1. Department of Education, Mariano Peralta National High School, Davao Occidental, Philippines.
2. Department of Education, Mariano Peralta National High School, Davao Occidental, Philippines.
3. University College of the Cayman Islands, Cayman Islands.
4. Department of Education, Mariano Peralta National High School, Davao Occidental, Philippines.

*             Correspondence: jagpaoa@gmail.com

Keywords: agroecological, local community, farmers, municipality

1. INTRODUCTION

Innovative agroecological farmers challenge industrial farming worldwide. To feed rising populations and adapt with climate change, water shortages, market volatility, and more, they used resilience thinking and local and scientific knowledge [1]. Today’s science shows that agroecological practices increase food production in difficult situations better than artificial fertilizers. Preservationists believe humanity should only use the land for its natural beauty and inspiration. They believe that land has intrinsic value merely by existing [2]. Sustainable agroecological farming works with nature. It involves farming using ecological principles. Climate-friendly farming techniques include decreasing emissions, recycling, and favoring local supply chains. Due to intensive and industrial agriculture, it has evolved. In the 20th century, modern agriculture brought huge food production, but at a high ecological cost. Today, scientists agree that intensive agriculture contributes to ecological issues. Intense agriculture contributes to global warming, pesticide use, soil degradation, biodiversity loss, crop homogenization, and pesticide use [3]. It’s vital in cities. Since most people live in cities, there is excessive consumption of goods and services. Settlement land and soil sealing harm several ecological services. Over the past 30 years, metropolitan populations and surfaces have grown stronger than ever. Nearly 80% of Europeans live in cities or suburbs. The size of cities has expanded roughly four times faster than their populations [4]. The area of sealed soil has grown substantially, while urban settlement patterns have dispersed [5]. Spatial planning affects ecosystem services, especially in urban settings, because it guides residential and infrastructure growth. Current planning tools do not protect ecological services [6]. Preservationists disagree on how to manage public land. Preservation is tougher than conservation. Instead of using land and its resources, mankind should preserve them [7]. Today, sustainability discussions often include ecological services. Many say heritage preservation is sustainable development. By sustainable urbanization. Understanding the relationship between ecological services and historical preservation may support this idea. In recent years, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food has promoted the agroecological System as a way to improve global food security and nutrition [8]. Most agree that the global food system isn’t providing enough nutrition and degrading the environment and biodiversity. Malnutrition and rural poverty, exacerbated by climate change, require a major adjustment. Recently, agroecological approaches have emerged in scientific, agricultural, and political debate as means to restructure agriculture and food systems to address these concerns [9]. Agricultural transition projects are growing, seeking farm autonomy and resilience. This changes the terrain and ecosystem services. Farmers affect nearby residents by shaping the landscape and ES delivery. According to a systematic literature assessment, global change threatens human well-being by jeopardizing agrarian ecosystem services. Agroecology is a socially and environmentally sustainable alternative to conventional agriculture. Over half of the agroecological practices-ecosystem service connections were good. Surprisingly, our review found that the literature had neglected many of the FAO’s ten elements [10].

2. AGROECOLOGICAL PATTERNS

In organic, conventional, and integrated olive orchards located on the island of Crete in Greece, soil arthropods were observed on a seasonal basis over a period of two years. There was documentation of farming practices, climate, and the complexity of the landscape. When compared to management systems, agroecological zones were responsible for explaining a greater proportion of the arthropod variability. When conducting an assessment of the olive orchard agroecosystem’s biodiversity, it is important to take into account agricultural management and the surrounding environment [11]. Using agroecological food web modeling to analyze and construct organic and conventional agricultural systems, the question of whether organic or conventional agriculture is more suitable for meeting the food requirements of the globe and strengthening resistance to climate change is the subject of a significant amount of activity in the field of research at the present time. The majority of comparisons, on the other hand, concentrate either on output efficiency, such as yields, or on the impacts of various nutrient management strategies on the sustainability of the agrosystems. The impacts of each on the agricultural food webs and beneficial insects that are responsible for pest control – or outbreaks – have frequently received little attention. Understanding the concept of traditional knowledge is essential to the process of analyzing agroecosystems [12].

