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Agricultural Education through Farm Tourism Among Selected Providers in

Mindanao

Article · January 2021

DOI: 10.47119/IJRP100701220211745

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 Agricultural Education through Farm Tourism 72

Among Selected Providers in Mindanao

Fernando V. Magdato, Jr a. and Rowena DT. Baconguis b

[email protected]
a
Associate Professor, CARS - USeP Apokon, Tagum City 8100, Davao del Norte Philippines
b
Professor, CPAf - UP Los Banos, Laguna 4031, Laguna Philippines

Abstract

Farm tourism is a new economic development strategy in the Philippines which helps uplift the living and working
conditions of farmers by generating additional farm-related income that enhance farm profitability at the same time that it
provides agricultural education to various stakeholders. Case studies of selected farm tourism sites in Mindanao,
Philippines were conducted using key informant interviews and use of GIS mapping. Farm tourism sites were
characterized based on agricultural technologies, agricultural produce and tourism activities offered in the area. The study
examined what agricultural knowledge was shared in these farm tourism sites, how it was shared and who the major
clients were. Results revealed that the development of farm tourism sites is influenced by the philosophy of the farm
operators who believe that farming is a profitable business, an opportunity to promote common good and love for
agriculture. Knowledge sharing activities center on the conduct of training programs, farm tours to demonstration sites,
recreational activities where visitors engage in harvesting and fishing. Knowledge sharing activities are mostly conducted
through group and interpersonal approaches and mass media approach through the dissemination of agricultural
technology which is central to all farm tourism operators.

Published by IJRP.ORG. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of International Journal

of Research Publications (IJRP.ORG)

Keywords: Agricultural Education; Farm Tourism; Philosophy of Farm Tourism; Knowledge Sharing

1. Introduction

1.1 Rationale

Farmers in developing nations like the Philippines are experiencing tremendous challenges due to several
factors such as globalization, free-trade, falling commodity prices, oversupply of goods, changes in subsidy
policies and increased reliance on technologically intensive production (Che, Veeck, & Veeck, 2005; Phelan
& Sharpley, 2011). In addition, McGehee et al. (2007) recognized that the agricultural industry is suffering
from a variety of problems including environmental pressures, climate change, decline in terms of trade in
agriculture, low-income elasticities in commodity markets, and over reliance on raw products. This inevitably
makes diversification of farming activities a must. This realization rallied the traditional agriculture sector
towards developing farm tourism which is expected to lead economic growth within a rural setting.
A number of agricultural producers have engaged in the agri-tourism industry by opening their farms to
visitors, travellers and families seeking recreational or educational activities. The growing consumer demands
for organic food and desire to combine potentials of farm tourism led to the development of farm tourism. In
House Bill No. 1808, agritourism or farm tourism refers to a working farm ranch or any agricultural operation
opened for public visitation for their enjoyment, outdoor recreation activities, education, shopping, dining or
even lodging. Farm tourism primarily developed to generate additional income to the farmer and for its
economic benefits to the local economy (Inskeep, 1991); Elson, Steenberg and Wilkinson (1995). Literature

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 Fernando V. Magdato, Jr / International Journal of Research Publications (IJRP.ORG)
73

