The Upland Farms Ecosystem Research Division (UFERD) formulates, implements, and coordinates integrated research and development programs appropriate to the bio-physical, socio-political and cultural conditions of the upland farms ecosystem. It generates information that are relevant to the management, utilization, sustainability of upland resources and the improvement of the quality of life of upland communities.
UFERD is composed of three sections. The Community Forestry Section conducts, implements, and coordinates integrated research and development programs on community forestry, generates socially acceptable, economically viable, and ecologically sound community forestry strategies and formulates policy recommendations designed for wider application of such strategies. It conducts studies on tenurial arrangements and researches on participatory and other approaches in upland resources management and monitors community research and development projects and other social forestry-related activities throughout the country.
The Agroforestry and Upland Farming Systems Section conducts, implements, and coordinates integrated research and development programs on agroforestry, develops and pilot tests appropriate agroforestry technologies for adoption and provides technical assistance in the evaluation, documentation, and dissemination of scientific agroforestry technologies through actual demonstration and other forms of dissemination to the various units within the Bureau and other institutions.
The Socioeconomics Section conducts research and development projects on impact assessment/evaluation, socio-economics, marketing and valuation of environmental and community, LGU-based natural resources. It prepares comprehensive profiles of upland communities with focus on the demographic, cultural, social, economic, and political information for purposes of policy and programs development and, provides extension services to clientele.
