Socioeconomic Impact of Small Water Impounding Projects in Quirino Province, Philippines

The study was conducted to determine the socioeconomic impact two (2) Small Water Impounding Projects (SWIPs) namely Burgos SWIP in Cabarroguis and Divisoria Norte SWIP in Maddela, both in the Province of Quirino, Philippines. The study made use of structured questionnaire to gather the socio-demographic profile and determined the socioeconomic impact of the SWIPs to the farmer-beneficiaries. Most of the farmer-beneficiaries of Burgos and Divisoria Norte SWIPs are male, 40 - 59 years old, married, have below four household members, Roman Catholic, high school graduates and some are members of cooperatives. They are rice farmers, and have attended one to two training courses related to farming and own a 1.00 to 1.99 hectares farm. “Utilization of water in the reservoir for other purposes like wallowing pool for carabaos” and “integration of fish production and livestock raising” were the identified benefits at the farmer’s level while “introduction of new techniques in farming by the Local Government Units,” “availability of cheap fish and additional income as a result of integration of fish production” and “construction of better roads” were the identified benefits at the community level. The SWIPs have positive impact as confirmed by the increase in the annual mean yield and in the annual gross income of the farmer-beneficiaries. It contributed a significant increase of 2.14 tons/year in the mean yield generating an additional income of PhP 32,113.64 for Burgos SWIP. On the other hand, it contributed a significant increase of 2.08 tons/year giving an additional income of PhP 31,313.60 for Divisoria Norte farmer-beneficiaries. The result of this study will provide strategic information to policy makers of agricultural and irrigation agencies on the existing weaknesses of irrigation systems in the country and determine in a more quantifiable terms level of potential improvement and investment targets.

Rainwater harvesting,its prospects and challenges in the uplands of Talugtog,Nueva Ecija,Philippines

The prospects and challenges facing eight small water impounding projects(SWIPs)in Talugtog,Nueva Ecija,an upland municipality located in Central Luzon,Philippines were evaluated using rapid appraisal and documentation of projects,interview of farmers and local officials,and a review of related studies undertaken on the same project sites.The challenges include the deterioration of structural facilities,inactive farmers associations,watershed degradation,and climate change.It also aims to evaluate improvement and innovation in the future implementation of SWIPs as rainwater harvesting facilities.The site was selected because it has the largest number of SWIPs established as one of the coping strategies during the 1997-1998 severe El Nino.Because of its location,it has no major irrigation systems and relies only on local rainwater storage facilities.The study involves 8 SWIPs established in two clusters(i.e.,5 and 3 SWIPs in a watershed)as rainwater conservation and management facilities.Results indicated these clusters of SWIPs offer multiple benefits in terms of supplemental irrigation,inland fish production,and water for domestic purposes and livestock production.They also serve as strategic small-scale upland structures that enhance recharging of groundwater,prevent flooding,and provide value-adding activities such as recreation,soil and water conservation,and environmental benefits.Previous studies also identified their benefits at the farm and community levels as conserved rainwater through storage in SWIPs is translated into more economic uses.However,some SWIPs are confronted with various challenges;deterioration of structural facilities,inactive farmer associations,unabated watershed degradation,and threats of climate change.These are seriously affecting the overall performance of SWIPs.Immediate actions should include the strengthening of small water impounding system associations(SWISA),repair and climate-proofing of structural facilities through the(SWISA)themselves,and watershed protection and management through the adoption of appropriate soil and water conservation measures.