.
In economic
terms, the 2004 data from 24 farmers showed an average income
of P60, 000 of which 51% was from crops and 49% was from livestock.
This surpassed the targeted 30% income contribution from livestock.
One progressive farmer reported an estimated net income of
P156, 498 of which 72% was contributed by livestock.
Aside
from the increased economic benefits, positive changes in
knowledge, attitude and practices of farmers and development
workers were noted. This contributed to the improved organizational
structures and support towards a more systematic extension
and governance.
With the
project’s promising results through participatory approaches,
a second phase was developed and implemented from 2002 to
2004 covering the municipalities of Balungao, Sta. Barbara
and Calasiao, Pangasinan. The second phase focused on goat-crop
production system. (Rita M. Fabro, S&T Media Service).
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