From July 24-26, 2024, the Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Training Institute – RTC XII conducted its second rollout of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Tool in support of the 4DFARMS initiative. Held at the ATI-RTC XII in Brgy. San Felipe, Tantangan, South Cotabato, the program welcomed Learning Site for Agriculture (LSA) partners, Local Farmer Technicians (LFTs), and Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) from across Region XII to train in using the MEL tool through the Rice Crop Manager platform.

The first day focused on hands-on training, where participants learned to navigate the MEL Tool, which supports data collection for better intervention tracking. Throughout the program, rice farmers from Barangays Bagumbayan, Minapan, and Damawato in Tulunan, Cotabato Province, participated in structured interviews. Facilitators engaged farmers using the 4D Farms MEL Tool, gathering valuable insights into practices during the cropping season.

The 4D Farms MEL Tool serves as an essential mechanism for tracking the adoption of agricultural interventions. By collecting real-time data on farmer activities, the Department of Agriculture can enhance planning and make informed decisions to further support rice farming initiatives.

This rollout reflects DA ATI-RTC XII’s commitment to advancing agricultural development by promoting data-driven approaches for effective and sustainable farming practices.