22 January 2025. A pioneering agroforestry initiative is set to take root in the ancestral lands of the Bagobo-Tagabawa community in Barangay Binaton, at the foot of Mt. Apo. Spearheaded by PeaceBuilders Community, Inc. (PBCI), Coffee for Peace (CFP), and the Indigenous Ancestral Domain Association (IADA), this project seeks to rehabilitate deforested lands in the foothills of Mt. Apo while fostering sustainable livelihoods for indigenous farmers. The initiative will commence with a 2-hectare demonstration farm, serving as a model for best practices in agroforestry. This initial phase will allow farmers to refine cultivation techniques, integrate traditional ecological knowledge with modern scientific approaches, and assess the economic viability of the project before scaling up operations. The long-term goal of this initiative is to expand up to 32 hectares, contingent on funding availability. This ambitious expansion plan underscores the project’s commitment to widespread environmental restoration and economic empowerment.
By strategically phasing growth, the project ensures that each step is well-supported with proper infrastructure, training, and resources, reducing the risk of failure and maximizing impact. Furthermore, this initiative will establish a network of indigenous farmers who will receive training in climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and regenerative farming methods. These farmers will become community leaders, capable of passing down valuable agroforestry knowledge to future generations, thereby ensuring the sustainability and resilience of their ancestral lands.
Restoring Ancestral Lands with Coffee and Forest Trees
This agroforestry project integrates Arabica coffee farming with reforestation, striking a balance between ecological restoration and economic empowerment for indigenous farmers. Each participating farmer will manage a 1,000-square-meter plot, cultivating 79 Arabica coffee trees alongside native forest species. This dual-purpose approach not only generates income but also contributes to carbon sequestration, biodiversity restoration, and watershed protection within the Mt. Apo Natural Park—a vital ecological zone protected under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act.
The reforestation efforts will focus on planting endemic and native tree species, ensuring the long-term health of the forest ecosystem while providing shade and organic nutrients essential for high-quality coffee production. This initiative aligns with the indigenous philosophy of “pamana”—the stewardship of land for future generations—reinforcing the traditional wisdom that has sustained the Bagobo-Tagabawa people for centuries.
A Partnership for Sustainable Coffee Production
This initiative builds upon the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed in 2019 between the Provincial Tribal Council, Alegre Tribal Council, PBCI, and CFP to establish a model coffee farm in the region. The agreement underscores the commitment of all stakeholders to promoting sustainable, ethical, and culturally respectful agricultural practices.
The late Datu Rogelio B. Manapol, a key advocate for integrating indigenous knowledge with modern agroforestry methods, has played a crucial role in ensuring that the project aligns with the values and traditions of the Bagobo-Tagabawa people. By incorporating traditional land stewardship techniques with scientifically backed agroforestry models, this collaboration aims to create a replicable and scalable framework for other indigenous communities facing similar challenges.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The initiative is projected to yield significant economic and environmental benefits, including:
- Carbon Sequestration: Over 85 metric tons of CO₂ will be absorbed within the first five years, contributing to climate change mitigation.
- Coffee Production: Once the coffee trees reach full maturity, the project is expected to produce 6,660 kg of coffee cherries annually.
- Economic Return: Based on current market rates, the initiative is projected to generate Php 555,000 per harvest cycle from green coffee beans.
To support this endeavor, an initial budget has been allocated to provide essential resources for 20 farmers, including training programs, high-quality seedlings, organic fertilizers, and daily work allowances. These investments will ensure that farmers are equipped with the necessary skills and materials to sustain their agroforestry practices over the long term.
Indigenous Leadership in Climate Action
For generations, the Bagobo-Tagabawa people have regarded Mt. Apo as a sacred landscape, a source of life, and a spiritual sanctuary. However, decades of deforestation due to logging, unsustainable agriculture, and the escalating impacts of climate change have significantly diminished the forest cover in their ancestral domain. This project represents a crucial step toward reclaiming indigenous stewardship by blending traditional ecological knowledge with climate-smart agricultural practices.
One participating farmer eloquently captured the essence of this initiative, stating, “We are planting not just coffee but a future for our children. This land has always provided for us. Now, we must give back.”
Looking Ahead
As the project expands, CFP, PBCI, and IADA aim to attract additional partners, donors, and investors to scale up sustainable coffee production and regenerative agriculture in the region. Beyond economic and environmental benefits, the initiative seeks to strengthen indigenous land rights, promote climate resilience, and empower local communities through sustainable development.
By weaving together tradition, innovation, and environmental responsibility, this initiative offers a transformative model for restoring ancestral lands while fostering a more sustainable and just future for indigenous farmers in Mindanao.
