SAADTalaan Quarterly Newsletter | Volume 1 Issue III

Volume I

Issue III

July-September 2023

SAADTALÁAN

Official Quarterly Newsletter of the Special Area for Agricultural Development Program Western Visayas

SAAD NPMO CAPTURES NARRATIVES OF ANTIQUE, NEGROS CROP CULTIVATORS TURNED AGRIPRENEURS

By Christ John Gamarcha and Cedie Bataga

To learn about and feature strategies of farmers in sustaining nutritious food supply for their communities as well as their entrepreneurial skills to develop the rural economy, the DA-SAAD national and regional staff together with Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information Section (RAFIS) Chief James Earl Ogatis and Information Officer Joan Capaciete visited five (5) priority municipalities in Negros Occidental and Antique on August 14-16, 2023.

2 NEWS | SAAD WESTERN VISAYAS ROLLS OUT AGRI-INTERVENTIONS TO BENEFICIARIES

6 SUCCESS STORY | AKLAN FA EARN PHP25K WITHIN A MONTH FROM VEGGIE VENTURE

11 NEWS | DA-SAAD WV HOLDS CONSULTATIONS FOR LIVELIHOOD PROJECTS SHIFT

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SAADTALÁAN

July-September 2023

A total of five (5) FAs turned community-based enterprises (CBEs) in the region were validated. These are the Pandanon Integrated Upland Small FA in Don Salvador Benedicto, Binhi sang Kauswagan sa Sto. Domingo Integrated FA in Moises Padilla, Sitio Ania I Masaligan FA in Calatrava, Stone Cave United La Union FA in San Remigio, and Tigmamale Valderrama Irrigators, Inc. in Valderrama.

Collected information, experiences, and stories from farmer groups that have demonstrated exemplary results in livelihood projects will be the centerpiece of the Unlad Lokal Coffee Table Book. This will be a reference containing information on the farmers’ exemplary performance during project implementation, which aims to introduce them and their associations to other parallel programs and projects of the national and local development agencies in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, including private companies and non-governmental organizations. ...continue to last page

SAAD WESTERN VISAYAS ROLLS OUT AGRIINTERVENTIONS TO FARMER-BENEFICIARIES

By Cedie Bataga and Christ John Gamarcha

The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program has commenced its distribution of livelihood projects on corn, highvalue crops, livestock, and poultry in five (5) provinces in Western Visayas to 34 farmers’ associations (FA).

Various farm tools and agricultural inputs were turned over to 1,020 member beneficiaries in nine (9) priority municipalities of Iloilo, Guimaras, Antique, Aklan, and Negros Occidental.

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The Beneficiary Needs Assessments (BNA) and Capability Building trainings were also completed as part of the Social Preparation component of SAAD prior to the delivery of interventions.

These preparatory activities are designed to prepare the beneficiaries for project implementation and encourage them to actively participate and prepare their community, and set personal responsibilities and commitment in managing the group and SAAD’s livelihood projects.

To make sure that livelihood projects address the needs of identified beneficiaries, regional implementers used the existing baseline data of LGU counterparts as the primary basis for formulating agricultural interventions. Then, the results of the BNA study were utilized through triangulation to further validate the suitability and feasibility of the projects.

PARTIAL DELIVERIES PER CLUSTER With a striking increase of fertilizer prices that range from Php 2,000 – Php 3,000, one of the essential assistance of SAAD Western Visayas was the turn over of 700 sacks of inorganic fertilizer to nine SAAD Phase 2 areas to help alleviate the burden on farmers. The delivery came with various farm tools and materials as part of each project packages.

Results derived from the BNA study confirmed that beneficiaries indeed need access to agricultural inputs in their crop production.

Thus, implementers formulated livelihood projects aimed to increase farmers’ productivity, especially in growing the said crops as well as managing livestock production.

SAADTALÁAN

July-September 2023

Arlene Escuadra, APCO Guimaras, challenged farmers in her message during the turn-over ceremony held at the Municipal Gym of San Lorenzo on June 6, 2023, to live up to the “Strong Association, Attitude, Direction” mantra so they could achieve the goal of the program which is to establish communitybased enterprises.

