Development of Agroforestry Coffee-based Farm for Wildlife Conservation in Kibungan: Year-end Report 2019-2020

Duration of the Project: April 2019 - March 2020

Project Site: Kibungan, Benguet Province, Philippines

Grant: AEON Environment Foundation, Japan

Person in Charge : Mhyra P. Seset

Adaption of agroforestry is a powerful tool to restore the denuded ecosystem and improve producers’ livelihood. In the Philippines, agroforestry, as a forest management strategy, has beaen promoted by Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) in response to watershed and forest degradation and climate change. Agroforestry can have immense benefits for the environment and farmers. The ability to maintain some sort of control over land and production in the face of climate change means agroforestry could hold huge promise for the agricultural sector. While on an environmental level, agroforestry's ability to help prevent soil erosion while simultaneously aiding water retention and promoting soil fertility could help provide a solution for areas where rainfall is irregular or might become irregular due to climate change while dense plantations of trees would also help absorb Carbon dioxide and regulate local temperature (Agroforestry Research Trust).

 Coffee-based Agroforestry system is now highly promoted as an alternative way of conserving and protecting the environment. And for more development of the Coffee-based Agroforestry system, Cordillera Green Network Inc. (CGN) wants to know more of its benefits in the community also to the environment which can encourage more people to engage in Agroforestry farming.

The project was made possible through the support of the AEON Environmental Foundation; the technical assistance of the specialists/professional researchers and of course the full cooperation of the Sagpat Farmer Agricultural Cooperative (SFAC) members that made the activities carried out within in the project duration.

1. Biodiversity Assessment

The assessment was conducted to know the flora composition and existing fauna of a Coffee -based Agroforestry farm and to assess if Coffee-based Agroforestry can be an approach for wildlife conservation. The study was conducted in selected coffee farms at the two barangays of Kibungan, Benguet (Poblacion and Sagpat). A total of 15 species belonging to 12 families were identified during the inventory of the selected coffee farms using quadrat method with a diversity index of 0.875 for the upper vegetation (Table 1) while for the low-lying vegetation 1.995 is the diversity index of 30 species belonging to 16 families that were consolidated using line intercept technique for the inventory of the weeds, herbs, and ferns (Table 2). The upper vegetation analysis shows moderate diversity while the low-lying vegetation is in high diversity status. The most dominant species in the coffee farms is Alnus japonica under the family of Betulaceae because it was highly recommended to a coffee plantation to be the shade tree because of its good crown and nitrogen-fixing capability that is favorable to coffee trees, but with limited benefits in terms of wildlife necessities. While there are Ficus spp. (Ficus nota and Ficus congesta) under Moraceae that was inventoried and well-known that gives ecological functions and provides food to a wide variety and numerous fruit-eating birds, wild pigs, native rodents, and others. All the listed tree species provide good amenities to wild birds and grows well with the coffee trees except for Benguet Pine and Citrus limon that affects the growth (abnormalities) of the coffee tree because of sunlight competitiveness and soil acidity. 

Table 1. List of identified tree species and diversity index found in the selected Coffee-based Agroforestry Farms using Quadrat Method.

The avifaunal assessment/observation started in Dec. 11-14, 2020 to January 2020 in the selected more diverse coffee farms in Sagpat, Kibungan, Benguet. Wild bird specialists and coffee farmers performed birdwatching in the coffee plantations as a means of assessment. The two bird specialists do the study in three coffee farms while the nine local birdwatchers do the birdwatching in their coffee farms for one month. A total of 20 wild bird species belonging to 16 families while two are unidentified were recorded during the birdwatching and they’re all in the Least Concern (LC) conservation status, meaning the wild birds are common or abundant and are likely to survive in the wild (Environment and Natural Heritage Protection, 2016) as it was reported by Alfonso,2018. 11 species are found to be indigenous meaning they are native or naturally occurring to the country but similar species may or may not be seen in other countries and only the Crested Myna is exotic (introduced). Among these, 7 are endemic to the country and most of them are being observed frequently in the Coffee-farms including “Andukit” and “Keskesyag” which was identified by the farmers. Moreover, most of the wild birds identified are insectivores and eats various worms. They were observed more in the grassy vegetation of the farm. Wild civet cat was identified during the assessment through its fecal waste while farmers added that fruit bats and farm rodents were present in the coffee farm during the ripening of coffee berries. The local birdwatcher was able to execute and performed well the birdwatching and listed wild birds they observed with the use of 9 binocular telescopes which CGN distributed including field notebooks and pens and of course the wild bird field guide which was prepared by the bird specialists. Birdwatching was done early in the morning (6 am-8 am) and late at noon (3 pm-5 pm). Bird specialists commented and advised that coffee farms must have mixed shade trees like exotic, indigenous/fruit trees and other shrubby plants integrated so that it will be more diverse and suitable for the coffee trees and wildlife. Bischovia Javanica (Tuai), Ficus nota (Tibig), and “Lusong” are tree species being observed by the farmers that are compatible with shade trees and at the same time provide shelter and food for the wild birds.

