WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN WATERSHEDS, LIVELIHOOD AND AGROFORESTRY?

WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN WATERSHEDS, LIVELIHOOD AND AGROFORESTRY?

The connection between watersheds, livelihood, and agroforestry is actually obvious, but perhaps some people do not see it very clearly.

Up to now, many watersheds in our country are being deforested, resulting in soil erosion, siltation of rivers, and massive flooding. The connection is simple: the more trees are cut, the more soil is washed away by rainwater, and the greater the likelihood of floods.

Trees are not merely ornaments in the landscape. They are natural water regulators. Their roots hold the soil together, absorb rainwater, replenish groundwater, and reduce the speed of surface runoff. Remove the trees, and the watershed loses its ability to protect communities downstream.

The solution is equally obvious: plant more trees in the deforested areas. Technically speaking, this is called reforestation. However, in my opinion, reforestation should not be limited to merely planting trees. It should also provide livelihoods to the people living in and around the watersheds. That is where agroforestry comes in.

Agroforestry is the practice of integrating trees, crops, and sometimes livestock in the same area. Instead of prohibiting upland communities from using watershed areas, agroforestry transforms them into partners in conservation. People protect what provides them with food and income.

I am happy to report that in the Negros Island Region (NIR), the Negros Economic Development Foundation is doing something beyond the ordinary. Through its project, "Sustaining Watershed Health through Sustainable Livelihood and Agroforestry," the foundation has been helping organic farmers protect the critical Himogaan and Sicaba River watersheds while simultaneously improving their livelihoods.

The participating farmers received industrial shredders, organic fertilizers, crop seedlings, and high-value cacao trees. At first glance, the industrial shredders may appear to be ordinary machines, but they are actually important tools for converting agricultural waste into compost and organic fertilizers. Instead of burning farm residues, farmers can recycle them into productive inputs.

This is a beautiful example of the circular economy in action.

By helping farmers transition to organic agriculture, they are also encouraged to plant more trees, improve soil fertility, and protect watershed ecosystems. The result is a win-win situation: healthier watersheds and better livelihoods.

I believe that the Department of Agriculture (DA) should study this successful partnership between the private sector, represented by RU Foundry and Machine Shop Corporation, led by Mr. Ramon Uy, Sr., and the civil society, represented by the Negros Economic Development Foundation. Add to that the cooperation of local government units and national government agencies, and we may have discovered a magic formula for poverty reduction, food security, and environmental protection.

The Philippines has more than a hundred major river basins and numerous critical watersheds that supply water for agriculture, households, and industries. Yet many of these areas remain vulnerable because of deforestation and unsustainable farming practices.

Perhaps we have been looking at watershed protection from the wrong perspective. Instead of seeing upland communities as threats to the forests, we should see them as potential partners and stewards.

If people have sustainable livelihoods from agroforestry, they will have fewer reasons to cut down trees. If they can earn from cacao, coffee, fruit trees, bamboo, and organic farming, they will protect the watersheds because their own survival depends on them.

The lesson from Negros is very clear: environmental protection and economic development are not opposing goals. In fact, they reinforce each other.

Protect the watershed, improve livelihoods, and promote agroforestry—and we may finally discover that the best way to save our forests is to make conservation economically rewarding for the people who live closest to them.

RAMON IKE V. SENERES

www.facebook.com/ike.seneres  iseneres@yahoo.com  senseneres.blogspot.com  09088877282/07-23-2027

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