The whole month of June is intended for the delivery of interventions prior to the conduct of needs-based training and will continue in the remaining months of 2023 until such time that the whole package will be completed. ###

30 COFFEE GROWERS TRAIN ON PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

By Cedie Bataga

The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Western Visayas conducted Coffee Production Technology Training for 30 coffee growers in the municipality of Buruanga, to foster good agricultural practices for better yield of coffee beans and to attain enterprising and commercial quality.

The training happened on June 23, 2023, in Buruanga, Aklan, led

by Agriculturist II, Jairus Sirue of the DA Western Visayas sharing technical expertise and opportunities in coffee production and the current status of the coffee industry.

Techniques for growing coffee, nursery and plantation establishment, plantation care and maintenance were introduced. Further, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for coffee production from preplanting operations to obtain maximum yield up to postharvest handling, proper fertilization, harvesting methods, postharvest operations, equipment, and various marketing strategies were also discussed.

“It is best to have your soils analyzed before planting to check the soil’s pH and fertility status,” said Mr. Sirue.

...continue to p. 5

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SAADTALÁAN

July-September 2023

2 FAS IN ILOILO RECEIVE CALAMANSI PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT TRAINING

By Christ John Gamarcha

Starting their SAAD journey with effective and proper farming practices, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DASAAD) Program Phase 2 trained 60 farmers on cultural management, propagation, postharvest handling, and pest management of calamansi (Philippine lime) in San Rafael, Iloilo.

Science Research Specialist II Dr. Aljen Vasquez of the DA Capiz Research Outreach Station led the training at the municipal covered gym on June 8, 2023, for 30 members of Brgy.

Poscolon Calamansi Growers’ Association and 30 members of Brgy. San Dionisio Calamansi Growers’ Association.

Under FY 2023, said associations are recipients of the Calamansi Production Project with a total value of Php 1,013,000.

Using the baseline data from the local government unit and Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA) results, SAAD regional implementers introduced the said livelihood interventions because the beneficiaries own land is suitable for growing calamansi or “suha” in the local dialect and already managed small-scale fruit tree production.

By July, each FA received 100 sacks of organic fertilizer as part of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy (BFS) adopted through the formulation of crop-related projects with provisions of both organic and inorganic fertilizers and information campaign materials to help farmers maintain sustainable and productive farming activities and reduce production costs amid the rising prices of fertilizers.

On May 26, regional implementers together with the Municipal Agriculture Office representatives initially turned over various farm tools and 50 sacks of inorganic fertilizer to the two associations.

This was followed by the distribution of 1,000 seedlings per FA (total of 2,000 seedlings) on June 7, which the recipients planted on their 1.25hectare communal farm.

For the succeeding year, SAAD implementers are targeting to provide chicken layer egg production projects as supplementary interventions to calamansi productions of two FAs. Cultivating calamansi can provide farmers with a sustainable income by engaging in processing activities such as calamansi concentrate and readyto-drink calamansi juice production. ###

SAAD FARMERS IN AKLAN UNDERGO BANANA PRODUCTION TRAINING

By Cedie Bataga

To learn proper and effective saba production practices, 30 farmers from Sitio Ilaya Pudiot Tangalan Farmers Association (SIPTFA) in Aklan underwent Banana Production Technology Training on June 27, 2023.

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July-September 2023

Mr. Jairus Sirue, Agriculturist II from the High-Value Crops Division of the DA Western Visayas, discussed the uses of the banana plant, which is grown primarily for food production and secondarily for the production of fiber or as an ornamental plant.

As an experienced extension service practitioner, he has simplified the technical terms and expounded on the actual demonstration using the local language as a medium.

... continued from p. 3 Using wordplay on kape, he quoted “Sa KAPEgaduhon, dapat my KAPEsan” (In poor situations, there must be hard work), emphasizing the significance of hard work to uplift one’s livelihood, and the importance of cooperation and finding common ground within the coffee community to overcome obstacles and achieve shared goals.

He solicited questions from the participants to encourage active listening and enable them to clarify areas they have difficulty understanding and demonstrated how to plant banana suckers appropriately including proper spacing between plants, and the correct depth of holes, fertilization, pest ad diseases, and postharvest management.

