All about SLRMA

Sustainable Land Resource Management Approach (SLRMA) is a Research &   Development (R&D) project developed by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) under Corn Program.

The project duration is five (5) years (2019-2023) and is currently being implemented in partnership with the Department of  Agriculture —Regional Field Offices (DA-RFOs) and Local Government Units (LGUs).

Photo opportunity with the OIC Director Sonia M. Salguero with the participants of year-end review on SLRMA project

The project focuses on   upland and hilly land areas of the country that are cultivated to annual crops, specifically corn and cassava. A 20-hectare pilot model farm was established in selected areas of the country considered as “hotspots” to land degradation. To ensure project success, a 5-year development scheme that will give support to expansion areas from second year until project maturity was prepared.

  • Site in Alfonso Lista, Ifugao
  • Site in Sumilao, Bukidnon
  • Site in Tapaz, Capiz

Since the project is community-based in nature, it is envisioned to have a large-scale participation of farmers. The project also looks in the entire complexity of uplands and hilly lands where interrelated factors and their interactions are considered with the objective of poverty alleviation.

Objectives

  • Assess soil health status of upland/hilly land areas primarily used for cultivation
  • Develop & promote a science-based approach that will  enhance the full potential of upland/hilly land areas for   agro-environmental development
  • Assess adoption of soil & water technologies, its benefits to farmers and environmental impact

Component

  • Site Profiling and Evaluation
  • Capability Building and Technology Adaptation
  • Soil and Water Conservation Technology Evaluation

Status of SLRMA

The first year of the project is critical which involved farmers training and establishment of pilot model farms. Despite the many challenges, the project implementation team (PIT) has successfully conducted capacity building that equipped the farmers with the knowledge and principles of sustainable land management of uplands and hilly lands. It also includes lectures and hands-on training on soil conservation and management. Moreover, a Farmers Feld Day was also conducted in four (4) sites to raise awareness among other smallholders farmers in neighboring local communities.

PIT has also established (6) pilot model farms nationwide which are located in the provinces of: Ifugao, Isabela, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Zamboanga del Norte and Bukidnon. The pilot farm adapted soil and water conservation technologies suitable in the bio-physical and socio-economic condition of the area. Adapted technologies in the pilot areas are practical, economically viable, and socially acceptable, yet environment friendly.