“Impacts of Organic Agriculture in Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur”

A Case Study Report

Presented to

Dr. Emelyn Dacol-Tormes

Through the School of Graduate Studies

J.H Cerilles State College- Pagadian Campus

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements in Agricultural Extension 502

MASTER IN AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

Major in AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION

Presented by:

REIZEL D. HONGOY

2023
I. Abstract

Dumingag, a municipality in Zamboanga del Sur has been practicing Organic Agriculture

for more than a two decades as it envisions to make “Dumingag an Organic Capital of the

Philippines” with a hope to provide farmers learning skills on simple, culturally acceptable,

socially appropriate economically viable and environmental-friendly farming system to produce

a safe and nutritious food. As a municipality which practices Organic Agriculture, it deserves to

have an insightful study for its contribution to the history of the municipality as well as the

impact to its economic, environment and socio-cultural development.

This case study made use of primary and secondary sources. These primary sources

include stories and accounts from key-informants which were gathered through interviews along

with official documents, maps, resolutions and ordinances. Secondary sources on the other hand

include books and journals. The key informants were revolved around organic farmers and

practitioners as well as the local government officials of the said municipality. The primary

objective of this case study is to showcase the impacts of Organic Agriculture in the Social,

Cultural, Environmental and Economic system development in the Municipality of Dumingag.

II. Introduction

The Municipality of Dumingag is considered 2nd class municipality with 44 barangays

composed of 33 uplands and 11 lowland barangays. It is a landlocked municipality and the

people mainly rely on agriculture. About 90% of population are poor based on the PSA

standards. Around 84% of the farmers have no sufficient production and income to at least

support the basic needs of their family.

The Municipality of Dumingag, deriving its mandate from executive order no. 283 dated

December 27, 1957 has the mission of uplifting the quality of life of its constituents through

maximizing agricultural production, and optimum utilization of the natural and material

resources with a corps of public servants with outmost sincerity and dedication.

One of the challenges facing the Local Government of Dumingag is to liberate its

constituents from poverty, sickness and hunger, and to bring the municipality on the higher level

of development for brighter future of the people.

Land Distribution of Dumingag

Area Population Barangay

61,850 hectares 48,881 people (2020) 44

+0.57% growth 11 lowlands

33 uplands

Organic Agriculture

Organic Agriculture is considered to be the oldest form of agriculture on Earth. Farming

without the use of chemicals was the sole option for farmers but was only given emphasis in the

early 20th century with the rise of industrial conventional farming. It is defined as an

agricultural production system that promotes environmentally, socially and economically

sound production of foods and excludes the use of synthetically compound

fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators feed additives and genetically modified organisms.
 The alarming problem and negative impact of chemical-infused crops resulted to the birth

of organic agriculture movement in the Philippines which started in the first half of 1980’s as

many NGOs and private sectors have advocated for avoidance of chemical pesticides and

fertilizers and opposed the green revolution program. The proper implementation of the

Organic Agriculture Act could help answer affordability issues in food production as well as

issues of food security, environmental concerns and climate mitigation.

Conversion from Modern Conventional Agriculture to Organic Agriculture

According to the pioneering organic farmers of the municipality, prior to the

implementation of Dumingag Local Government Unit of Genuine People Agenda in 2007 and

the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 or Republic Act 10068, Organic Agriculture has already

been introduced in the municipality as early as in the midst of 1980 to 1990s by the church. The

church aims to promote farming without using chemical realizing the importance of organic

agriculture more than just practicing the environmentally-sound traditional farming methods but

also promoting its social and economic importance in Agriculture.

Pioneers shared that shifting from modern conventional agriculture to organic agriculture

was never been easy. The idea of changing their farming method cause drastic yield reductions.

The soil was unproductive and infertile due to consecutive years of intensive rice production.

Second, there was a heavy infestation of weeds and other plant pests that had been devastating to

crop growth and yield. Also, it was thought that if they did not spray, all the pests in the area

would migrate to his farm since all of their neighbors applied pesticides regularly. All of these

contributed to a lower output of rice production during their first year of conversion. As the time

passes by, the transition period has ended. They stick in Organic farming for some reasons: less

inputs since they don’t have to purchase chemicals and fertilizers,

III. Methodology

Data Gathering Procedure

The key informants of this study revolve around organic farmers and practitioners as well as

the local government officials of the said municipality. Interviews and discussion were done

privately and follows the code of ethics. Most of the key informants were identified prior

to the interview. Besides the local organic farmers and practitioners, the researchers also

asked the support of the local government officials for their insights.

IV. Discussion of Result

Organic Agriculture has a wider scope and not just limit on technical aspect of farming

and planting but more essentially the way of life we deal with every day. In order to solve a

series of environmental, safety and health problems brought by modern agriculture,

organic agriculture came into being. Nonetheless, although the organic farming systems

show much friendlier environmental impact when compared to the conventional ones, there has

still been room for further improvements.

