The study was conducted to: (a) educate Agrarian Reform Community (ARC) beneficiaries on the Central Luzon State University-Farming System (CLSU-FS) technology via intensive information dissemination activities; (b) document the activities/processes; (c) find out factors affecting adoption/use of the CLSU-FS technology; and (d) make recommendations to improve and hasten adoption/use of the CLSU-FS technology.
Diagnostic study was made employing triangulation technique i.e. focus group discussion, key informant survey and formal survey. Secondary data were also gathered at the barangay and municipal levels. Three areas were included in the study: Dumarais, La Paz, Tarlac: Villa Nati, Muñoz and Ligaya, Gabaldon, both in Nueva Ecija. The respondents included farmers in the aforementioned areas.
Among the interventions conducted to improve existing FS were: education/field visit to CLSU projects, lecture demonstration on organic farming sweetpotato and com production; making and distribution of leaflets in organic farming, and rice production and orientation on the range of alternative to improve existing FS.
Market linkage for onion, sweetpotato and cassava was also initiated. The research team offered and provided almost all the technical needs of the ARC clients as regards farming system technology. However, due to lack of other resources such as free stocks, seeds and production inputs, most recommended projects were not tried (animal or crop) by the clients except for organic fertilizer usage (Dumarais, La Paz, Tarlac and Villa Nati, Muñoz, Nueva Ecija); and improvement in rice fertilization in all study sites. Radiation effect in Gen. Tinio was immediately realized particularly in establishment of sweetpotato nurseries as source of planting materials for the barangay. However, credibility of CLSU Farming System researchers were established in the respondents and nearby ARC areas, hence the latters' commitment is to provide continuous technical support in the areas. The respondent clients via their development facilitators on the other hand, must coordinate with CLSU for the much needed support.
