Multifaceted Assessment of Agricultural Extension in Conflict Affected Areas of Mindanao, Philippines

Agricultural extension in conflict affected areas has received limited research attention. Yet agricultural extension undertaken within a group–based facilitation framework can have many benefits via livelihood improvement, human and social capital development. In this paper, an extension model adapted for conflict affected areas is briefly described and then assessed from multiple viewpoints – physical, economic, lifestyle, social capital and environmental. This was done in two case study sites in conflict affected areas of Mindanao, Philippines. Major positive physical, economic and lifestyle changes were revealed at both case study sites, as were changes in knowledge, attitude, skills, and aspirations and social capital. Some positive environmental aspects were also noted. Income and savings were up 64 and 108 percent respectively, with those income changes being reflected in additional expenditures on basic items such as food clothing and education. Knowledge, attitudes skills and aspirations (which can be regarded as intermediate steps towards livelihood improvement) all increased substantially. Various social capital indicators were judged to have improved. From an environmental perspective, there were decreases in charcoal production and slash and burn activity. Tree planting and soil fertility increased. Most of these assessment parameters, but especially social capital with its implication for trust and human interaction, are relevant to peace building. With the passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, there is expected to be a strong increase within the Philippines and internationally in funding the promotion of agricultural livelihood activities in Mindanao. The multifaced assessment of benefits is somewhat unique and the resulting quantification of the benefits demonstrates that additional funding and more diverse applications could be warranted.