The identified and recorded flora and fauna species showed that Coffee-based Agroforestry has the potential for wildlife conservation so long as a high diversity of plant/tree species will be achieved and maintained. The identified endemic species show an indicator that the two community where the study area was conducted is still in good condition thus must be conserved and protected together with the forest/watershed areas. Indigenous trees having ecological functions must be conserved and propagated more in the community for restoration and developing a sustainable and healthy environment. Promotion of a Coffee-based Agroforestry system or any kind of Agroforestry practices in the community must be enhanced so that in time local people will see and appreciate its socio-economic development and environmental impact on the community. Also, further study on faunal assessments residing in Coffee-based Agroforestry farms in a different level area of Cordillera is recommended to have full context on the study of “Wildlife in Coffee-based Agroforestry farms”. 

Table 3. List of Wild Birds found in the Coffee-based Agroforestry Farm and its surroundings through Birdwatching

Resources: Data of IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria Version 3.1, 2000; Bird Life International (2020) Fact sheet

  --unknown--: to be validated

2.Conducted Seminars:

a.      Seminar on Wild Bird Conservation and Birdwatching Workshop

The Wild Bird Conservation Seminar was conducted on December 12, 2019, at KALAHI Multi-Purpose Building by the two Bird specialists, Mr. Kazuo Koyama Monitoring Project Coordinator of Japan Bird Research Association in Tokyo, Japan, and Ms. Jennica Paula Masigan, Biodiversity Specialist of Center for Conservation Innovation Philippines Inc. in Manila, Philippines. It was participated by the 14 participants (SFAC Members) and facilitated by CGN Staffs with Ms. Hiroku Takahama. Mr. Koyama and Ms. Masigan introduced to the participants the different kinds of birds from migratory birds – endemic birds which some were identified and named by the participants.

 During the discussion, the participants were well - informed and realized the benefits of having birds in the community, as Mr. Koyama mentioned that birds help for plant pollination, food chain resulting in good soil for plants to grow and insect/small mammal control. Mr. Koyama shared one study on biological control of coffee cherry borer which is the Yellow Warbler or the Luzon Bush-Warbler (Samote), which eats coffee cherry and stem borer that helps to reduce the spread of the borer in the coffee farm. By having this control, the coffee farm should have more diverse trees not only Alnus but different species of indigenous trees like Tibig and Tuai and other fruit trees which can attract birds. Thus he encouraged the participants to plant more shade trees in their farm not only for the habitat of wild birds but for reforestation purposes. One Key Informant and SFAC member approve that coffee farmers should plant trees that are both beneficial for the coffee and wild birds like “Apiit”, Calliandra, and Mulberry. Mr. Koyama added that having a Bird-friendly coffee farm has a potential in the future because some coffee consumers demand bird-friendly coffee, especially in Northern countries.

The birdwatching demo was led by Mr. Koyama, he instructed how to use the Binocular telescope

and the field guides to the participants. The participants were able to perform birdwatching using the telescope and identified 13 species of wild birds with the help of Mr. Koyama and Ms. Masigan in one Coffee farm. The older participants were good at identifying birds because they used to be hunters of birds using a slingshot, tie-knot traps, and Ear gun. One Key Informants claimed that the time of the birdwatching is timely because of the presence of Labeg or Blue-headed Fantail, leader of the flocks that’s why they’ve seen many birds. The practicum ended by summarizing all the list of the birds by the practicums. Participants were grateful to the seminar conducted and birdwatching demo for they have learned a lot and they’ve become more aware in the conservation of wildlife species.

Note: (Complete narrative report of this activity found in CGN Website)

\a.       Seminar on Coffee – based Agroforestry

As it was reported earlier CGN has implemented a project on Coffee-based Agroforestry for

reforestation and watershed protection purposes in Sagpat, Kibungan and followed by series of seminars on the advantages and good impact on engaging into Agroforestry system through planting coffee and trees; benefits of Coffee in the environment and socio-economic of people and maintenance of the coffee farm to post-harvesting processing were served to them. By this, the participants are knowledgeable on it but what else does Coffee-based Agroforestry can provide if coffee farms are well-established and developed?