Overall, the training for the SAAD beneficiaries aimed to deliver an understanding of banana cultivation, equipping participants with the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully grow bananas while effectively managing potential challenges. ###

Using the results of the Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA), regional implementers endorsed the project to the beneficiaries for the following reasons: (1) the members are existing coffee growers, (2) the group owns land suitable for coffee production, and (3) the group showed interest on said project and are eager to be guided on marketing their produce.

Under the FY 2023 Native Chicken and Coffee Production Project with a proposed total amount of Php 927,800, the group received various farm tools on May 18, including 60 sacks of inorganic fertilizer on May 19, and 2,500 coffee seedlings on June 14.

These agri-interventions and training were among the components of the coffee production project intended for Phase 2 beneficiaries and part of the program’s efforts to support local agricultural development in Buruanga, Aklan.

As of present, the group has planted 350 seedlings in their 1-hectare (ha) communal area. The members met during the weekend to dagyaw or work together in preparing their land. The remaining 650 seedlings will be planted in their two communal areas and expects to harvest after 9 months. The native chicken stocks are still under ongoing procurement and target delivery is around August this year. ###

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SAADTALÁAN

July-September 2023

AKLAN FARMERS EARN PHP25K WITHIN A MONTH FROM VEGGIE VENTURE

By Cedie Bataga and Christ John Gamarcha

Thirty (30) lowland vegetable growers in Tangalan, Aklan recorded Php 25,500 gross income within a month from selling 255 kilograms (kg) of pechay harvest in its first cycle of production after receiving FY 2023 Vegetable Production Project from the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in July.

The Dumatad Vegetable Farmers’ Association (DUVFA) received various vegetable seeds including fertilizer, insecticides, seedling tray, and various farm tools. The group has a 1-hectare communal garden for production and they dedicated a 500-square meter plot for growing pechay – their first crop with edible green leaves and a staple ingredient in Filipino food such as putchero and nilaga.

As early as June 19, the group practiced the bayanihan system in preparing their garden and started the actual sowing of seeds on July 6. DUVFA President Mr. Eric Tagumpay cited on their approved policy the division of their group into three clusters with 10 members each. Each group is required to render two days of services such as planting, fertilizer and pesticide application, watering, weeding, and harvesting.

Prior to provision of the livelihood project, the group underwent training on Vegetable Production on June 27, 2023. The training focused on providing the farmers with vegetable production expertise, knowledge on vegetable pest and disease prevention and control, and management skills needed in the daily operations of the said project.

After learning the appropriate technologies in vegetable farming, the group was able to harvest 255 kilograms (kgs) of pechay on July 28. The pechay were then bundled, each weighing 1.5kg and were sold at Php 100.

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July-September 2023

They already contacted a buyer in Tangalan Public Market where they agreed to sell the bundles at Php 110 each and the surplus from their produce were sold in the public markets of the neighboring towns, Kalibo and Nabas. DUVFA earned a gross income of Php 25,000 for a month of operation.

They then deducted their expenses from hauling fees worth Php 5,000, providing them a net income of Php 20,500.

“Sa pag-divide sang asosasyon sa tatlo ka cluster, mas nagamag-an pagid ang mga ulubrahon sa uma kay ang kada grupo may yara sang responsibilidad nga mag ubra sa talamnan kag paagi sa sini nga sistema tanan kami ang nagabuliganay guid,” said Mr. Tagumpay.

(In dividing our association into three clusters, the load of work on the farm is much lighter because each cluster has its respective responsibilities, and through this system, we help one another.)

As agreed by members, DUVFA is implementing a scheme – 15% is intended for land rental fee, 20% for group savings, 5% for officers, and 60% was shared by the members who already received Php 500 each.

Most of their pechay yields that are in good condition were sold and those with defects such as slight leaf discoloration, breakage and pest damage were brought home by members for consumption. ###

AKLAN FARMERS EXPECT AN INCREASE IN YELLOW CORN YIELD

By Christ John Gamarcha

With the country’s growing need for mixed feeds for livestock and poultry, yellow corn is becoming in demand, making it a viable crop to grow and a potential source of income for small-scale farmers, hence, Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 started providing yellow corn production projects to two (2) farmer’s associations in Aklan.

