An Assessment of Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) Village Program and Its Economic Impact on Organic Vegetable Farming and Vermicast Fertilizer Production

This study assesses the Adaptation and Mitigation Initiative in Agriculture (AMIA) Village Program and its economic impact on organic vegetable farming and vermicast fertilizer production in Barangay Ambolong and Barangay Palay communities. Using a qualitative research design, the evaluation focuses on learning from farmer-beneficiaries and local implementers on the effectiveness, outcomes, and sustainability of the program. Data were obtained through interviews, field observations, and reviews of documents devoted to program implementation activities, knowledge transfer, production levels, and income generation. The outcome evaluation has shown that the AMIA Village Program improves awareness, technical capability, and community involvement for moving toward organic practices. The farmers reported improvements in terms of crop yields and fertilizer efficiency production, with vermicast emerging farm input and income source. However, inadequate market linkages, limited extension support, and the need for ongoing training updates were listed among the obstacles to long-term success. This study holds that although the AMIA Village Program directly translates into an apparent positive economic impact on organic farming systems, enhancement of institutional support, coupled with value chain strengthening, will go a long way in ensuring sustainability and scalability of its benefits. Recommendations are made to address the identified gaps and further reinforce the contributions of the program to climate-resilient and economically viable agriculture.