Eco-Smart Livelihoods and Food Security in Surigao del Norte The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) in partnership with Philippines Red Cross (PRC) and Local Government in Surigao Del Notre Province has launched a  3 year (2016-2018) integrated ‘Youth ignite: Agents of Change ’ project. The overall goal of the project is to enable youth cope with the impact and consequences of armed conflict and are thus adding to the overall resilience of the community.

This is the funding from YEP for the local Young Expert Earl Montero. The project is targeting 5 municipalities affected by conflict and that are  also  affected by disasters such as floods, landslides, typhoons and earthquakes. These risks pose a huge threat to the lives of young people. The lack of employment opportunities and social safety nets generate tension and leave civilians with limited options for a sustainable livelihood. Within Surigao province, insufficient opportunities exist for young people to earn a living, subsequently heightening their chance of facing poverty and turning to illicit activities. Youth  face numerous serious struggles in their daily lives. They struggle with the threats of poverty, armed conflict and natural hazards that result in psychological and emotional distress and affects their perception of life. Increasing number of youths tends to focus more on surviving rather than prioritizing their education. The Netherlands Red Cross recognize that conflicts and  disasters often require a commitment to longer-term recovery that extends beyond the provision of immediate food, shelter and medical assistance. Food security and eco-smart Livelihoods is a huge component of this project and seeks to help youth and their households recover or improve upon their pre and post-disaster living conditions in all areas and strengthen and sustain their livelihoods. The Food security and eco-smart Livelihood interventions will apply Sloping Agriculture Land Technology (SALT). SALT is a package technology used for soil conservation , crop production and diverse livelihoods options for farmers in mountainous/hilly areas. The main aspect of SALT farming is the use of contour bunds to conserve fertile topsoil and water. This ensures that farming on hillsides can be done in a more sustainable way. This approach to Food security and Livelihoods  will promote self-sufficiency among beneficiaries. Seeds can be harvested and stored for future use, bees are being kept to pollinate the plants, whilst at the same time providing honey, green cuttings can be fed to livestock that produces manure to in turn fertilize the soil. These aspects reduce the dependency of SALT farms on external inputs, such as expensive and potentially more damaging artificial fertilizers, and reduce the dependency of SALT farms on single products. Using SALT approach, three (3) demonstration farms will be established in strategic locations-visible to community members for inspiration purposes. Two  livelihood training centres will be rehabilitated. 60 farmers will be organised to form 3 cooperatives , linked to the 3 demonstration farms. These livelihood centres will be used to provide eco-smart livelihood trainings for approximately 1200 youth in the project area. Surigao Del Notre, Mindanao, Philippines