Climate project to support heirloom rice farmers in Ifugao
LAGAWE, IFUGAO - Heirloom rice farmers in Ifugao are set to benefit from a climate adaptation initiative aimed at strengthening sustainable farming and protecting traditional agricultural practices.
The province is among the beneficiaries of the Adapting Philippine Agriculture to Climate Change (APA) project, which seeks to help farming communities cope with the impacts of climate change while preserving agricultural heritage.
Members of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Ad Hoc Mission recently met with representatives of the Hungduan Micro Finance Development Cooperative, Hungduan Heirloom Rice Producers, and the Hapao Indigenous Peoples Multipurpose Cooperative. Their farming areas are located within sites recognized as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.
The APA project will prioritize the production of heirloom rice while promoting organic agriculture and supporting indigenous farming practices that have sustained local communities for generations.
The initiative also aims to protect traditional agricultural systems while providing farmers with modern tools and knowledge to help them adapt to changing climate conditions.
During the dialogue, cooperative members shared their traditional farming methods and discussed how they have been coping with climate change and other challenges affecting heirloom rice production. Members of the GCF mission also raised questions about farming practices and local experiences, which the cooperative representatives addressed.
Under the project, beneficiaries will participate in training sessions on the use of the Climate Information Services (CIS) platform. The program is intended to strengthen farmers’ resilience and improve their capacity to adapt to climate-related risks in their communities.
The APA project will be implemented in nine provinces across five regions identified as climate change hotspots based on climate projections.
NPO News Team | Philippines Information Agency – PR
