Think tank to help farmers double production capacity

CEBU, Philippines - To help augment the agriculture industry in the province, the Cebu Business Club (CBC) aims to help the farmers double their productivity through the Cebu Leads Foundation Inc., (CLFI) think tank.

CBC president Dondi Joseph said that in partnership with the Rotary Club of Cebu, CLFI will initiate a program that will aid the farmers in increasing their production capacity through permaculture.

Permaculture, which is a portmanteau of permanent agriculture, is a sustainable land use design that is based on ecological and biological principles that aims to create a stable, productive systems that will provide for human needs and harmoniously integrating the land with its inhabitants.

According to Joseph, CLFI will start with pilot areas around Toledo City and will also seek partnership with Carmen Copper Corporation to pursue this project.

Joseph said Cebu has potential to triple its agricultural produce, if farmers will be given the chance to learn the new and effective ways in improving their productivity.

The CLFI think tank will soon start this project, and will also eye other possible farm areas in the province.

CLFI is one of the flagship projects of CBC. The CLFI, which is described as the "think-tank" of private-sector led developmental advocacy that will work closely together with LGU executives, and Cebuano lawmakers or Congressmen.

CLFI has 35-businessmen members, 11 of whom are incorporators.

CLFI in coordination with several multi-sectoral groups, different clubs, specifically Institute for Solidarity in Asia, and Institute for Good Governance, will start pushing for a faster development strategy, as it will help LGUs in implementing developmental projects that will foster growth and maximize the potential of their respective cities or towns. One of these is the introduction of permaculture among farmers around the province.

Also, Joseph said the group will also influence the change of political culture, which he described as one of the biggest challenges.

"That is why we are also talking and convincing emerging political leaders in injecting the change of political culture," Joseph said that could pave the way for good governance, and transparency of the government projects, and initiatives.

Earlier, the group already had initial talks with different international funding agencies, such as Canadian International Development Cooperation (CIDA), Dutch government's funding agency, among others to support the CLFI projects.