suggests that farm tourism help mitigate the negative environmental effects from intensive agriculture such as
soil erosion, water pollution and stream bank erosion, increase landscape beautification, provide barriers to
residential sprawl and encourage conservation of native habitats and wildlife among others (Gold, Cernusca,
& Godsey, 2009; Lambert, Sullivan, Claassen, & Foreman, 2006).
Incorporating tourism related activities may have started hundreds of years ago in Northern America and
intensified in the 1980’s as a strategy to increase farm income by offering a variety of products and activities
(Rendle, 2000). Different countries now promote the incorporation of tourism as a strategy to ensure
sustainability of family farms, such as Italy (Chase et al., 2018), Austria (Rendle, 2000), Poland, (Bajgier-
Kowalska, Tracz& Uliszak, 2017) Nepal (Pande & Pandey) Malaysia, (Tiraieyari and Hamzah , 2012),
Indonesia (Kurnianto, B. T., Sugiyanto, Hidayat, K., & Sukesi, K.2013). and Thailand (Choenkwan et al.,
2016)
Realizing the importance of the tourism industry to the national economy, the Philippine government has
taken various initiatives to further develop it, and has put particular emphasis on the development of the
industry through the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Training
Institute (DA-ATI). There are various programs conducted by the government to further promote agri-tourism
activities. For instance, the “agriculture and tourism”, widely considered as a powerful driver of economic
growth, is one of the key priority areas of the Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016, which was formulated
to further develop agro-tourism or the home-stay industry as a key driver of rural community development. In
addition, the Aquino government believes in farm tourism for the Philippines. The President is promoting
further development of farm tourism nationwide, believing farm tourism will help boost better socio-
economic development in the country. Government's bid to promote farm tourism as one of the key
mechanisms will ensure the success of community development has gone full swing.
There are few recognized farm tourism sites in the Philippines. From 2009-2010 Mindanao is among the
top five tourist destinations of the country in terms of number of domestic and foreign visitors (DOT, 2010).
Perhaps one of the top farm tourism destinations in the country is situated in Mindanao, particularly
Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC), a non-government organization based in Kinuskusan,
Bansalan, Davao del Sur. People from all over the world, from Australia to Zimbabwe, have come to see the
area. Most of its visitors, however, are interested to see and learn the “sustainable farming systems” which the
center has developed through the years of experimentation and consultations. Every year, MBRLC is host to
almost 10,000 annual visitors (http://blog.agriculture.ph/category/agri-tourism).
Being a young industry, farm tourism in Mindanao is still growing and developing. Thus, there is limited
information regarding the current agricultural knowledge sharing within the context of farm tourism. However
because of potential benefits of educating a diverse group of stakeholders through farm tourism, there is a
need to investigate the agricultural knowledge sharing in a farm tourism set up. In doing so, the paper seeks to
contribute to improving the potentials of farm tourism in capacitating groups about farm knowledge and
specific technologies.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of the study was to examine what agricultural knowledge was shared in these farm
tourism sites, how it was shared and who the major clients were.

1.3 Importance of the Study

According to Lobo et al. (1999) the growth of the farm tourism industry requires the coordination of
institutions and organizations that can coordinate strategic planning, promotion, and information management.
The educational value of farm tourism could create awareness about rural life and knowledge about
agriculture science among future agricultural leaders and practitioners. It provides an alternative for school

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picnics and opens up opportunity for hands-on farm management experience for urban college students in
agriculture. It can be effectively used as an educational and training tool to equip line department officers,
retirees, returning overseas workers and other groups of individuals interested in farm tourism management. It
serves as a technology demonstration in showcasing good agricultural practices, processes and technologies.
In short, the operation of farm tourism provides a unique opportunity for education through recreation where
learning is targeted to be fun, effective and easy.

1.4 Scope and Limitations of the Study

While there are many important aspects to investigate, the scope of the study was limited to agricultural
knowledge sharing in farm tourism. It covered extension aspects among selected major farm tourism
operators in Mindanao engaged in farming production activities, non-formal agricultural education and
tourism operation.
The six (6) selected farm tourism sites considered for the study were Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center
(Bansalan, Davao del Sur), Lao Integrated Farm, Inc. (Eman, Bansalan, Davao del Sur), ACES Natural Farm
(Peda, San Francisco, Panabo City), Paradise Organic Farm (Koronadal City, South Cotabato), Binahon Farm
(Songco, Lantapan, Bukidnon), and Dumandan Greenfields Diversified Farm (Baguio, Calinan Davao City).
The respondents included only the owners and managers of the identified six (6) farm tourism sites in
Mindanao, Philippines. The visitors were not interviewed in this study.

2. Methodology

This study employed the qualitative study research design. Data were gathered using key informant
interviews, field observations, informal discussions, personal communications, and community documents.
The research participants were the farm tourism owner-operators.

