To improve tenure security of smallholder farmers in select areas in the Philippines, Xavier Science Foundation, Inc. (XSF) in partnership with the Asian NGO Coalition for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ANGOC), the Global Land Tool Network (GLTN) and UN-Habitat has launched the ground implementation of the Social Tenure Domain Model (STDM) with eight (8) local enumerators on April 9, 2019 at Sitio Tinaytayan, Brgy. San Miguel, Talakag, Bukidnon.
XSF staff assists a local enumerator in using a GPS device to measure a respondent’s backyard garden
Another set of local enumerators will start their deployment on April 22 to cover the Pangantucan area. A total of 27 enumerators composed mainly of women and youth were trained on STDM and they [enumerators] positively work to make changes in their communities using the knowledge and skills of various land tools with enabling modern technologies like tablets and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to map out areas of farm lands and house lots.
The STDM enumeration pilot phase activity will cover two municipalities in Bukidnon – Talakag and Pangantucan with a target of 2,500 households spread through the partner Indigenous Peoples Organizations (IPO) namely Miarayon Lapok Lirongan Tinaytayan Talaandig Tribal Association (MILALITTRA), Nagkahiusang Manobong Manununod sa Yutang Kabilin (NAMAMAYUK) and Portulin Talaandig Tribal Association, Inc. (PTTA).
A household member poses for a photo during the STDM enumeration
The project is a component of the Securing Access to Land and Resources (SaLAR) globally implemented in Africa and Asia that supports efforts in improving food and nutrition security, incomes and resilience of local populations, especially those living in rural areas, through secure and fair access to land and resources.