The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) conducted a Supervision and Implementation System (SIS) Mission on 20-21 May, 2023, with the Coalition of Municipal Fisherfolks Association of Zamboanga Sibugay (COMFAS), a farmers’ organization (FO). IFAD’s project grant manager Ms. Jerry Pacturan was joined by AsiaDHRRA’s Senior Program Manager, Mr. Cezar Belangel, and visited COMFAS’s oyster (talaba) and grouper (lapu lapu) farms and discussed issues relating to climate change’s effects in their farming. They also visited the seaweed farms covering an expanse of 100 hectares while 60 hectares of it is maintained by the Silingan Small Fishermen’s Association (SISFA).
The initiatives on oyster and grouper farming have shown great potential. However, the latter suffered an economic setback due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, COMFAS aims to revive grouper farming as its organization is familiar with production technologies and operates on a business scale. SISFA, on the other hand, plans to create a seaweed marketing business consolidation for 2023.
Mr. Pacturan conducted a focus group discussion (FGD) among board members and farm operators of COMFAS. He emphasized issues relating to waste management and using plastics in farming production.
Additionally, the FGD discussed COMFAS’ business plans’ operational implementation and understanding among FO members and the cooperative.
Farmers’ Organization for Asia (FO4A) is a program in coordination with AgriCord and funded by EU-IFAD.
