SEARCA compendium for climate-resilient tech out

THE Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has published a compendium in response to the need to provide science-based and actionable knowledge on climate-resilient agricultural technologies and practices in different agro-ecological systems in the country.

Titled Compendium of Climate-Resilient Agriculture Technologies and Approaches in the Philippines, the compendium is available in hardcover and paperback. A copy may also be downloaded for free from the SEARCA website.

"The compendium does not only present a menu of solutions but more importantly, it proposes that the business-as-usual attitude is no longer an option if we want to protect the future of our food supply and the well-being of the farmers and communities that produce it," Glenn Gregorio, SEARCA director, said.

"After all, the battle for climate change is either won or lost at the grassroots level," he added.

SEARCA developed the compendium in collaboration with the CGIAR (Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research) Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security in Southeast Asia; Department of Agriculture; and Philippine Council for Agriculture, and the Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development.

It was authored by Romeo Labios, Leocadio Sebastian, Jocelyn Labios and Christine Mae Santos.

"The compendium aims to better guide policymakers, farmer organizations, researchers, extension workers, and the agribusiness sector, as well as climate-smart agriculture (CRA) practitioners," Labios said.

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said in the foreword that the CRA options listed in the compendium not only improve the agricultural productivity of farmers but also enhance the farmers' adaptive capacity against climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from their farming activities.

He said the compendium identifies various strategies to help the country overcome the challenges in applying and scaling said options, and enumerates seven transformative strategies, of which each will allow farmers to participate in climate action for agriculture.

The compendium was also dedicated to Arturo Gomez, SEARCA director, a former professor at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, and one of the pioneers of multiple cropping systems in the Philippines.

The Los Baños, Laguna-based SEARCA is mandated to build individual and institutional capacities in agricultural and rural development in Southeast Asia. The institution now focuses on elevating the quality of life of agricultural families through sustainable and resilient livelihoods and access to modern networks and markets.

"SEARCA will continue to find ways to help enhance farmers' resiliency to the effects of climate change. One is by supporting the development and application of climate-smart agri-technologies and innovations in partnership with the academe, industry and the government," Gregorio said.