3. AGROECOLOGICAL CONCEPTS AND PRINCIPLES

Agriculture that is sustainable and works with nature is known as agroecology. Ecology, on the other hand, is the study of the relationships that exist between plants, animals, people, and their environment, as well as the equilibrium that exists between these relationships. It refers to the implementation of agroecological ideas and concepts in agricultural practices. The practice of agroecology helps to mitigate climate change by reducing emissions, recycling resources, and giving priority to local supply chains. It also works with wildlife by managing the impact of farming on wildlife and harnessing nature to do the hard work for us [13], such as pollinating crops and controlling pests. Agroecology also puts farmers and communities in the driver’s seat by giving power to approaches led by local people and adapting agricultural techniques to suit the specific social, environmental, and economic conditions of these areas [14]. A notable illustration of agroecology is the practice of agroforestry. Tree farming is a practice that demonstrates how farming and the preservation of nature may coexist. It is the practice of mixing farming and trees. Grazing farm animals under trees provides them with both cover and fodder, and the manure that they produce nourishes the soil. The planting of trees on land that is often used for the cultivation of cereal crops might result in the production of another crop, whether it be fruit, nuts, or lumber. In addition to providing farmers with an additional source of income, this also helps to prevent soil erosion by ensuring that the deep roots of the trees contribute to the formation of a healthy soil structure [15]. Similarly to many other agroecological systems, agroforestry is a win-win situation. Although it faces various obstacles in the food system, including flooding, soil degradation, the collapse of biodiversity, starvation, and obesity, agroecology provides a truly sustainable alternative on both the global and local levels. The development of intensive farming practices is a contributor to these issues. They deplete natural resources by concentrating on short-term benefits rather than the long-term sustainability that is most beneficial for the land, the wildlife, and the community that live there [16]. The Ten Years for Agroecology project is a model that illustrates how the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe can transition to a food and farming model in order to lessen the impact that global warming has on the environment, help animals recover, and provide a nutritious meal to a growing population. There are many agricultural approaches that you might be more familiar with, such as organic farming, biodynamic farming, or permaculture [18]. Agroecology is an umbrella term that encompasses all of these activities. In addition, organic farming creates more jobs on farms, promotes healthy soil, and increases the number of animals that live on farms. The inspection of certified organic farms takes place on an annual basis in order to legally verify whether or not farmers follow these stringent requirements. When it comes to fostering the development of agroecology, organic farming is an excellent means of fostering connections between citizens and farmers who are employing agroecological practices [18].

4. AGROECOLOGY: THE PRINCIPLES AND THEIR IMPLEMENTATION

As a systemic approach, agroecology relies on the improvement of agro-food processes as a whole, with the constant goal of improving environmental performance. The implementation of these basic principles is expressed in two ways, agroecology at the Farm Level, and Agroecology at the Territorial Level [19]. Using infrastructures and cutting plots that make the proliferation of natural auxiliaries and their connection with the exploited surfaces (hedges, groves, embankments…) easier and limiting of phytosanitary inputs Reintroduction of the biodiversity of cultivated species as a way of improving production and environmental quality [20]. Agroecology addresses the root causes of hunger, poverty and inequality by helping to transform food systems and build resilient livelihoods. It is a holistic approach that balances the three dimensions of sustainability – social, economic and environmental. Adoption requires training and support for farmers to embrace the approach, instead of relying on the short-term convenience of expensive chemical inputs [21]. There are several different agroecological principles that can be found in the scientific literature. These include a set of principles for agricultural and ecological management of agri-food systems as well as some wider ranging socio-economic, cultural and political principles [22]. Some of these principles refer more specifically to the promotion of ecological processes and services including soil, water, air and biodiversity aspects. Agroecology presents multiple pathways for the transformation of farming and food systems co-created to suit different local contexts, based on a social-ecological systems approach. The role of civil society, social movements and consumer organizations is critical to ensure transitions. Social movements such as La Vía Campesina at the global scale, and national members such as the Brazilian Landless Workers Movement (MST) are important actors contributing to debates around transition to sustainable food systems. FAO agroecology framework recognizes all 10 elements as potential entry points for transformative change towards sustainable food and agricultural systems [23].

