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Assessing the sustainability and resilience of cacao-cased farming systems in Pili, Camarines Sur, the Philippines Komarudin, Nurul Amri; Wai, Eaint Thet; Rohman, Nusron Habibur; Endonela, Leah
Asia Pacific Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Energy Vol. 13 No. 1 (2025): June 2025
Publisher : Asia Pacific Network for Sustainable Agriculture, Food and Energy Network (SAFE Network)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.36782/apjsafe.v13i1.484

Abstract

Camarines Sur, located in the Bicol Region of the Philippines, is considered one of the most climate-vulnerable provinces. Despite this, it is a model for a robust and proactive disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) program. The province features a diverse agroecological landscape, ranging from hilly and rolling terrains to plains surrounding Mt. Isarog National Park, which covers an area of 10.112 hectares with an elevation reaching 1.966 meters above sea level. Farming systems include monocropping, intensive multiple cropping, and agroforestry, with sugarcane and corn on downslopes, groundnuts and vegetables on lower slopes, and irrigated or rainfed rice fields. The integration of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) is increasingly being explored as a means to enhance both the sustainability and resilience of these farming systems. This study aims to assess the sustainability and resilience of cacao cultivation at the farm level in Barangay Binanuanan, Pili, Camarines Sur. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with local government officials, focus group discussions with farmers, and a Strengths, Opportunities, and Challenges (SOC) analysis. Findings indicate that cacao farming contributes to economic sustainability, as most farmers benefit from diversified income sources, including off-farm employment and family financial support. Ecological sustainability is supported by cacao’s compatibility with existing farming practices. However, social resilience remains limited, as evidenced by the aging farming population and minimal youth engagement in agriculture. To strengthen overall system resilience, targeted interventions promoting youth participation and community engagement in cacao-based farming are recommended.
Agrovoltaic system implementation for optimizing land productivity and sustainability under solar panel area in West Sumbawa Komarudin, Nurul Amri; Sari, Ratna Nurmalita; Nairfana, Ihlana; Tubal, Jairus Jesse M.; Sadidan, Ikhwanussafa
Advances in Food Science, Sustainable Agriculture and Agroindustrial Engineering (AFSSAAE) Vol 8, No 4 (2025)
Publisher : Advances in Food Science, Sustainable Agriculture and Agroindustrial Engineering (AFSSAAE)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.21776/ub.afssaae.2025.008.04.1

Abstract

Greenhouse gas emissions are projected to increase by 50% by 2050, primarily due to reliance on non-environmentally friendly energy sources. The transition toward clean and renewable energy is therefore widely regarded as a key strategy for mitigating this trend.  West Nusa Tenggara possesses substantial potential for renewable energy development, particularly through solar power plants, owing to its abundant sunlight. In West Sumbawa, PT Medco Energi, via its subsidiary PT MPSoS, has implemented solar technology by installing panels on a 27-hectare site, capable of generating 26.8 MWp of energy. To further optimize land-use efficiency, PT MPSoS introduced an agrovoltaic approach that integrates solar energy generation with agricultural activities on the same land area. In collaboration with academic partners, PT MPSoS cultivated seedless watermelons beneath the solar panel structures. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of agrovoltaic systems in enhancing land-use efficiency through the integration of solar energy production and agricultural activity. A field experiment was conducted in which  seedless watermelons were grown beneath solar panels across 11 panel arrays, comprising three small plots (21 m x 6 m each) and eight large plots (31 m x 6 m each). Overall crop performance was assessed qualitatively based on plant growth success. Preliminary results indicate a crop establishment success rate exceeding 80%, underscoring the potential of agrovoltaic systems to contribute simultaneously to energy generation and food sustainability. 
Analysis of Water Quality Around the Fishpond Area, Citarum Watersheds, Karawang Regency: english Komarudin, Nurul Amri; Rakhman, Selly Arvinda; Tubal, Jairus Jesse M.
Jurnal Sains & Teknologi Lingkungan Vol. 18 No. 1 (2026): SAINS & TEKNOLOGI LINGKUNGAN
Publisher : Teknik Lingkungan Universitas Islam Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20885/jstl.vol18.iss1.art1

Abstract

This research was conducted to provide data on water quality based on physical and chemical parameters around the fishpond area, Citarum Watersheds, in Karawang Regency. Water quality is a primary requirement for the sustainability of local economic activities. However, with the increasing pollution load, there is concern that water quality around the fishpond area will decline, impacting fishpond productivity, public health, and the environment. Water samples were collected at 10 points along the Citarum Watersheds using a water quality test pen. The measured physico-chemical parameters included temperature, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). The results indicate that several physico-chemical parameters still do not meet the quality standards established by Government Regulation (PP) Number 22 of 2021. These include BOD and DO, where concentrations at all observation points exceeded the quality standards, while the COD values exceeded the standard at most points, except at stations 1-5. This exception is due to their considerable distance from agricultural activities or other community practices. The high COD concentration indicates a significant load of organic pollutants, which are suspected to originate from agricultural runoff and domestic waste. Conversely, the low DO concentration is caused by microorganisms in the water body utilizing the oxygen. These microorganisms require DO as an electron acceptor in their metabolic processes, leading to a decrease in DO levels in the water and a corresponding increase in BOD. The BOD/COD ratio at the study site ranged from 0.46 to 0.5, meaning the pollutants are categorized as biodegradable. Therefore, it can be concluded that the waters in the downstream region of the Citarum River are still suitable for use in freshwater aquaculture activities.
Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Farm Household Resilience to Natural Hazards Utami, Arini Wahyu; Widjanarko, Nadila Puspa Arum; Indradewa, Didik; Dhamira, Aura; Arum, Mutiarra Ridyo; Rizqi, Fathi Alfinur; Komarudin, Nurul Amri; Prabaningtyas, Din
Caraka Tani: Journal of Sustainable Agriculture Vol 39, No 1 (2024): April
Publisher : Universitas Sebelas Maret

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20961/carakatani.v39i1.79774

Abstract

This study portrays the roles of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in the mitigation of natural hazards. Menoreh Hill in Kulon Progo experienced more than 200 landslides in 2022 and its communities implemented TEK to mitigate them. Hence, this research quantitatively analyzes the role of agriculture-related TEK, especially those applied in hilly areas, to support household resilience to natural hazards. Authors surveyed 106 farm households and interviewed eight key informants in Banjararum and Sidoharjo Villages, Kalibawang and Samigaluh Sub-districts, Kulon Progo Regency, D.I. Yogyakarta. The data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The descriptive statistics showed that farmers in both villages are highest in practicing alley cropping and integrated farming, while also applying mixed cropping, multiple cropping and locally based planting schedule (pranata mangsa). From binary logistic regression, authors found that TEK practices of multiple cropping, alley cropping and pranata mangsa support farm household resilience to natural hazards, especially landslides. The TEK practices serve as sources of buffer and adaptation capacity in the development of farm household resilience. Interestingly, mixed cropping and membership in farmer groups tend to weaken resilience, as mixed cropping often complicates the recovery efforts in the farmlands, and farmers’ groups are not conditioned to act promptly during hazards or disasters. While TEK has been proven to take roles in the mitigation and adaptation to natural hazards, there is a need to integrate scientific knowledge to improve its optimum benefits.