ZamPen SIVI: Sustainable Practices in the Southern Philippines

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA, PHILIPPINES – Over 9,600 farmers in Zamboanga Peninsula have learned the ins and outs of sustainable vegetable farming through our ongoing initiative in the area. Gaining practical experience in everything from nurturing seedlings to harvesting crops, farmers are producing more high-quality produce for their communities.

The Sustainable Intensification through Vegetables Intercropping in Perennial Crops Farming Systems in Zamboanga Peninsula, Mindanao Island, Philippines (ZamPen SIVI) project currently operates across three key provinces: Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay. The project is supported by Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Republic of Korea (ROK) Cooperation Fund (BKCF), with grant administration by Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).

Among the sustainable techniques that the farmers are learning is how to make and use organic fertilizers from available farm resources. Organic fertilizers enrich the soil with natural nutrients, helping farmers to grow healthier plants and achieve better yields. This practice not only lowers production costs but also recycles farm waste and improves soil health for long-term productivity.

Because a successful vegetable farmer must do more than produce good crops, the ZamPen SIVI project includes business planning guidance and market integration. Creating a business plan helps farmers to identify profitable crops to grow and enables them to anticipate necessary expenses throughout the crop cycle.

To facilitate the purchase of farmers’ harvests and open doors to improved livelihoods, we also connect farmers to consolidators. These market linkages ensure reliable incomes for the farmers and bring nutritious produce to the community. 

Now at the midpoint of this 2-year initiative, we are already cultivating a more sustainable and resilient farming future across Zamboanga Peninsula.