Binahon Farm
Agroforestry & High Value Crops

ACES Natural Farm

Livestock Raising & Aquaculture

Dumandan Greenfields Diversified

Farm
Cacao Technology Integrated with Fruits

Lao Integrated Farm, Inc.

Integrated Multi-commodities

Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center

Sloping Agricultural Land Technology

Paradise Organic Farm

Organic Fruits & Herbs
Fig. 1. Location Map of Farm Tourism Sites

This study focused on the agricultural knowledge sharing in farm tourism and also covered extension
aspects among selected major farm tourism operators in Mindanao engage in farming production activities

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and in managing their farms. The key farmer participants were chosen with the help of Agricultural Training
Institute (ATI) and Southern Mindanao Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium
(SMARRDEC). The selection was based on the following criteria: The farm shall be in operation for more
than 5 years and frequently visited by tourist. The identified farm tourism provider in Mindanao is shown in
Figure 1 below.
Binahon Farm, was chosen based on the Agroforestry technology promoted to soil and conservation
farming system among farmers in Bukidnon. ACES Natural Farm, on the other hand, was chosen based on the
naturally grown technology promoted to milkfish, native chicken, hog, vegetables and feeds farmers in Davao
del Norte. Dumandan Greenfields Diversified practiced diversified farming systems and was chosen based on
the cacao technology integrated with durian, lanzones (Longkong), coconut and arabica coffee promoted to
farmers of Davao City. While Lao Integrated Farm, Inc. was chosen based on the coco-sugar and syrup
technologies promoted to coconut farmers in Davao del Sur. Furthermore, Mindanao Baptist Rural Life
Center (MBRLC) was chosen based on the soil conservation technology promoted and because of the notable
number of Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) users in Davao del Sur. Paradise Organic Farm was
chosen based on the technology on organic diversified fruit trees, promotion to fruit tree farmers of
Koronadal, South Cotabato. Paradise Organic Farm also produces all- organic fresh fruits, herbal medicines
and supplements, organic fertilizer, OPV vegetable seeds, organic vegetable and rice. At Paradise Organic
Farm they sell organic fresh fruits, herbal medicines & supplements, organic fertilizer, OPV vegetable seeds,
organic vegetable & rice.

2.1 Conceptual Framework

This study used the conceptual framework shown in Figure 2 below.

Knowledge
Philosophy of Farm Knowledge
Methods of Sharing Users
Tourism Operators Shared

Fig. 2. Analytical Framework on Farm Tourism Knowledge Sharing

The analytical framework takes off from the knowledge management theory which emphasizes sharing as
an important aspect of learning. Sharing involves communication or "the exchange of messages" which leads
to "commonness" between two or more parties through a particular medium, or an active, dynamic process in
which ideas and information are exchanged leading to modification of people's knowledge, attitudes and
practices (Burnett, 2003). Thus, methods of sharing is investigated. Moreover, the analytical framework
presupposes that the kinds of technologies shared is influenced primarily by the philosophy of the farm
operator and the kinds of support services accessed which help the farm operator developed their
technologies. Finally, the analytical framework investigates the learners who seek knowledge in a farm
tourism modality.

3. Results of the Study

Farm tourism research sites are usually big in land area and practice diversified farming with specialized
technology. ACES Natural Farm was chosen based on the naturally grown technology promoted to milkfish,
native chicken, hog, vegetables and feeds farmers in Davao del Norte. Binahon Farm, on the other hand, was

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chosen based on the Agroforestry technology promoted to soil and conservation farming system among
farmers in Bukidnon. While Lao Integrated Farm, Inc. was chosen based on the coco-sugar and syrup
technologies promoted to coconut farmers in Davao del Sur. Furthermore, Mindanao Baptist Rural Life
Center (MBRLC) was chosen based on the soil conservation technology promoted and because of the notable
number of Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT) users in Davao del Sur. Paradise Organic Farm was
chosen based on the technology on organic diversified fruit trees, promotion to fruit tree farmers of
Koronadal, South Cotabato. Paradise Organic Farm also produces all- organic fresh fruits, herbal medicines
and supplements, organic fertilizer, OPV vegetable seeds, organic vegetable and rice. Dumandan Greenfields
Diversified Farm was chosen based on the cacao technology integrated with durian, lanzones (Longkong),
coconut and Arabica coffee promoted to farmers of Davao City.

