AGUSAN DEL NORTE, April 17, 2023 – Recognizing the crucial participation of the local government in advancing community agricultural development and farmers’ welfare, the Program met with 14 partner Municipal Agricultural Offices (MAOs) to present guidelines, projects and shortlisted farmers’ associations (FAs) during the provincial consultation meeting from March 1 to 2, 2023.
Capping up Phase 1, SAAD Caraga successfully delivered services to a total of 1,106 farmer-beneficiaries. Its expansion for Phase 2 targets to assist additional 700 farmers based on the beneficiary shortlisting in the first quarter, all of which are to be organized and registered under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
The 28 target groups (at 1 group/barangay and 2 barangays/municipality) will receive one (1) package of livelihood intervention ranging from crops (abaca, banana, cacao, and pineapple), livestock, and poultry production (goat and white leghorn) projects.
Table 1. List of SAAD priority municipalities and FY 2023 projects*One (1) FA from Alegria, SDN is subject to further validation
Program implementers discussed with Provincial and Municipal Agricultural Officers their roles throughout the new phase, which include participation in planning, consultations, and preparatory activities; technical assistance to the Program and SAAD farmers; and facilitation of project proposals for possible funding.
Moreover, the meeting introduced the updated implementing guidelines and the conduct of Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA), a tool to identify and gather information relative to the needs and gaps of SAAD farmers concerning their current and desired situation that will serve as a basis for planning livelihood assistance and technical support throughout SAAD Phase 2.Â
Roll-out of BNA in the region commences in March, to be completed in April this year.Â
BNA, which was introduced by the National Program Management Office (NPMO) in January this year is one of the mechanisms to ensure projects and interventions provided to FAs are responsive to their needs and suited to their community, requisite to achieve a sustainable livelihood.
The coordination meeting was conducted in two (2) batches on March 1 for SDN and ADN; and March 2 for PDI with representatives from the Provincial Agriculture Offices in ADN, SDN, and PDI in attendance.###
Writer: Mark Angelo C. Pineda, DA-SAAD Caraga Information Officer
