Going Bananas

What do we see on the project photo?
BFH-HAFL’s Prof. Gurbir Singh Bhullar, who led the Going Bananas project, checks the soil with farmers in the hilly Cotabato region in the Philippines. Years of conflict, deforestation, drought and over-cultivation with unsuited farming practices have damaged the landscape and livelihoods. The project has helped farmers restore, protect and revive the soil.

How would you explain to a child what the project is doing?
To create farming practices that have long-term benefits, the Going Bananas project made farmers aware about the bad effects of unsuitable farming practices, trained the farmers on agroecological farming practices, gave farmers incentives to grow bananas, coconuts and other native plants and organised them in a cooperative to create a financially secure future that’s good for the families and the land.

What is the project’s main objective?
Conflicts, deforestation and other land-use issues depleted resources and hindered the development of farming knowhow, resulting in regional poverty and food insecurity. The project has reforested the slopes with bananas and other natives plants, and implemented water and soil saving measures.

Why is the project important?
Deforestation for unsustainable cultivation of annual (cash) crops has led to substantial erosion, run-off and land degradation. A lot of soil has been lost leading to destruction and disappearance of drinking water sources as well. Bringing the land “back to life”, sustainably, is important for restoration of livelihoods in the region.

What has been the most positive moment during the project?
Launching a model agroforestry farm and training centre in Carmen; training sessions on farm design, agroecological practices and vegetable production; dissemination of project technologies to 1300+ farmers; farmers joining to create the Carmen Organic Slope Farmers Association; local government passing their first ordinance for ‘organic farming’ inspired by this project.

What have been the biggest challenges encountered in the project?
The COVID-pandemic gave a set back and delayed the implementation of project activities; security situation in the project region remains fragile adding to the challenges of implementation in remote areas.

What is the most important lesson learned from the project?
It takes considerable time and effort to develop mutual trust and a functional dynamic. Thus, the project - aimed at restoration of landscapes and livelihoods - should be planned and executed over a reasonably longer period of time.