Innovative tropical farming, Mindoro, Philippines
- DefinitionDevising project idea, defining the aim and main components
- DesignSpecifying details such as time-frame, budget, target indicators, project partners and relevant steps to reach the project objectives
- Open to FinancingSearching and securing funding and investment, setting up relevant financing partnerships, and discussing payment modalities
- ImplementationExecution of feasibility studies, context analysis, plot design, planting and setting up facilities and starting with potential capacity-building
- MaintenanceOperational phase (monitoring and evaluation, impact assessments and adjustments, execution of educational programmes and long-term capacity building)
- Scaling UpScaling up phase is when the project it has already shown success by obtaining impact as well as economic results and it's ready to become replicable.
Nestled beside the unique Mts. Iglit and Baco Natural Park, Hilltop Moringa Farms (HMF) is a game-changer. Spanning 9 hectares in a remote secondary forest, its mission is clear: achieve self-sufficiency and inspire grassroots change across the Philippines.
The Challenge of Deforestation
Centuries of deforestation have left the Philippines with less than 2% of its original forest cover. But there’s hope. Over 2.7 million hectares of natural secondary forests remain largely untapped. Hilltop Moringa Farms aims to change that through training, education, and hands-on demonstrations.
Intervention and Innovation
In collaboration with reNature, Hilltop Moringa Farms wants to establish a Model Farm, which will serve as the foundation for a Model School. This initiative seeks to build capacity in regenerative agroforestry systems, making use of innovative techniques. The Model Farm itself is uniquely designed, subdividing a 1-hectare plot into 16 sub-plots. Rice and mulberry are the primary crops, alongside various native species.
The Objective: Nationwide Reforestation
The overarching goal of the Model Farm is to contribute to nationwide reforestation efforts. This endeavor aims to directly engage with trainers, potentially reaching 42,000 barangays (villages) across the Philippines. Technical outreach staff will facilitate the spread of knowledge, ensuring that the lessons learned are widely adopted.
Environmental Benefits
Hilltop Moringa Farms’ innovative design enhances photosynthesis efficiency in the forest canopy, exponentially increasing carbon sequestration on just 1 hectare. This not only reduces carbon but also boosts biodiversity, aiding key forested areas.
Want to support Hilltop Moringa Farms?
Donate NowEmpowering Society
Modern agriculture lacks diversity and market power for farmers. HMF changes this by surpassing neighboring rice farmers’ earnings with its approach. Additionally, 84 farmers save significantly by switching to organic fertilizer.
Boosting the Economy
In the Philippines, 30% of land uses labor-intensive technology, leading to the need for imports. HMF’s diversified systems promise farmers 100 pesos per square meter while providing nutritious calories to the public. With excellent infrastructure, it’s set to tap into both local and global markets.
Conclusion
Hilltop Moringa Farms is a beacon of hope and innovation in the Philippines, offering a sustainable and transformative approach to farming that addresses pressing environmental, social, and economic challenges. Through its pioneering Model Farm and Model School, it seeks to inspire a nationwide movement toward regenerative agroforestry and reforestation.
Share the story of Hilltop Moringa Farms and similar initiatives with your community and social networks. Raise awareness about the importance of preserving forests, nurturing biodiversity, and supporting innovative agriculture.
Journal
“We need solutions on a large scale.”
