In line with the provisions of the Agriculture and Fishery Modernization Act (AFMA), initiatives in transforming agriculture and fishery from rural-based to technology-based approach has been mobilized in empowering rural communities. Under the dynamic mobility of the AFMA, the Community-based Participatory Action Research (CPAR) came in place. The CPAR has played its role in propelling rural growth through community empowerment. Here, participatory research promotes the forging of a partnership between researchers and community members. All stakeholders share in the process of problem identification, formulation of solutions, community planning and project implementation, monitoring and evaluation. The researchers, farmers, institutions and development agencies thus play an interactive role in sharing options for action. 

In Region 10, CPAR for commodity-based farming systems are implemented in several project sites in the provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental and Misamis Occidental. These farming systems are rice-based, corn-based, vegetable-based, coconut-based and potato-based with integration of legumes, rootcrops, livestock thru animal dispersal, among others. CPAR continues to build and promote integrated farming in rural communities in the region - ensuring diversified income for rural farming households; while at the same time honing the value of project ownership, sense of responsibility and effective resource-based management among community partners and project implementors. Not only are the farmers updated with the latest farming technologies, they also feel valued and important as partners in total community development. 

CPAR farmer-cooperators have indeed become effective channels by which technology options become widely disseminated. Farmers and stakeholders are made aware of the benefits of these technology options, thereby hastening technology adoption at the community level.#