An ongoing ADMI project in the Philippines is connecting students, farmers, and food security.
Corn is the main cash crop for smallholder farmers in Polomolok but the area’s high temperature and humidity can favor the growth of mycotoxin-producing fungi, which can contaminate corn and rice, which is another staple food.
Using our signature YouthTeams approach and working with Mindanao State University (MSU) and NGO partner Sigay Kauyagan, our team has trained 50 undergraduate interns to facilitate discussions and use animated videos to help farmers improve soil health and postharvest practices.
During May 2026, teams of YouthTeams undergraduates and graduate students traveled to neighboring villages to animate discussions among smallholder farmers and villagers about improving postharvest management and agronomic practices. The students received a warm welcome in the villages. Farmers were particularly interested in how to use hermetic bags purchased in the market to safely store their grains. The use of agricultural lime to improve nutrient uptake was another topic that resonated with farmers.
On June 8, an earthquake struck nearby and university buildings and houses were damaged. The remaining farmer training sessions were thus delayed until July because of aftershocks and other considerations. But even among the difficulties, the students set out again in July to the villages to continue their work.
Overall, 1000 farmers were reached in 7 villages!
Later this year our YouthTeams will return to the villages to assess impacts and refresh training.