Discussion with the 15 SFAC Members towards Biodiversity Conservation through Coffee-based

Agroforestry System was conducted on February 12, 2020, by Professor Tsuyoshi Kouno, a Japanese Agriculturist and a professor at Otsuma Women’s University, Tokyo Japan which had conducted several types of research on biodiversity and have interest on Agroforestry system. Coffee farmers or the SFAC members were able to share the wild birds, some mammals including insects and plant species (trees, ornamentals, and crops) existing in their coffee farms that made an Agroforestry if combined input in one land. Trees, crops, and big and small forms of animals are in the same area showing interrelationship with each other resulting in a balanced ecosystem and leading to sustainable biodiversity.

               Mr. Kouno shared the story of the Tiger and Hawk which has been threatened in Japan, but because of its importance in the community, they become one of the most cared species now in the locality. The stories imply that wildlife species have a significant rule in the food chain or ecological balance in anyways, that people must give value to them. He explained very well that the richness of wildlife species is an indicator of a healthy community and sustainable biodiversity that locals must conserve and protect. Establishing a Coffee-based Agroforestry in the community is one way of protecting the environment, land conversion of agriculture will be lessened or the area is not wiped out of trees.

By then, the participants have a great realization of the importance of wild birds and other species of wildlife. Consolidated list of wild birds indicates that Coffee-based Agroforestry can be a host of conservation of wild birds because of the structure of the farm. One participant said that for as long as the area or farm is diverse with plants and trees especially native trees wild birds will have their activities in the place. Having indigenous trees and diversified forest areas in the community is an advantage for the wild birds it’s good that despite having a wide area of Sayote plantation we have this Coffee farm that provides shelter for wild birds. That makes the participants give more appreciation for what the Coffee-based Agroforestry can give to the environment, farmers, and wildlife species.

At the end of the session, the participants have seen the potential of Coffee-based Agroforestry Farm in terms of environmental and socio-economic benefits to them as coffee growers. They were encouraged and motivated to follow the design of Coffee Agroforestry Farm and put into practice the techniques and principles, plant more native trees, and properly managed the farm applying organic farming.  

3.       Nursery Establishment

The tree seedling nursery establishment is successively ongoing with the effort of the SFAC members. The nursery materials were procured and delivered on January 18 and 31, 2020 at Sagpat, Kibungan, Benguet to SFAC. The nursery materials are: Black net, White plastic UV sheet, Irrigation hose, water drum/barrel, watering can tie wire. The procured coffee seed is Yellow Catura from Benguet State University which was recommended by the coffee experts for the SFAC members to reproduce since it is well suitable and productive in all areas. Tuai seeds were also purchased from Nueva Vizcaya but it failed to germinate during the germination test conducted. As a remedy, Falcata or Moluccansau albizia seeds were procured since this tree is suitable for coffee shade and as it was preferred by the farmers to plant in their coffee farms. Apiit and Degi-is are recommended to them to integrate into their coffee farms through wildlings and cuttings since it is abundant in their place, there is no need for them to reproduce in the nursery.

               Construction of the nursery was done in February 2020 and coffee seeds were sown on the first week of April 2020. Soil potting of the 10,000 potted soil was started on the first week of March and expectedly be finished by the end of the month but due to the COVID pandemic, the Philippines is under Enhanced Community Quarantine for two months that affect activities of the community in Barangay Sagpat. So, the SFAC members agreed to work per schedule on their free time limit of 5 members. As it was proposed the organization/cooperative will produce 5,000 coffee seedlings (Yellow Catura) and for the shade tree which is the Falcataria moluccana (Moluccan sau), 5000 seedlings will be produced this year.

The coffee and Moluccan sau seedlings will be distributed to the SFAC members and to the community who want to expand their coffee plantation; replant the mortalities and develop more their plantation as well as to the forest cover of the communal forest and watershed. Neighboring barangay and other agencies who need coffee and Moluccan sau seedlings can source-out in the newly established nursery. 

4.       Monitoring of Planted Coffee and shade trees

Monitoring of Planted Coffee and shade trees is important for this project to ensure that the planted seedlings are growing well in its environment. CGN conducted two-phase of monitoring the first monitoring is 3 months after it was planted to validate if the seedlings are growing well. Adaption of the seedlings to its new environment especially the coffee seedlings are carefully monitored for its survival. The validation is monthly conducted (September 09, 2019; October 10, 2019, and November 07, 2019) and it is observed that the coffee seedlings are on the stage of adapting stage, also with the Alnus and Tuai seedlings. Though some seedlings planted earlier were seen the evidence that they are growing well in their given environment.

