Introducing Microgreens to the Filipino Food Plate: Multi-Generational Capacity Building and Learning Materials Development

Poster Presentation. CSSP-SABRAO 2024 International Conference for Crop Science and Breeding. Crimson Hotel Filinvest Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Philippines. August 12-16, 2024.

Bridging multi-generations together while addressing the country’s growing food insecurity is the main goal of this extension project. With the rising cost of food and the prevalence of unhealthy food choices, this initiative aims to train the community and the youth in microgreens production and utilization. Microgreens offer rapid growth, rich nutrition, and eco-friendliness, making them ideal for urban agriculture and utilization. It enhances food and nutrition security while reducing carbon footprints. They also require minimal water and can thrive without synthetic inputs. Youth participation is critical in addressing the impending farmer shortage in the Philippines, where farmers’ average age ranges from 57 to 59 years. Capacity building activities consist of a 0.5-day seminar and 1.5-day training conducted per target group. Los Banos Senior High School (LBSHS) students created a Microgreens Storybook, Mga Bulilit na Halaman: Ang Kwento ni Yanyan at ng Microgreens, which was used to engage with the daycare students. Additionally, they crafted a video adaptation shared on social media platforms. Simultaneously, University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) students developed dun pea, mungbean, cowpea and corn microgreens growing guides for community outreach initiatives targeting solo parents and PWDs. To encourage utilization, students from UPLB and LBSHS also developed recipe guides for mungbean, dun peas, cowpea, sunflower and barley microgreens. In its current run, the project has engaged 21 daycare students, 80 high school students, 41 university students, 12 solo parents, 10 mothers, and 20 persons with disabilities (PWDs). With various sectors aiding each other towards food and nutrition security, this project contributes to attaining Sustainable Development Goals such as Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Climate Action. Moving forward, brochures and growing guide booklet could be printed for distribution in future outreach programs.

Keywords: capacity building, learning materials development, microgreens, Filipino food plate