CatSU partners with Grameen Foundation, USA to increase agricultural productivity, livelihoods of farmers

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CatSU partners with Grameen Foundation, USA to increase agricultural productivity, livelihoods of farmers

In line with the Memorandum of Understanding between Catanduanes State University (CatSU) and Grameen Foundation, USA (GFUSA), the Farmer-to-Farmer Program Team, consisting of US Volunteer Ken Abbott and GFUSA Staff Arcee Pila, was warmly welcomed at the office of the President, Dr. Patrick Alain T. Azanza, on June 7, 2023.

Joining Dr. Azanza in welcoming the team were Dr. Ramon Felipe A. Sarmiento, Vice President for Research, Extension and Production Affairs; Dr. Adem Nalu Rubio, Extension Services Director; and Ms. Thelma Socito.

GFUSA, a nonprofit organization with a mission to empower the poor, especially women, and eradicate poverty and hunger, aims to collaborate with CatSU to support sustainable agricultural productivity and profitability initiatives, ultimately improving the livelihoods of impoverished farmers in rural areas of the Philippines.

Through CatSU's Extension Services, the understanding between both parties envisions GFUSA mobilizing volunteers to provide specialized technical assistance, focusing on two key outcomes: increasing production through optimal agricultural practices, including climate-smart farming and diversification strategies, and enhancing access to financial services and market opportunities.

CatSU will support activities such as identifying and recommending farmer organizations, agribusinesses, cooperatives, microfinance institutions, and other relevant agricultural and financial institutions. Additionally, CatSU will collaborate on collecting baseline and outcome data necessary for measuring the impact of the volunteer assignments.

GFUSA, funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID), will work closely with CatSU to design appropriate scopes of work based on technical assistance needs, recruit and deploy volunteers for specific assignments in the Philippines, and provide logistical, technical, and administrative support throughout their assignments.

The Farmer-to-Farmer initiatives, supported by USAID, contribute to rapid and sustainable economic growth in the agricultural sector. These programs also foster international goodwill, promote understanding of US foreign assistance programs, and encourage private engagement in development endeavors.  #CIV