Smallholder farmers are vulnerable to climate and nonclimate stresses. Over the last five years, smallholder farmers have faced challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Workie et al. (2020) highlighted that the COVID-19-induced pandemic disrupts the entire food system from primary production to final demand. Landicho et al (2022) reported that access to farm inputs and markets, as well as the transport and marketing of agricultural produce, were among the primary effects of the pandemic on the vegetable-based agroforestry farmers in upland farming communities in the Philippines. This suggests the need to build the capability of the smallholder farmers to produce their own farm inputs, particularly organic soil amendments and organic plant supplements.

Recent project implementations in Atok, Benguet; Sariaya, Quezon; and Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya demonstrate that smallholder farmers are highly vulnerable to global energy crises and climate uncertainties. However, by adopting need- based capacity development, multisectoral governance, and organic production systems, farmers can significantly reduce input costs and increase climate resilience. This brief recommends institutionalising these practices through local policy to ensure long-term food security and environmental sustainability.