Here are some key aspects that Organic Agriculture contributed in the development of

Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur.

Social Impact:

Community Empowerment: Organic farming practices may favor local and small-scale

farmers. This can empower local communities by providing economic opportunities and

reducing dependence on large, centralized agricultural systems. The number of organic farmer

practitioners in locality had reached a total of 438 farmer families and the trend is growing,

hence organic rice production also increased. Hunlos or labor-sharing scheme among the farmers

is back and now being practiced.

Healthier Communities: Organic farming often involves the use of fewer synthetic chemicals

and pesticides, leading to healthier food products. This can contribute to improved public health

and well-being.
Knowledge Transfer: The principles of organic farming often involve traditional and

sustainable agricultural practices. Engaging in organic agriculture can contribute to the

preservation and transmission of traditional farming knowledge.

Cultural Impact:

Preservation of Traditional Practices: Organic farming often aligns with traditional and

indigenous agricultural practices. Engaging in organic agriculture can help preserve cultural

traditions related to farming and food production.

Biodiversity Conservation: Many organic farming methods emphasize biodiversity and the use

of heirloom or traditional crop varieties. This can contribute to the conservation of agricultural

biodiversity and cultural diversity.

Environmental Impact:

Biodiversity Conservation: Organic farms often support greater biodiversity, providing habitats

for various plant and animal species. This can contribute to overall ecosystem health. The LGU

gives emphasis in transforming Dumingag from conventional farming into organic farming. It

has a continuing program on generating and storing their own seed varieties to reduce

dependency from external sources. Bringing back the environmental balance in their

municipality is one of their long-term objectives.

Soil Health: Organic farming practices, such as crop rotation and the use of organic fertilizers,

promote soil health and fertility. This can mitigate soil degradation and erosion.

Reduced Chemical Pollution: Organic farming avoids or minimizes the use of synthetic

pesticides and fertilizers, reducing the potential for chemical pollution of soil and water.

Economic Impact:

Market Opportunities: There is a growing demand for organic products. Engaging in organic

agriculture can open up new markets and business opportunities for farmers.

Costs and Benefits: While the initial transition to organic farming may be challenging and

costly, in the long run, farmers may benefit from reduced input costs and improved soil fertility,

leading to potentially higher profits. In 2007, most farming households of the municipality

earned P3,500.00 monthly. By 2016, the percentage of households with income below the

poverty threshold have significantly decreased to 38%. Local health indicators have also become
exemplary with only 0.77% of children between 0-5 years old recorded as malnourished, with

maternal mortality death rate. When it comes to food, only 0.25% of households experience food

shortage. The good practices of Dumingag in terms in Organic Farming has a great impact to the

community to liberate from poverty, hunger and sickness.

Job Creation: Organic farming may require more labor-intensive practices, leading to increased

employment opportunities, especially in remote areas in the Municipality of Dumingag.

It's important to note that the impact of engaging in organic agriculture can vary

depending on factors such as the scale of farming, regional contexts, and the specific practices

adopted by farmers. Additionally, the effectiveness of these impacts may be influenced by

broader social, economic, cultural and policy factors.

V. Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

This case study shows how organic agriculture started in Dumingag, Zamboanga del

Sur. Although the focus of this case study is to provide a narrative of Organic Agriculture and its

impact in social, cultural, economic and environmental impacts in the said municipality. It shows

that the start of Organic Agriculture in Dumingag was greatly influenced by the church at first

which led to the transition of the farmers to shift from modern conventional farming to organic

farming in the 1980’s as a movement to fight the alarming environmental problems. Since then,

Dumingag had been recognized not only locally but internationally for its Sustainable Organic

Agriculture practices.

In 2014, Dumingag venture to Social Enterprises. Through establishment of organic

facilities and stores, Dumingag was able to strengthen its campaign on Organic farming. The

concept of social enterprises is dynamic, progressive businesses that we can all learn from.

‘Social entrepreneurs play the role of change agents in the social sector’, including an emphasis

on their recognizing and relentlessly pursuing new opportunities to serve that mission.

More Opportunities Especially for the Subanen People According to the Local

Government Unit of Dumingag, the situation of the Subanen people also needs immediate

attention. Although blessed with vast tracts of flat lands and rolling hills, large part of the area
consisted of idle and unproductive grasslands mostly used for grazing cattle and other ruminants

because of lack of water and irrigation supply. The LGU encouraged this group of people and

trained them to become effective organic farmers.

Recommendations

The study claims imperfections due to human limitations, financial, and time constraints.

Thus, this study humbly recommends the following;

 A comparative study between Dumingag, Zamboanga del Sur and other place that

practices organic farming in order to have a deeper understanding on the impact of

organic farming.

 A study focusing on the impact of Organic Farming in Dumingag to the Socio-economic,

cultural and environmental development.

 A study focusing on the impact of Organic Farming on the Subanen tribe can also be

explore further.