Table 1. Characteristics of the farm

Farm Size Agricultural Agricultural produce

tourism (ha) technologies Livestock fish, vegetable, fruits, inputs Processed
operator
others field crops plantation foods
crops
Binahon 8 Agro-forestry, Carabao, Tilapia, Cabbage, Lanzones Organic Carrot calamansi
Farm Sloping horse, goat, exotic carrots, fertilizer juice, vegetable
Agricultural sheep, hogs, honey cauliflower, pickles
Land bees lettuce,
Technology tomatoes,
(SALT), potato, green
organic onions
farming
ACES 4 Diversified Hog, Milkfish Vegetables: Cacao, coffee Organic Canned milkfish,
Natural farming chicken tomato, egg lanzones fertilizer,
Farm systems, plant, pechay, coconut, feeds
Organic squash, lettuce durian
farming
Dumandan 2 Agroforestry Cacao,
Greenfields Multi-level lanzones
Diversified farming
Farm

Lao 5 Agro-forestry, Goat Mangosteen, Organic Coconut sugar,

Integrated SALT, organic durian, fertilizer, milk
Farm, Inc. farming lanzones, vermicast,
rambutan vermin-
compost
Mindanao 19 SALT, soil Chicken Tilapia Vegetables Durian, Fruit Goats milk
Baptist conservation (layers and (eggplant, rambutan, seedlings
Rural Life technology, broilers), tomato, okra, lanzones,
Center diversified Goats, squash, mangosteen, Planting
farming Rabbits, ampalaya, calamansi material
systems, Hogs beans, sweet coffee and for
organic pepper, cacao bamboo
farming cucumber, and rattan
upo)
Seeds for
hedgerow

Organic
fertilizer
and
vermicast
Paradise 5 Diversified Vegetable; egg Fruits: durian, Herbal medicine
Organic farming plant, string mangosteen, and OPV
Farm systems, beans, okra mango vegetable seeds,
organic organic rice
farming Rice

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At Paradise Organic Farm they sell organic fresh fruits, herbal medicines & supplements, organic
fertilizer, OPV vegetable seeds, organic vegetable & rice while Dumandan Greenfields Diversified Farm The
size of farms ranged from 2 hectares to 19 hectares. The major products the respondents are producing vary
based on farm production specialization. Among the farm produce of ACES Natural Farm, were the
following: naturally grown hog, chicken, milkfish, vegetables, organic fertilizer and feeds, canned milkfish
and pork. At Binahon Agroforestry Farm they sell seedlings of various forest species such as Caribbean pine
trees, lawaan, falcata, abaca, and eucalyptus trees seedling nursery, high value vegetables such as cabbage,
carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, tomatoes, potato, green onions, raise farm animals such as carabao, horse, goat,
sheep, hogs and other livestocks. They also grow exotic honeybees and tilapia.
Lao Integrated Farm, Inc. sells coconut sugar/syrup, fattened goats & milk, organic fertilizer,
mangosteen, durian, lanzones, rambutan, rubber, agro-forest trees. At Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center;
crops & livestock, fruit tree seedlings (durian, rambutan, lanzones, mangosteen, calamansi, etc), plantation
trees planting materials such as bamboo and rattan, vegetables seeds and products (eggplant, tomato, okra,
squash, ampalaya, beans, sweet pepper, cucumber, upo), tilapia, chicken (layers and broilers), goats, rabbits,
hog and seeds for hedgerows. Table 1 summarizes the technology and products of the farms.

