The capacity development project titled “Future-Proofing Smallholder Farmers in Selected Communities in the Philippines through Nature-Positive Food Production” (Project Reference: CBA2023-01MY-Landicho) was implemented from October 2023 to September 30, 2026, with awarded funding of $38,583 from the Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN). Led by Dr Leila D. Landicho from the Agricultural Systems Institute, University of the Philippines Los Baños, in collaboration with Benguet State University and Nueva Vizcaya State University, the project targeted rural smallholder vegetable farmers in Sariaya (Quezon), Bayombong (Nueva Vizcaya), and Atok (Benguet).

The primary objective was to build ecological and economic resilience among smallholders by transitioning them from chemical-heavy practices toward sustainable, nature-positive food production systems. Baseline surveys and focus group discussions across the three pilot sites revealed that 96% of households rely on farming as their main income source, with 71.23% earning low annual incomes (USD 200–500) and 67.89% remaining heavily dependent on expensive synthetic inputs. Identified challenges included climate change vulnerability, fluctuating market prices, and lack of capital.

To address these vulnerabilities, the project established Multi-Stakeholder Focal Teams (MFTs) in each community, pairing farmers with local government units (LGUs) and academic institutions. A comprehensive capacity-building program trained 53 local farmers on soil health evaluation (using Soil Test Kits), organic farming practices, agroforestry, alternative pest management, and organic seed production. Practical modules guided farmers in making self-produced, farm-based inputs like Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ) and plant-based compost, significantly lowering production costs and chemical exposure.

To showcase these methods, three main community demonstration farms and expansion site demonstration plots were created. These plots integrated crop diversification, mulching, organic soil amendments, and conservation tillage. Demonstrating high local ownership, initial harvests from the demonstration plots were donated to community members and local school feeding programs. Furthermore, a peer-led extension model was instituted: 15 farmer-trainers successfully trained 30 additional farmers in adjacent villages, resulting in newly established organic vegetable gardens in expansion communities like Barangay Pinagbakuran.

The project culminated in three regional Organic Agriculture Festivals combined with Policy Forums across Quezon, Benguet, and Nueva Vizcaya, convening over 450 farmers, policymakers, and youth participants. These events promoted organic produce, seed exchange, and crop programming while connecting farmers directly to enabling local policies—such as LGU-designated organic market days and the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS).

Key outputs developed by the project team include a comprehensive monograph/guidebook detailing best practices, a policy brief urging local government integration of nature-positive agriculture, an audio-visual presentation, and research papers presented at national and international conferences, including the 17th International Conference for Environmental and Rural Development in Cambodia. Overall, the initiative successfully built institutional partnerships, strengthened community social capital, and provided a scalable model for long-term food security and sustainable farming across the Philippines.