Dynamics of Landcare Groups in Lantapan

Landcare commenced in Lantapan Municipality in the southern Philippines in 1998.
Within two years there were 62 groups linked in a municipal association. These groups
successfully shared conservation practices and worked together in establishing contoured farms and agroforestry nurseries. However, many groups became inactive
once the initial adoption of conservation farming had occurred. A participatory
evaluation undertaken five years after the commencement of Landcare included case
studies of 12 groups, ranging from those that were continuing to develop to those that
had disbanded. Groups in the former category tended to be in stable, cohesive
communities, had an effective local leader, and were highly focused on own-account
farming. They were also in regular contact with Landcare facilitators and continued to
benefit from the wider Landcare Program. Disbanded groups were often hampered by
poor leadership, factionalism, lack of follow-up, and a loss of interest once
conservation practices had been implemented. Members of some disbanded groups
were affected by dependence on banana plantations or vegetable traders, or lacked
secure tenure. Both continuing and disbanded groups expressed a need for on-going
links with the Landcare Program. The lessons are that Landcare activities need to be
adapted to changing livelihood strategies and that continued investment in bridging
social capital is key to sustaining Landcare in the Philippines context.