3.1 Attractions, Events, Recreational Activities, Educational Interventions

The main idea of a farm tourism is to provide attractions that may or may not be directly related to
farming but can promote agricultural education and relaxation. Farm tourism sites have fixed attractions,
recreational activities, events, other services and educational interventions.
Fixed attractions include hostels or restaurants where people can come up and have food or conduct events
such as weddings and other celebrations and social activities. Attractions also include a training center which
can be used to accommodate learners and may be convertible to social halls when not in used.
Fixed attractions also include food processing facilities, work stations such as livestock operations or crop
production sites, working farm structures: (such as barns), farm equipment; food processing facilities: (juice,
coco sugar/syrup); recreation facilities: (camping/picnicking areas, agricultural displays) and natural area
(geological features). The facilities available in the farm includes feed mill, classroom/laboratory room,
vermi-beds, foliar fertilizers, organic gardens, hog houses, chicken pens, cattle condos, concoction facilities,
cable way, etc., facilities and activities on fruit nursery, organic herbal garden, vam production facility,
organic fertilizer production facility and herbal processing laboratory.
Events normally conducted in the farm tourism areas are the conduct of conferences, family reunions,
weddings, food and craft shows, food cooking demonstrations, historic re-enactments, flower shows,
corporate tours, seasonal festivals, and seasonal festivals. As such, farm tourism site who offer these events
also have bed and breakfast facilities or food business operations.
Recreational activities include were water-based activity: boating, swimming, fishing activities, and
chicken boxing, nature appreciation activities: photography, bird/wildlife viewing, trail based activities such
as trekking, hiking, mountain biking, cycling, outdoor and “hard adventure” activities which includes rock
climbing, hiking “soft adventure” activities: farm wagon rides, hunting and fishing activities.
Finally, educational interventions include training programs related to the technologies used by the farm
owners and these include those on on natural farming technologies that last for 15 days entitled: organic
agriculture cum livelihood training program. On-site training in vermin composting and production of organic
fertilizer, techno demo for research and field trials of agricultural crops, onsite training on herbal processing,
onsite training in good agricultural production, onsite training on EMO, VAM, Thrycoderma, IMO, and
Korean natural farming, training in Biodynamic farming, training in massage therapy. More so, according to
Engr. Apostol, the highlight of their farm products are being displayed during “Tinalak” festival of the
province of Cotabato and “Hinugyaw” festival of Koronadal City.

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Table 2. Attractions, Events, Recreational Activities, Educational Interventions

Farm Fixed attractions Events Other services Recreational Educational

tourism activities interventions
operator
Binahon Hostel Conferences Bed and Trekking, hiking, Farm tour
Agroforestry Corporate tours breakfast, Elder mountain biking, Onsite training in good
Farm Seasonal Hostel hunting agricultural production
Festivals
Organic gardens Family reunions Roadside Camping Training, product
stands/markets demonstration
Concoction facilities Food and craft Food service U-pick operations Lectures
shows
Organic fertilizer Food cooking Photography Organic agriculture
Production facility Demonstrations Bird/wildlife cum livelihood training
viewing program
Flower shows Techno demo for
research and field trials
of agricultural crops
ACES Hostel Food and craft Bed and Fishing Onsite training in good
Natural shows breakfast, elder agricultural production
Farm Hostel
Restaurant Food cooking Farm shop Fish Feeding Training, product
demonstrations demonsstration
Feed mill Corporate tours Chicken boxing Farm Tour
Hog houses Seasonal Organic agriculture
festivals cum livelihood training
program
Chicken pens
Organic fertilizer
Production facility
Dumandan Classroom/laboratory Corporate tours U-pick operations Training on Cacao
Greenfields Room production
Diversified Fruit nursery
Farm
Vermi-beds Seasonal Techno demo for
festivals research and field trials
of agricultural crops
Organic fertilizer Onsite training in good
Production facility agricultural production
Lao Vermi-beds Food and craft Farm shop Photography Training on coconut
Integrated shows sugar production
Farm, Inc. process and processing,
Chicken pens Food cooking Tour operations chicken boxing organic agriculture cum
demonstrations livelihood training
program
Concoction facilities Seasonal Specialty food Trekking Techno demo for
festivals and craft products research and field trials
of agricultural crops
Fruit nursery Roadside Bird/wildlife
stands/markets viewing
Organic fertilizer Bakeshop and Hiking, biking
Production facility canteen

