The Center for Research and Information on Low-External Input and Sustainable Agriculture (ILEISA) Philippines works towards development and promotion of sustainable livelihood systems.
Specifically, the research programs identified the constraints to sustainability of the prevalent rice production system in Nueva Ecija; documented experiences that address and alleviate these constraints; assessed the economic, social and ecological effects of LEISA through Participatory Technology Development (PTD); and assessed the strengths and weaknesses of Stakeholders’ Concerted Action (SCA).
Based on the findings, there exists sub-optimal functioning of the ecosystem with serious imbalances on soil nutrients, biodiversity and organic matter decomposing which threaten food security and farmers’ income. The economic transition from the agricultural to other sectors is noted, causing marginalization of farmers.
Investment in intensification and diversification is limited, since capital is very expensive.
On the identified constraints on sustainability, it can be concuded that the alternatives tried by the farmers have positive economic and ecological effects but no single solution is bringing enough to compensate the negative economic trend that is on-going on a national scale. Despite being organized, small farmers increasingly have to look for other sources of income which may be difficult to find.
Moreover, the efforts to spread organic fertilizer practices should be directed for maximum effect to areas where some pre-conditions hold, to wit: where they are necessary to produce basic requirements, where they lead to a cash income, and where their costs are exceptionally low. Each individual fertility management option has its own strengths and weaknesses and depends largely on the condition of the soil where they are applied.