5. PARADIGMS OF AGRICULTURE

Agroecology is a response to the negative environmental, social, and economic concerns that have arisen as a result of the growing dominance of the industrial agricultural model. As a result of the combining of agronomy and ecology by a number of scientists in the 1970s, the phrase gained widespread legitimacy. Over the course of its history, the field has progressed from an initial concentration on farm ecology to a more comprehensive investigation of the ecology of food systems [24]. Many different kinds of species, including plants, animals, insects, and other organisms, as well as microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungus, archaea, protozoa, algae, and so on, call soil their home. Soil is a dynamic habitat for organisms. The microorganisms that live in the surface layer of the soil play a significant role in the enhancement of soil productivity, the cycling of nutrients, and the production of useful products such as growth hormones, enzymes, antibiotics, vitamins, glomalin, and bioactive extracellular metabolites, also known as extrolites [25]. Certain microbes play a role in improving the configurations or structure of soil, which in turn contributes to increased crop output and productivity in agricultural settings. There are many different types of fungi that can be found all over the planet, including soil, plants, air, and water. Penicillium is one of the most frequent types of fungi that can be found in these environment. One is able to vary the spacing, the geographical pattern, and/or the time of the crops thanks to agroecology, which allows a great deal of flexibility in terms of individual tradeoffs. The area that is made available by the removal of one type of plant can be used by another kind of plant. To a certain extent, there exist circumstances in which yields grow while inputs drop. Although they are not always useful, these alternate formulations possess a fascinating quality [26].Rather than relying on a single crop, they now cultivate a wide variety of various varieties, which has the effect of increasing both the fertility of the soil and the yield. It is possible for them to control weeds and insect pests without the need of chemical pesticides by employing a process known as “push-pull” [27].

6. STRENGTHENING THE RESILIENCE OF FARMERS

The term “ecology of the food system” refers to a farming method that takes its cues from natural ecosystems. Agroecology is also known as “green farming.” It uses ecological and sociological perspectives to agricultural systems, concentrating on the connections between plants, animals, humans, and the environment. Combining local and scientific knowledge, it also applies these ideas to agricultural systems. Through the enhancement of resilience, agroecological practices can also assist farmers in coping with the effects of climate change [28]. The express objective is to improve the sustainability of all aspects of the food system, beginning with the seed and the soil and ending with the table. This includes the knowledge of natural systems, the viability of the economy, and the promotion of social justice. For the purpose of accomplishing this objective, agroecological practices make it a priority to minimize or completely eliminate the utilization of fossil fuels, chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides, and large-scale monocropping, which refers to the cultivation of a single crop on enormous areas of land [29]. When it comes to agriculture, an agroecological approach encompasses a variety of techniques, including the diversification of crops, conservation tillage, green manures, natural fertilizers and nitrogen fixation, biological pest control, rainwater harvesting, and the production of crops and livestock in ways that store carbon and protect forests. In addition to this, it places an emphasis on the significance of local knowledge, the empowerment of farmers, and socio-economic rules, such as public procurement schemes and environmental subsidies [30].