MBLRC Goat houses Conferences Bed and breakfast Photography Training on Farming
systems, crop
Fruit nursery Food cooking production, livestock,
demonstrations fish and poultry, farm
family health,

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corporate tours Extension and

community
development
Organic fertilizer Food and craft Food operation Hiking, biking Farm tour
production facility shows services Techno demo for
Seasonal research and field trials
festivals of agricultural crops
Paradise Training Center Corporate tours Tour Operations Harvest festival Harvest festival
Organic “Tinalak” festival of
Farm the province of
Cotabato and
“Hinugyaw” festival of
Koronadal City.
Cattle condos Seasonal Hiking Farm Demonstration
festivals
Fruit nursery Organic agriculture
cum livelihood training
program
Organic herbal Techno demo for
garden research and field trials
of agricultural crops
Herbal processing Onsite training on
laboratory herbal processing
Organic fertilizer
production facility

3.2 Organizational Philosophy of Farm Tourism Operator

All the farm tourism operators believe that putting up a farm tourism site requires investment as it
financial investment in putting up facilities, enhancement of the farm landscape, improving financial,
entrepreneurial and more importantly agricultural knowledge and skills. While it offers an opportunity to earn
more, engaging in farm tourism is both a passion and a commitment in the promotion of one’s belief.
To determine the philosophy behind the farm tourism areas, owners were interviewed about why they
engaged in farm tourism. Answers were then coded and results showed that there were four philosophical
influences which included economic prosperity, food safety, environmental harmony, love for nature and love
for agriculture.
Economic prosperity is about showcasing that farming is profitable. To do this, operators have to make
sure that they develop markets for their produce. Data revealed that respondents were able to develop more
than one market outlet. ACES Natural Farm operates a restaurant and sells products to schools, hotels and
local markets of Panabo City and neighbouring cities and municipalities. Binahon Agroforestry Farm operates
a restaurant, sells produce to schools, hotels, local market and other market outlets in various cities. Lao
Integrated Farm, Inc. operates a bakery business and sells to local market in in various cities and
municipalities. Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center operates a catering business for, local and international
tourist who visits the farm. While Paradise Organic Farm sells to market outlets of key cities in Mindanao,
and during festivities of the town and exhibits. Dumandan Greenfields Diversified Farm sells in agricultural
fair and exhibit and the local market
Economic prosperity also refers to better community earnings through provision of local employment,
increased income for small entrepreneurs lining the streets leading to the farm sites and increased generation
of local taxes.
The farm operators are deeply concerned in ensuring that the customers get the value for the money by
providing them fresh, clean and nutritious food. For this matter, most of the farm operators practice organic
farming as a way to promote food safety. Organic farming, diversified farm production and SALT are all seen

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as a way minimize negative impact on the environment.

Activities promoted in the farm tourism sites are those that promote a healthy life style such as trekking,
biking, mountain biking, cycling, outdoor “hard adventure” activities which includes rock climbing, or
relaxation nature appreciation activities: photography, bird/wildlife viewing, fishing and camping.
Finally, operators all believe that a farm tourism site is the best venue to promote their love of agriculture
and entice the youth and other interested investors to engage in farming. All believe that it is the best way to
show that farming is a respectable and profitable venture where you can derive happiness in living close to
nature and be ensured of eating safe and nutritious food. It is because of this that they have tours, maintain
and activities that promote love for agriculture such as participation in agricultural activities such as fishing,
fruit picking, vegetable harvesting. Operators need to make sure that they are experts in the agricultural
technologies and as such take all opportunities provided for by the government line agencies and the academe
in terms improving their knowledge and skills, improving their facilities and accessing financial assistance
and loans.
The farm operators believe to operate a farm tourism site, it is necessary to have passion for agriculture,
commitment to promote common good and business acumen.