Beneficiaries of the FY 2023 Corn Production Project worth Php 693,500 are the Panayakan Lanipga MultiPurpose Cooperative (PLMPC) in Barangay Panayakan,

Tangalan with 30 members and Sapsapon Vegetable Growers’ Association (SVGA) in Barangay Tigum, Buruanga with 30 members, initially receiving inorganic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, plastic drums, and various farm tools.

In introducing the corn production projects, regional implementers used the baseline data from the local government unit and Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA) results to make sure that livelihood interventions respond to the farmers’ needs.

These assessments revealed that members of the two (2) associations have fertile lands suitable for cultivating corn. They have years of experience in corn farming with their yield being either kept for sustenance at home or sold to earn income.

However, farmers often incur low productivity due to a lack of technical know-how and capital. see FY 2023 interventions received by PLMPC and SVGA

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July-September 2023

Panayakan Lanipga Multi-Purpose Cooperative received 45 bags of inorganic fertilizer, five (5) liters of pesticides and herbicides, and various farm tools. This July to August, the group is set to receive 30 bags of corn seeds, among other remaining inputs and equipment. With a consolidated corn area of 30 hectares (ha), each participating member will individually plant the crop in their respective sloping areas.

With an expected communal planting area of seven (7) ha and a consolidated individual area of 23ha, Sapsapon Vegetable Growers’ Association members aim to plant the 30 bags of corn seeds they are about to receive by August. They initially received 45 bags of inorganic fertilizer, five (5) liters each of pesticides and herbicides, and various farm tools from May to June.

150 VEGGIE GROWERS IN AKLAN, ILOILO, GUIMARAS UNDERWENT VEGETABLE PRODUCTION TRAINING

By Cedie Bataga

As part of the Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) component of the program, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DASAAD) Program Phase 2 successively conducted Vegetable Production Training to five (5) farmers associations (FAs) with 150 members in Aklan, Iloilo, and Guimaras in Western Visayas.

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Prior to receiving the agricultural inputs, association officers and representatives went through training for yellow corn production on June 29, covering topics on land preparation, integrated nutrient management, integrated pest management, cultural management, and post-harvest and soil health and fertilizers computation.

Corn specialists Rey Genine and Michelle Ann Ardeña from the Corn Banner Program of the DA Regional Field Office 6 served as the resource persons while SAAD technical staff Engr. Apple Joy Cobrador facilitated the training.

Planting yellow corn in Aklan is profitable because its provincial farm gate price is higher, around Php 22 to Php 23 per kilogram (kg), compared to other commodities like unhusked rice or palay with a provincial prevailing price of Php 15 to Php 18 per kg and white corn at Php 17 per kg. This provides potential earnings of Php 80,000 per hectare (ha) of yellow corn for farmers. With proper planting techniques and good management, farmers can achieve good yields of yellow corn that has numerous uses for both animal feed and human consumption as it can be processed into different food products such as grits, flour, and tortilla chips. ###

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July-September 2023

The training is designed to improve farmers’ capacity in managing and sustaining their vegetable project and at the same time increase supply of fresh and nutritious vegetables in their communities.

The participants are from the 5th class municipalities of Tangalan in Aklan, Bingawan in Iloilo, and San Lorenzo in Guimaras.

Imparting Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in vegetable production, the activity aims to ensure safe and quality produce while minimizing the negative impact on the environment and on the workers’ health.

Sixty (60) members from Dumatad Farmers Association and Tagas Multipurpose Cooperative (MPC) took part in the one-day specialized training in Aklan held at Dumatad Barangay Hall with actual demonstrations held on-site.

Mr. Ian S. Calibara, Agriculturist II of the Field Office Division (FOD) of the DA Western Visayas discussed vegetable pest and disease prevention and control, and management skills needed in the daily operations of the project.

VEGETABLE CROP AND ITS ESSENTIALS The Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA) report stated that vegetable farming is the third leading activity for most members. In the lowland cropping system, farmers usually plant two to three vegetable crops after rice as a hedge for low price.

