THE LEARNING ORGANIZATION: Group Dynamics, Institutional Linkages toward Technology Adoption, Value-Adding Innovation, and Sustainability

Guided by the important lessons, principles and concepts drawn from the 50-year experience of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) in agricultural and rural development (ARD), an action research was implemented in the Philippines under SEARCA’s 10th five-year plan with the overarching theme Inclusive and Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development (ISARD). It served as the primary basis for launching the flagship program Piloting and Upscaling Effective Models for ISARD, an initiative in demonstrating effective agricultural systems through ISARD models. Needs-based interventions and collaboration with rural communities, partner agencies, and other relevant organizations are the key strategies used in employing the development approach toward achieving the goals of food security and poverty alleviation.

The pilot-testing of the ISARD model in two different sites in the Philippines was characterized by small-scale and multi-commodity production systems. A two-way interdisciplinary approach was utilized to examine and assess the ISARD model’s viability and simultaneously draw important lessons for more effective implementation of ARD initiatives. The two identified sites and the corresponding projects are as follows:

1.  Victoria, Oriental Mindoro: Revitalizing Calamansi Industry in Victoria, Oriental Mindoro through Strengthening Linkages among Farmers, LGU, NGAs, SUCs, CSOs, and the Private Sector
2. Inopacan, Leyte: Strengthening Linkages among Farmers, Government, and Industry Sectors for Inclusive and Sustainable Rural Development in Inopacan, Leyte