3.3 Agricultural Education Focus

Clearly, education of the populace is central in the philosophy of the farm tourism operators. All see it as
a way to provide knowledge and skills about agriculture and rural life. This portion discusses what is
normally shared to the general populace and what methods are used when sharing knowledge and skills.
Sharing of agricultural technology is central to all farm tourism operators. What is shared is also
dependent on the farm tourism operation. For example, Binahon and MBLRC share the SALT technology and
the component technologies. Owing to the sloping characteristics for their farm, SALT became the
technology of choice as it enables them to produce products that suit their farm environment.
Binahon Farm is engaged in agro-forestry and thus promote not only SALT but component technologies
that go with it such as natural vegetative strip production, apiculture, cut-flower production. As such it
engages in the marketing of planting materials for timber and fruit trees as well as various crops and
vegetables (cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, lettuce, tomatoes, potato, green onions) and flowers such as calla
lily, baby’s breath and hydrangea.
Binahon farm adopts the farming system approach as it emphasizes the need to study the landscape,
contour and environmental characteristics of the farm. The farm itself serves as a technology demonstration
farm where learners can view the production process or learn hands –on about it. Binahon farm has a
training facility for 50 trainees and serves organically grown vegetables and fresh juices from their farm
produce. he Binahon farm conducted on site training on the approaches and techniques on Soil and water
conservation (SWC), Contour farming and natural vegetative strips (NVS), vermi culture and composting,
biopesticides, multi-story cropping and intercropping, and Integrated pest management.
MBLRC is a pioneer in SALT which started offering the training in 1980 and by mid- 1908’s it has
attracted more than 1,000 learners a year. The thrust of the institution is the promotion of sustainable farming
practices that can help upland farmers become more productive. Thus, central to its educational intervention
is soil conservation to ensure increased productivity and income. It promotes diversified farming systems by
combining trees, livestock and vegetable production and subscribes to Food Always in the Home (FAITH)
gardening by demonstrating raised garden beds. The trainings offered are divided into farming systems, crop
production, livestock, fish and poultry production and farm family health, extension and community
development. It accommodates 20 -25 participants per training.
Lao Farm on the other hand initially worked on the existing coconut farm of his father. Having benefitted
from SALT, he now expanded production of durian fruit trees and has integrated livestock in the coconut and
fruit tree production. Eventually, he ventured into processing and not produces export quality products of

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coco – sugar and coco syrup and has ventured into durian candies and jam as as well as goat’s milk ice cream.
The technologies he shares include SALT and production of organic fertilizer.
PARADISE farm is supported and recognized in the region by Agricultural Training Institute in cultural
practices of growing organic soybeans, corn, cucumber, vermin farming, herbal processing and herbal dietary
supplements, raising range of native chickens, vermin productions and integrated farming systems, and
therapeutic massage.
ACES is TESDA and ATI extension accredited training provider which gives training on integrated
organic farming which combines fish and feeds, livestock, crops and fertilizer and biological pesticide
production. The training they provide is about natural farming as well as customized training based on the
needs of the client.
Dumandan Greenfield Diversified Farm is the seminar and training site in an open space surrounded by
coconut trees, cacao and coffee plants, all bursting with fruits. He shared to the farmers and interested groups
or individuals the importance of organic farming that works best with vegetable plants, but not quite with
multiple fruit trees. Organic fertilizer (basically N-P-K, for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) contains
mainly the three elements. Under the science of balanced plant nutrition, plants need 16 elements, hence the
need to supplement with the other micro, macro and other elements.

