Phase 2 of ADB-funded livestock project on

Phase 2 of livestock project being funded by the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) is on.

Called "Crop-Animal Systems Research Network (CASREN) Project in the Philippines," the undertaking is a component of the program "Improving Crop-Livestock Production System in Rainfed Areas in Southeast Asia."

As in CASREN’s initial phase, Phase 2 (2002-2004) will be implemented by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI, also one of the CGIAR centers) and the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCARRD).

Phase 1 was implemented from 1999 to 2001 in barangay Montano, Umingan, Pangasinan. The second phase will cover additional towns (Sta. Barbara, Balungao, and Calasiao) in the province.

CASREN 2 builds upon the accomplishments of the initial phase. It is development-oriented, in contrast to the R&D focus of Phase 1.

With the general objective of improving productivity of crop-livestock systems among smallhold rainfed farmers, the project specifically targets to disseminate applicable technological interventions, develop and recommend policy changes, and enhance the capability of the national agricultural research system (NARS).

In Phase 2, CASREN is seeking tangible impact through greater participation from local governments and smallholder lowland rainfed farmers. It targets increase of farm household income by 30 percent through increased contribution from livestock. — Rudy A. Fernandez