Monitoring of Planted Seedlings for Survival Rate 

The final monitoring of the planted seedlings for the survival rate of the seedlings after six months it was planted was partially conducted on December 06, 2020, and January 31, 2020, to the 12 areas. And was continued by the beneficiaries (local monitoring) which are convenient to do during the community quarantine period. As to the farmer monitoring and observation of their Agroforestry farms, 85% is the estimated survival rate of planted coffee, while they reported that Tuai and Alnus seedlings have a lower survival rate compared to Mala-Tibig which is growing robustly. In their observation of planted coffee seedlings, Tuai, Alnus, and Mala-Tibig are growing well depending on the site especially the presence of shade and fertility of the soil. Survived seedlings have developed new shoots and leaves, roots are already established in the soil. Mortalities of some seedlings are affected by the transportation from nursery to plantation site, not enough shade (for coffee), soil condition (acidity), and other environmental factors that the seedlings didn’t adapt to survive.

It is important to know the survival growth of the planted seedlings for replanting, maintenance, and other enrichment activities purposes. This monitoring is helpful to the farmers and community to have an earlier plan for maintenance and protective activities to their farms and to the communal forest and watershed to be able to achieve a well-established and sustainable plantation.  

SFAC and CGN Column

This project has two major parts, the reforestation and assessments of Coffee-based Agroforestry farms in terms of its biodiversity for the conservation of wildlife. The community and the SFAC members participated more on the side of reforestation activities because of the great benefits they’ll get from it. They know it’s for the protection of the forest cover and the improvement of their coffee plantation. New members and some of the SFAC members are more encouraged to plant more trees and coffee to have sources of fuelwood, posts, lumber, and of course additional income in the future that coffee will provide.

The locals are knowledgeable on managing their Coffee-based Agroforestry farm they just must into practice the principles of the Agroforestry system, organic farming to achieved productive farming. The presence of shade and fertility of the soil and the suitability of seedlings to an area are important things to be considered when implementing reforestation. It is better to source-out seedlings within the locality or in an area with the same environment to ensure the adaptability of the seedlings and fewer damages on transporting. Consider the interest of the locality what species of trees they need or want to plant so that distribution of the planting stock will be even, also objectives must be well identified in planting if its for production or protection and sustainability to know the maintenance to be undertaken.

People's interests are not more on the conservation of wildlife though they’re aware of biodiversity loss. They sub-consciously ignoring the negative impacts because of the urgent necessities of living in other words they are more on practically living. The seminar of Coffee-based Agroforestry farm for wildlife conservation imparted new learnings in conserving wildlife, the importance of biodiversity, and realization to the beneficiaries that while planting trees they’re creating habitat for wildlife. Since this topic is new to the beneficiaries/community they’re still learning to give value and interest to it and this is the challenge to the environmental educator and DENR to conceptualize a framework and strategies to draw more attention to the community for the enrichment and conservation of biodiversity. Continues campaigning of biodiversity conservation could put into a high level of awareness of the community leading to a secured environment or forest.

SFAC members and the schools are thankful for this project because they were able to improve their coffee plantation because of the free seedlings, open space that were planted/ reforested. Some members commented that:

·     they were reminded to be protective of wildlife but sometimes can’t be controlled because of the situation (sayote plantations/gardens leads deforestation). “It’s hard to convince people if they always think of money”.

·     this project is good “we plant trees and coffee for ourselves, to our environment, and the wildlife though it is better if you (CGN) can provide fruit trees so that not only coffee we can get from our Agroforestry farm”.

·     “we can conserve the biodiversity if we truly do inter-cropping to our farms not monocropping but to this current farming style, farmers prefer to single cropping of cash crops for better income”.

·     We are lucky that we have this project because with this, we planted the open space, replanted our coffee farms all we have to do now is to maintain it. Is it possible to have another project but different objectives like introducing to us how to produce by-products of their crops (coffee, lemon, sayote); any technologies that could enhance our skills in producing quality and quantity goods; or another livelihood that involved farming?

The SFAC members have already established their Agroforestry farms, by providing new techniques/strategies and bits of knowledge on production while protecting the environment with appropriate technologies or equipment for the production of quality goods they can be more empowered, motivated and may influence the whole community. It is important also that the organization's capability in managing the members must be strengthened, the vision, mission, and goals of the cooperative are instilled in every member. The direction of the organization and achievements is maneuvered by the unity, responsible and perseverance of each member thus they must develop and sustain their tight team building.