Dynamics of landcare groups in Lantapan

Landcare commenced in Lantapan Municipality in the southern Philippines in 1998. Within two years there were 62 groups linke d in a municipal association. These groups successfully shared conservation practices and worked together in establishing contoured farms and agroforestry nurserie s. However, many groups became inactive once the initial adoption of conservation farming had occurred. A participatory evaluation undertaken five years after th e commencement of Landcare included case studies of 12 groups, ranging from those that we re continuing to develop to those that had disbanded. Groups in the former categor y tended to be in stable, cohesive communities, had an effective local leader , and were highly focused on own-account farming. They were also in re gular contact with Landcare f acilitators and continued to benefit from the wider Landcare Program. Disbanded groups were often hampered by poor leadership, factionalism, lack of follow-up, and a loss of interest once conservation practices had been implemen ted. Members of some disbanded groups were affected by dependence on banana planta tions or vegetable tr aders, or lacked secure tenure. Both continuing and disb anded groups expressed a need for on-going links with the Landcare Program. The lessons are that Landcare activities need to be adapted to changing livelihood strategies and that continued investment in bridging social capital is key to sustaining Landcare in the Philippines context

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