7. PRESERVATION STRATEGIES

At least twenty thousand of the world’s animal species are unique to the islands of the Philippines, making them home to one of the highest concentrations of wildlife species in the entire globe. An region that is considered a worldwide conservation priority is currently facing major risks. By itself and in conjunction with other megadiverse countries, the Philippines is home to more than two-thirds of the plant and animal species that exist on Earth. Nevertheless, the ever-increasing activities of humans have brought the region’s animals to the verge of extinction. Only four percent of the natural forest environment that is home to several endemic species in the Philippines is still intact. Fish populations have decreased at sea as a result of fishing practices that are not sustainable, which has put strain on the ocean’s capacity to provide both food and incomes [31]. Additionally, the country serves as a hub for the illegal trade of wildlife on a global scale, while the domestic trade in unusual pets and bushmeat continues to pose a threat to the survival of the species. It is difficult for authorities to enforce national protection laws because they do not have sufficient backup, and they are usually overwhelmed by the sheer number of criminal activities. When there is a lack of adequate communications infrastructure in regions where wildlife trafficking occurs, the problem becomes much more complicated because it is difficult for both civilians and law enforcement to report crimes. Another factor that contributes to this damaging commerce is the prevalence of negative practices that continue over time and the lack of appreciation for nature [32]. Together with Conservation International, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and other partners, the Protect Wildlife Project was initiated in 2016 with the purpose of combating the threats to wildlife and the causes of biodiversity loss in the Philippines. This was accomplished while taking into consideration environmental threats such as the destruction of habitat, harvesting that is not sustainable, and pollution [33]. While simultaneously fostering community-based conservation stewardship, Conservation International works in close contact with the government and members of the local community to shape regional development plans and national policies through the use of scientific research. Palawan, the surrounding world-renowned biodiverse Tubbataha Reef, and the Sulu Archipelago are the locations where we are focusing our initial efforts in the context of this initiative. These are areas where the biodiversity is great, but where wildlife trafficking is prevalent. Furthermore, the project is spreading to additional locations in the southern region of Mindanao, which includes the city of General Santos as well as the provinces of Sarangani and South Cotabato [34].

8. CONCLUSION

The Agroecological System of the Local Community Farmers in the Municipality is more of a plains than a valley; when classified as to Soil Type, it is mostly Clay type, and less Sandy and Silt type; when it comes to Crop Type, the farm area is more planted with Rice, and only less than 5% of it is planted with Corn; when it comes to Tradition, more than half of the farmers use a combination of organic and conventional farming practices, although one third of them practice organic farming, but only a small percentage of farmers use the conventional method. The local farmers frequently practiced the agroecological preservation patterns when taken as a whole, and when classified according to topography, it is Plain; when classified according to soil type, clay and silt; when classified according to crop type, which is rice and corn; and when classified according to tradition, conventional, and traditional combination. When classified according to topography (valley), the local farmers rarely practiced the agroecological preservation patterns. On the other hand, when classed according to soil type (sandy), the farmers rarely practiced these patterns. In accordance with the principles of organic farming and agroecological preservation, the local farmers have consistently observed and implemented these practices. Regarding the agroecological system, there was not a single noteworthy difference that existed. The Agroecological Preservation Patterns of Local Community Farmers in the Municipality did not differ significantly from one another in any major way. The agroecological preservation practices of the local community farmers in the municipality were quite distinct from one another, indicating a major differences. We also came to the conclusion that the farmers in the local community observe the agroecological system and implement the agroecological preservation patterns; nonetheless, there is a need for improvement in both their system and their practices. The farmers are of the opinion that the best way to cultivate their land is to combine organic or conventional farming methods, depending on the terrain of the land. The fact that organic agriculture is regarded a key approach for sustainable development and the empowerment of rural sectors is further demonstrated by this phenomenon. This country is now going through the process of transitioning to a market economy. The implementation of policy interventions is not sufficient to encourage and increase the participation of the private sector. This is because the provision of incentives and the institutionalization of reward systems (institutional, technical, and financial resources) that will attract organic farmers, even entrepreneurs, and organic agriculture practitioners are not sufficient.

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