The Philippines is primarily an agricultural country. Agriculture constitutes a significant part of the economy, ranking third after the services and industry sectors in 2022. Due to its geographical features and tropical climate, farming and fishing are integral to the lifestyle of many Filipinos.
The country encompasses approximately 30 million hectares, with 9.7 million hectares (47%) designated as agricultural land. Unfortunately, around 60% of this land is classified as upland areas, characterized by elevations ranging from 100 to 500 meters above sea level, as reported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Agricultural output in most upland regions is predominantly reliant on rainfall; water scarcity remains a persistent issue. Many farmers who have transitioned from lowland to upland areas are cultivating marginal lands with steep slopes that are susceptible to soil erosion.
Topsoil, which requires up to 1,000 years to develop just two to three centimeters, is essential for crop production. “The world cultivates 95% of its food in the uppermost layer of soil, rendering topsoil one of the most critical elements of our food system,” stated Susan Cosier from The Guardian.
But soil erosion is not the only problem that’s going on in the uplands. Malnutrition is also rampant among the farm families living in them. Studies of malnutrition in the uplands of Palawan, for instance, showed second- and third-degree malnutrition among children.
Because of this, the Mindanao Baptist Rural Life Center (MBRLC), a non-government organization based in Kinuskusan, Bansalan, Davao del Sur, is batting for the raising of dairy goats to combat malnutrition and as an additional source of income.
“If these farmers can raise their own source of fresh milk, they don’t need refrigerators anymore,” says Jethro P. Adang, MBRLC Director.
Refrigerators are needed in order for the milk not to be spoiled. But if farmers raise dairy goats, they don’t need the appliance – particularly in areas where there is no electricity – as they can always obtain milk from the goats anytime they want.
The MBRLC has created an integrated farming system that includes goat raising, known as Simple Agro-Livestock Technology (SALT 2), which is an adaptation of its well-known Sloping Agricultural Land Technology (SALT 1).
Within the SALT 2 framework, 40 percent of the farm’s area is allocated to agricultural crops (such as citrus, black pepper, beans, and corn), another 40 percent to livestock (primarily goats), and the remaining 20 percent to forestry (mainly fruit trees and various nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs).
“Our model farm spans only half a hectare,” states Adang. But instead of cattle, which necessitate one hectare of land per animal, MBRLC advocates for goat raising. “Despite their smaller size, a purebred goat can yield up to four liters of milk daily if provided with a diet that fulfills all her nutritional needs,” he explains.
In the SALT 2 system, 12 does and one buck are maintained. The buck is kept separate from the does to prevent the milk from acquiring the “goaty smell” during milking. For breeding, a doe is taken to the buck’s cottage. The manure produced is repurposed as fertilizer for both the forage and the crops.
Adhering to the principles of the original SALT system, hedgerows of various nitrogen-fixing trees are cultivated throughout the farm. In the lower section, additional forage crops are planted. These forages and hedgerows are periodically trimmed, and the cuttings serve as feed for the goats.
Goat manure is repurposed as fertilizer for the forages and agricultural crops, which are situated in the upper part of the farm. Research indicates that goat manure comprises 1.5 percent nitrogen, 1.2 percent potassium, and 0.5 percent phosphorus.
Going back to soil erosion, one significant factor contributing to this phenomenon is deforestation. When forest cover is removed, the topsoil becomes highly vulnerable to erosion, as the protective layer that once existed is no longer present.
Erosion leads to decreased agricultural productivity. Consequently, upland farmers experience reduced income, which limits their ability to purchase essential goods, including those necessary to combat malnutrition.
Over the last century, the Philippines has witnessed significant forest degradation. In 2020, the country had 13 million hectares of natural forest, representing about 44% of its total land area.
However, by 2025, it had lost 32,000 hectares, resulting in the release of 18 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, according to Global Forest Watch.
Agricultural practices, especially upland farming, have emerged as the primary cause of deforestation in the Philippines. These practices not only lead to forest loss but also impact on the country’s watersheds, increasing the risk of water-related disasters.
To combat deforestation in the country, the MBRLC has developed SALT 3. “As a type of agroforestry, our goal is to harness the benefits of agricultural production alongside reforestation,” Adang emphasizes.
In a two-hectare farm, one hectare is designated for food production, while the other hectare is reserved for tree planting. The trees are organized into three distinct age compartments: 10-15 years (such as acacia and narra), 5-9 years (including mangium and mahogany), and 1-4 years (like ipil-ipil and katuray).
“While the trees are maturing, we recommend that farmers cultivate short-term crops such as vegetables, tubers, and creeping plants like ubi and sweet potato,” Adang advises.
To generate immediate income, the lower section of the farm is utilized for various crops. Nevertheless, the foundational principles of the original SALT are maintained: two rows of nitrogen-fixing shrubs are planted, with crops interspersed between the hedgerows.
Approximately every month, the hedgerows are trimmed, and the cuttings are placed beneath the crops to function as mulch and fertilizer. In addition to providing a stable income for upland farmers, Adang believes that tree planting can contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere.
“Trees and forests are crucial in climate regulation as they absorb carbon dioxide,” he states.
The MBRLC has been in operation since 1971. It has been assisting farmers nationwide, who visit the center for practical training or to observe the application of these technologies.
“The center welcomes anyone interested in our technologies,” states Adang.
