Agroforestry competencies and human resources needs in the Philippines

Although enrollment in agroforestry has been declin ing in the Philippines, there has been a growing demand for a competent pool of human resources in t his field. This is because agroforestry has been recognized as a major component in most institution al programs of national and local development organizations in the country. In the next 10 years (i.e., 2009-2019), these organizations would likely employ about 1, 284 agroforestry graduates (or abou t 128 graduates per year) to help carry out their institutional programs. Foremost of the specific co mpetencies needed are: community organizing for agroforestry development (i.e., from production, ha rvesting, processing, to utilization, marketing, an d conservation practices), training and extension, pr eparation of feasibility studies on agroforestry development; land capability assessment for sound a groforestry technologies, and identification of appropriate and site-specific species and cropping combinations. These competencies are expected to ensure a more effective and efficient implementatio n of upland development programs in the Philippines particularly in the areas of climate ch ange mitigation and adaptation and provision of livelihood opportunities. At present, most national and local line agencies a nd development organizations avail themselves of such manpower requirement by tapping external exper ts and/or by retooling their existing staff through short-term training programs and mentoring. The Philippine Agroforestry Education and Research Network (PAFERN) and the National Agrofore sters’ Association of the Philippines (NAAP) are expected to play key roles in creating continui ng formal and informal education activities and enhancing the necessary linkages to meet the agrofo restry competency requirements of organizations engaged in agroforestry development in the country.

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