USM and FAO Partner to Enhance Farmer Capacity in BARMM

USM Chemistry Department’s Drive for Sustainable Livelihood
March 15, 2024
Dr. Garcia Leads Review of Bangsamoro Soil Information System
March 16, 2024
USM Chemistry Department’s Drive for Sustainable Livelihood
March 15, 2024
Dr. Garcia Leads Review of Bangsamoro Soil Information System
March 16, 2024

In a joint effort between the University of Southern Mindanao (USM) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a series of Re-echo training sessions were conducted to empower Farmers’ Cooperatives and associations in soil sampling, analysis, and fertilizer management in BARRM. Led by the USM Extension Services Office, the capacity enhancement activities for farmers kicked off on February 21, 2024, in Pikit and Midsayap, Cotabato, and concluded on March 8, 2024, in the municipalities of Talayan and Sultan sa Barongis.

The Re-echo Training forms one of the nine activities under the project “Sustaining Rice and Corn Production in BARMM through the Provision & Efficient Use of Fertilizers amidst the Global Impacts of the Ukraine Crisis.” With a target of 1,200 farmers, the training aimed to equip participants with essential skills and knowledge to optimize agricultural practices in the face of global challenges.

The USM team organized the Re-echo training in batches of two, ensuring effective delivery and engagement. Resource speakers, drawn from a pool of retired USM professors specializing in soil, guided the sessions. Notable experts such as Dr. Adeflor G. Garcia, Dr. Flora P. Nicor, and Dr. Celso C. Evangelista, along with Mr. Leandreux D Ocasion and Mr. Rezin R Cabantug, shared their insights and experiences with the participants.

The training methodologies employed a combination of lecture-discussion sessions and hands-on practice, allowing farmers to deepen their understanding and apply practical skills in soil management. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, participants gained valuable insights into soil sampling techniques, analysis methods, and efficient fertilizer utilization.

The Re-echo Training served as a platform for knowledge exchange and skill development, empowering farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.