The cooperative Liton, Kibales, Magatos Irrigators Association (LKM-IA) in Kabacan, central Mindanao, has received support from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). This support has helped the association to grow and improve its operations, benefiting both Christian and Muslim members in the community.
The communities of Liton, Kibales, and Magatos are located just a few hundred meters apart in Kabacan, a region that has experienced separatist violence over the years. The area is now transitioning towards a more significant level of self-rule by the Muslim majority. In the midst of these challenges, the LKM-IA has emerged as a beacon of hope and progress for the community.
Ahead of the International Day of Cooperatives, which is celebrated annually on July 1st, UN News’s Daniel Dickinson visited Kabacan to meet with members of the LKM-IA. Treasurer Marcializa Calud, a Christian, and Mona Usman, a Muslim and the association’s auditor, shared their experiences and success stories with the support of FAO and KOICA.
Marcializa Calud reflected on the association’s humble beginnings in 2015 with just 250 pesos ($4) in funds. However, through careful planning and management, the association’s income grew to 1.65 million pesos ($28,000) last year. The support from KOICA and FAO, including seeds, fertilizers, and machines, has played a crucial role in the association’s growth and success.
Mona Usman highlighted the impact of the machines provided to the association for rice growing and harvesting. The rotavator for ploughing, combine harvester for harvesting, and milling machine for processing rice have significantly increased productivity for the members. What used to take days to complete by hand can now be done in a matter of hours with the use of modern machinery.
The increase in productivity has also translated into higher incomes for the members. Marcializa Calud shared that her rice paddy’s cropping income has increased from 20,000 pesos ($340) to 24,000 pesos ($410) with the use of the new machines. Additionally, the association’s ownership of the machines has allowed members to retain a larger share of their crop’s value compared to borrowing from private lenders.
With the cooperative’s ownership of the machinery, the members now receive 91% of the crop’s value, with only 9% going to the association. This change has made a significant difference in the members’ earnings and financial stability. The cooperative’s ability to invest in irrigation infrastructure has also ensured that the crops are not solely reliant on rainfall for water supply.
Access to water remains a primary concern for the association, especially as they are downstream from other communities. During periods of climatic events like El Nino, negotiations with upstream neighbors are necessary to ensure an adequate water supply for the fields. Despite the challenges posed by climate change, the cooperative members work together to address these issues and ensure the sustainability of their rice cultivation.
The success of the Liton, Kibales, Magatos Irrigators Association is a testament to the power of cooperation and community-led initiatives. By coming together across religious and cultural divides, the members have been able to improve their livelihoods, increase their incomes, and build a more resilient agricultural system. The support from FAO and KOICA has been instrumental in this journey towards self-sufficiency and prosperity for the community. Through their hard work and collaboration, the members of LKM-IA are paving the way for a brighter future for themselves and future generations to come.