3.4 Approaches and Methods Used in Education

The extension methods used by the extension providers to the farm tourism owner- operators are the
following: individual (meeting and visitation), group (farm demonstration, TOT, training. The role of
extension and training is crucial in the development of knowledge, perceptions and attitudes about agricultural
innovations. Scherr (1992) described five basic models for extension for agroforestry practices: ‘media-based
extension’, ‘commodity-based extension’, ‘training and visit’, ‘farming systems research and extension’ and
‘community-based extension’. As agricultural production systems can vary considerably in nature and
complexity in different settings, it is important to take these differences into account in tailoring extension
interventions (Bernet et al. 2001). There has been a growing emphasis on farmer-led extension, in which
farmers are the principal agents of change in their community and help disseminate the new technology to
other farmers (Franzel et al. 2001, 2004, Kiptot et al. 2006. The importance of field tour, participatory
discussion and exchange of ideas) and mass media (phone, email and internet) methods has been generally
accepted to complement local knowledge and farmer innovation. One of the respondents on the other hand,
differ among the rest of farm tourism owner-operators in terms of extension method used by the extension
provider, instead they themselves provide capability building in training groups of farmers as requested by the
DTI, and other agencies and organizations in the government or private sectors.

Table 3. Farm Tourism knowledge transfer approaches and methods

Farm tourism operator Interpersonal Mass media

Binahon Farm Group training Phone, internet, email, AVP, videos,
newsletters, leaflets, module materials,
poster, billboards
ACES Training/seminar Phone, brochures, leaflets, videos, leaflets,
Natural Farm videos, module materials, posters,
tarpaulins, billboards
Dumandan Greenfields Diversified Farm Training/seminar, farm visit Leaflets, tarpaulins, brochures, billboards
Lao Integrated Farm, Inc. meeting & visit, training/seminar phone, email, internet, brochures, leaflets,
videos, newsletter, tarpaulin, billboards
MBLRC Training/seminar, farm visit Phone, email, module materials, posters,
leaflets, brochures, newsletter, videos,
billboards
Paradise Organic Farm Training/seminar Phone, email, leaflets, brochures,
newsletter, billboards, tarpaulins

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82

To enhance information on farm tourism, the extension providers distributed information and
communication (IEC) materials. Six (6) of the respondents express that they were able to received
communication materials in terms of leaflets, videos, newsletters, module materials, posters, slides, tarpaulins,
billboards, and brochures. The communication materials were provided by ATI, DA, DOST, PCAARRD and
Academe. According to one respondent, the communication materials were very helpful. However, there is a
need to give priority on topic related to indigenous farming system on agroforestry. Another respondent raised
some clarifications on the materials, on which the season and rainfall do not present a pattern and thus,
becomes a production problem. (Table 3)

3.5 Farm Visitors

Various kinds of people visit the farms to learn about its operations or its technologies. Most of the visitors
or learners come from various government line agencies and schools who come and bring their clients.
Individual enthusiasts come in third followed by private companies who come and enjoy the food and scenery
of farm tourism area. Table 5 below shows the list of institutions which bring various learners to farm tourism
areas.

4. Conclusions

Agricultural knowledge sharing among farm tourism providers in Mindanao is vibrant and reflects a
promise of becoming a major factor in strengthening the economy and promoting agriculture and tourism.

1. The study revealed that farm tourism is focused on agroforestry, organic feeds and fertilizers, crops
(fruit tree, vegetable, beverages, and trees), livestock, fish, and poultry production.
2. Most of the farms are diversified, produce various products and offer a variety of other service such
as provision of training, catering or operation of restaurants
3. Philosophy of farm tourism operators revolve around economic, environment, health, education and
have passion for agriculture, commitment to promote common good and business acumen.
4. Most of the eco-tourism areas are venues for knowledge sharing through farm visitations, tours and
training programs.
5. Multiple extension methods were employed in the agricultural knowledge shared in farm tourism.
These were agricultural extension participatory method training and visit approaches, and mass
media method.
6. Farm tourism owner operators transfer technologies to the farmers, students, researchers, LGUs
officials, participants/trainees during seminars/trainings, farm visitation, informal sharing and
discussion, and technology exhibition.
7. The types of visitors dominated by trainees/participants on technology forum/training/seminar,
farmers, LGUs officials, academe/school, private and international clients
8. While the farm tourism operators are constrained in terms of investment capital, the infusion of
support from ATI in terms of provision of farm tourism. However, there is a need to improve the
assistance of the extension providers.

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