BAGUIO CITY, December 12, 2023 – To strengthen the social preparation in the region, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) in Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) conducted Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA) among 2,640 prospective beneficiaries.

BNA serves as a valuable social research method by enhancing project planning. It ensures a tailored approach by aligning projects with the specific needs, resources, experiences, priorities, and goals of the target communities. This BNA fosters a more effective and community-driven development process.

Held in June to September 2023, the activity was led by 16 Community Development Officers (CDO) and four (4) Associate Project Officers (APO) from SAAD-covered provinces of Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Kalinga, Ifugao and Mountain Province.

Through assessment, the regional staff were divided into five (5) teams to the proper utilization of BNA approach and its tools. These tools cover preparatory activities such as document review, interview, observation, and site validation.

Using BNA guide questions, farmers from the selected barangays were interviewed by the field implementers. This allowed the beneficiaries to share perceptions on their socioeconomic situation.

As a result of the activity, SAAD implementers learned that majority of the FA farmers are into high value crops, corn, and heirloom production, as well as livestock and poultry raising.

The activity later tasked the implementers to conduct a post-evaluation. Through post-evaluation, the implementers were able to discuss their observations and relevant insights essential for strengthening the social preparation in the region.

SAAD CAR will extend its reach to encompass 82 Farmers Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) spanning across 41 municipalities covered by the program. ###

Writer: Maria Elena G. Catajan, SAAD CAR Information Officer 2