They also practice crop rotation depending on anticipated commodity prices, as some expanded farming for consumption to enterprise. While members are experienced highvalue crops (HVC) farmers, they still opted to receive refresher training to ensure proper project management.

After receiving inputs coupled with training in the first semester, the Dumatad FA and Tagas MPC with 9400 sqm average communal area have started land preparation, strategizing and targeting to cultivate crops in communal areas where members can take turns in farm work.

In the municipality of Bingawan, 30 members of Sitio Maganhop Farmers Association participated in the training. On July 18, the same set of training was attended by 60 farmers from Napuong Small Farmers Association and Tamborong Farmers Association in San Lorenzo, Guimaras. The series of specialized training is one of the many strategies of the program to equip its beneficiaries with on-farm and post-production strategies, processes and methods.

By conducting training sessions in local production sites, it offers immediate, hands-on experience and fosters team-building with activity resources tailored to their needs. With extension initiatives brought closer to the areas, farmers can participate without leaving their village. ###

SAAD HOLDS CORN PRODUCTION TRAINING FOR GUIMARAS BENEFICIARIES

By Cedie C. Bataga

For the Phase 2 pilot year, 60 farmers in San Lorenzo, Guimaras strengthened their knowledge on corn production as part of the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program's effort for farmers' capability-building to prepare them for livelihood support.

The 5th class municipality of San Lorenzo with 15.90% poverty incidence rate based on the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) 2018 report was among the areas that met the eligibility requirements for inclusion under SAAD Program.

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Tamburong FA comprises of corn and vegetable growers and native chicken raisers while San Lorenzo South Corn and Cassava FA consists of farmers who plant rice, corn, cassava and sweet potato. Corn production was identified as a viable project in these areas with the variety intended for feed processing.

SAADTALÁAN Mr. Rey Genine, Agriculturist II under the Corn Program of the Department of Agriculture, served as the Training Resource Person.

He discussed fundamental concepts in corn production and how these components interplay with other factors such as land area, corn seeds, fertilizer, agrochemicals, farm tools, technology, and market.

July-September 2023

Appropriate ratio and application of fertilizers, frequent monitoring of crops as part of the measures to prevent pest infestation were also discussed. Farmers were advised to craft a monitoring report to be submitted to the Municipal Agriculture Office once presence of pests and diseases are observed.

The series of specialized training is part of the Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) component intended for Phase 2 beneficiaries who will receive crop projects this year. ###

The conduct of BNA in these areas floated the need for a training on updated technologies in corn production.

The training aims to familiarize/refresh the farmers with corn anatomy, proper and effective cultivation, ensuring maximum and quality of harvest for a more efficient flow of production.

10 FAS IN WESTERN VISAYAS UNDERWENT FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT TRAINING

By Cedie C. Bataga

The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program held a series of Financial Management Trainings among members of 10 farmers’ associations (FAs) in Guimaras, Iloilo, Aklan, and Negros Occidental.

region in the first quarter identified the need for trainings as challenges in making wise financial decisions, proper record-keeping, and management of resources and properties floated in the said four provinces during the focused group discussion that are seen as among the common causes of failed projects.

The Beneficiary Needs Assessment While most of the beneficiaries rely on (BNA) conducted successively in the

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mental mathematics, boosting their literacy on financial management would help them understand the importance of documenting their transactions and deciding on how to spend their association’s funds for their day-to-day operations.

Integrated with simple bookkeeping, farmers are expected to prepare properlyoutlined financial statements that they could use to determine the performance and status of the association.

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SERIES OF TRAINING HELD Aimed to introduce the basic principles of financial information that they could apply on a daily basis, 300 farmers from 10 FAs boosted their financial literacy on financial management and simple bookkeeping.

“Proper recordkeeping is equal to proper management,” Mr. Padilla told the beneficiaries. Apart from his inputs on journalizing transactions, he likewise expressed his hopes for the associations to apply the learnings he had imparted for the management of their finances.

