The Current and Future Roles of Small Farm Resource Centers in Extension and Advisory Services

The SFRC model, which involves coordinating trials on a central site and on-farm trials in the community, has been adapted and implemented in various forms across the region. The SFRC model has two distinct functions: the experimental component, which tests and adapts new ideas that have potential to aid in community development, and the demonstration and training component, which uses the center and on-farm trials as teaching tools. This approach allows SFRCs to evaluate and introduce appropriate technology, develop and conduct agricultural training and education programs, and engage with local smallholder farmers. Seven case studies of SFRCs in Southeast Asia were conducted to evaluate the outreach efficacy of the SFRC model and provide recommendations to amplify their extension services. The case studies included Ntok Ntee in Cambodia, Farm Center Indochina (FCI) in an undisclosed country in Indochina, Sustainable Agriculture Training Center (SATC) in Myanmar, Aloha House (AH) in the Philippines, Siloam Karen Baptist Life Development Center (CUHT) in Myanmar, Thai Lahu Christian Churches (TLCC) Bi-Vocational School in Thailand, and Upland Holistic Development Project (UHDP) in Thailand. Ntok Ntee, founded in 2006, aims to positively impact the lives of minority Bunong farmers through on-farm trialing and demonstrating locally adapted plant and livestock species. The center evaluates and introduces appropriate technology, develops and conducts agricultural training and education programs, and operates agriculture enterprises on the farm. Ntok Ntee extends its reach to all districts of Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri provinces via partner NGOs and development organizations. FCI, located in an undisclosed country in Indochina, is an SFRC that serves as a business selling quality organic produce to people in the country's capital city while providing positive social outreach for the betterment of its employees and surrounding communities. Founded in 2009, the center has hosted diverse stakeholders and works among local communities, offering dormitory-accommodation, a meeting room, and ample space for growth. SATC, located near Yangon, Myanmar, was started in 2005 as an outreach program of the Myanmar Baptist Convention. The mission of SATC is poverty alleviation among its target communities through the promotion of sustainable agriculture systems. SATC accomplishes this goal by disseminating skills and knowledge on farming technologies and through training and demonstration of appropriate farming technology. The center consists of over 34 hectares and has expanded to include a training center, dormitory, kitchen and dining room, staff housing, demonstration plots, research plots, and livestock and crop production facilities. Aloha House, an orphanage in Palawan, Philippines, houses children for adoption and includes a sustainable agriculture farm. The farm has been an integral part of the orphanage from the beginning, originally conceived in 1999 by its American and Filipina husband and wife directors. The farm covers an area of 2.8 hectares, with 2,800 square meters comprised of major permanent infrastructure, the remainder being cropland rented from neighbors. CUHT, a Bible School in Myanmar, began in 1957 to serve the Karen people. The school has since expanded to include a farm, which serves as a demonstration, teaching, researching, and mentoring center. The farm uses sustainable and microbial farming techniques to provide nutrient-dense food to the children in the orphanage. The case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the SFRC model in promoting sustainable agriculture practices and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Southeast Asia. The model has been adapted and implemented in various forms across the region, with each SFRC serving as a unique example of the potential of this approach.