Mr. Peter Anthony S. Padilla, DA Accountant, and Ms. Marjorie D. Jose, Project Development Assistant of the SAAD Program served as the resource speakers and shared their expertise in the series of trainings held simultaneously in each municipality.

Among the pool of FAs, these 10 were prioritized to receive the said training due to a sense of urgency as their projects are already leaning towards production and value-adding.

July-September 2023

The Panayakan-Lanipga Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Tangalan, Aripdip Farmers Association in San Rafael, and Tubod Farmers Association in Bingawan are yet to receive the same training scheduled on August 30, September 6 and 8, respectively. see list of FAs who underwent FMT

SAAD seeks to equip the association with financial management skills that would help them take proactive actions in the utilization of their funds, assess their financial limitations, and manage their financial resources in an efficient way. ###

DA-SAAD WV HOLDS CONSULTATIONS FOR LIVELIHOOD PROJECTS SHIFT

By Christ John Gamarcha

Following municipal and nationwide precautionary measures and recommendations, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program consults farmers regarding shifting of livelihood interventions for seven (7) identified farmers’ associations (FAs) after African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian Influenza (AI) detection in the region.

The conduct of community consultation through the Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA) among the communities in Western Visayas has reached the livelihood rollout phase. Following the municipal and nationwide orders on ASF detection and avian influenza outbreak impede the distribution of lined-up livelihood projects for seven (7) identified farmer’s associations (FAs) in Iloilo.

Leading to the transition, SAAD Region 6 revisited the BNA results and solicited insights from affected FAs. Possible livelihood replacements include caracao draft and breeding, chicken layer, and native chicken production.

The shift is complex specifically in the process of cost-matching the allocated budget from the previous planned interventions.

Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) – Negros Occidental Patrick Sta. Romana said, “As implementers of the SAAD Program, we deemed these changes necessary to curtail the spread of animal diseases such as ASF and bird flu as well as comply with the mandates of our department, and avoid project failure.”

After the finalization of the project shift, the Regional Project Management Support Office will then process the procurement requests for the livelihood project replacements which include native chicken and chicken layer egg production projects with the same budget allocation as the previous projects.

The modification of the livelihood assistance will still be beneficial to FAs since it would curb the further spread of ASF and AI which could endanger the local swine and poultry industries. Further, the two towns are currently among the province’s leading producers of fresh eggs and live and dressed native chicken, thus FAs can still pursue these incomegenerating ventures. ###

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ABOUT SAADTALÁAN SAADTALÁAN is a quarterly newsletter produced by the SAAD program to provide an overview and information on the program’s important activities and events toward realizing its goals and objectives among farmers and fisherfolk groups covered by SAAD. The SAADTALÁAN Editorial board reserves the right to edit and finalize all stories prior to publication.

For comments and suggestions, reach us at 3273460 or via email address at dawvsaad@gmail.com

EDITORIAL BOARD Engr. Jose Albert A. Barrogo Dominador A. Marquez

Advisers

James Earl Ogatis

Editor-in-Chief Charmae F. Antipatia Sheryl Mae T. Gaylan

Managing Editors Christ John Gamarcha Cedie C. Bataga

Writers/Layout Artists SAAD Staff & Area Coordinators

Photographers

Field Operations Division, Regional Field Office 6, BPI Compound, Parola, Iloilo City Telephone: 337-4775 Email: dawvsaad@gmail.com

SAAD Western Visayas

www.saad.da.gov.ph

HOW SAAD PROVIDED LIVELIHOOD ASSISTANCE TO RURAL FARMERS During SAAD Program Phase 1, Antique and Negros Occidental are among the priority provinces where assistance to beneficiaries began in 2019.

Through collaborative approach, the Program and local government units (LGUs) facilitated rural agricultural development through provision of livelihood projects and extension services anchored on the assessed needs of the most marginalized communities to achieve food access and security.

A total of 17,516 farmers belonging to 507 farmer’s associations (FAs) received livelihood projects during the four-year course of the implementation. Among the provided projects were rice, corn, coffee, vegetable, cassava, poultry, and livestock. For highvalue crop commodities, some farmer-group beneficiaries turned agripreneurs after establishing community-based enterprises. ###