Improving Market Access for Smallholder Rice Producers in the Philippines (original) (raw)
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VOICES FROM THE FIELD: NEEDS OF SMALL-SCALE FILIPINO RICE FARMERS
This paper presents an assessment of needs and coping mechanisms of small-scale rice farmers in the Philippines. Various ethnographic methods were used in the study. Focus group discussions among farmers and key informant interviews among agricultural staff and extension workers were conducted in 51 villages of 19 municipalities in six provinces of the country. Household survey was conducted among 923 farmers in the provinces of Agusan del Norte, Iloilo and Isabela. The major needs faced by small-scale Filipino rice farmers ranged from overcoming biotic and abiotic stresses, economic sufficiency, structural sufficiency and enhanced knowledge in rice farm management & technologies. Sufficient capital prevailed to be the most common need in rice farming. Other specific needs include low input cost, higher paddy price, access to equipment and post-harvest facilities, adequate irrigation system, farm-to-market roads, overcoming biotic stresses such as pests and diseases, overcoming abiotic stresses such as flooding and drought, and improved knowledge on rice farm management and technologies. Some needs and constraints were found to be location-specific such as biotic and abiotic stresses, but were interrelated. Adoption of key technologies promoted in the PalayCheck system to increase rice production remains a great challenge since these technologies such as the site specific nutrient management are closely interrelated with timely availability of sufficient financial capital. Farmers were found to manage and cope by borrowing money from informal lenders who charge them with high interest rates, and traders that require farmers to sell their produce immediately after harvest with a low paddy price. These situations entrapped our rice farmers in a cycle of poverty, hence pro-farmer policies and programs that addressed real needs of farmers should be in place: easy access to formal financial institutions with low interest rates and simplified credit requirements; a competitive price for paddy; reduction in costs of inputs; livelihood programs to farmers and their households; access to post-harvest facilities; better irrigation systems and road infrastructures; and most of all, strengthening farmer organizations. A working multi-stakeholder partnership among farmer organizations, Department of Agriculture and local government units are imperative in addressing the needs of farmers to increase rice production, farming households' income and achieving the country's goal of rice self-sufficiency.
Sarhad Journal
| Factors influencing the output of rice produced and choice of marketing outlets among smallholder rural farming households are the main focus to improve rice production and increase the income of the farmers. Primary data were used for this study. Data were obtained using a well-designed well-structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were administered to two hundred and seven (207) smallholder rural rice farming households. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted. Data were analyzed using Multinomial Logit Model, Gini-Coefficient, Double-Log Regression Model, (Cobb-Douglas) and Principal Component Analysis. The results of the Multinomial Logit regression model show that among the significant factors that influence the choice of rice market outlets were: sex of the household head (P<0.10), educational level (P<0.10), access to credit facilities (P<0.05), extension services (P<0.01), price information (P<0.05), market information (P<0.01) and, marketing experience ((P<0.05). The value of Gini-Coefficient calculated was 0.91429. The observed inequality in income distribution among smallholder rural rice farmers was a reflection of inefficiency in the market structure for rice. The results of Double-Log Regression model revealed that quantity of rice output harvested was positively and significantly influenced by farm size (P<0.05), the quantity of seed planted (P<0.01), the volume of chemical applied (P<0.05), labour input (P<0.01), and contract farming (P<0.05). Quantity of fertilizer and expected price of output was negative and significant at (P<0.01), and (P<0.05) probability levels respectively. The coefficient of the multiple determinations (R 2) in the production model was 0.51. This signifies that the explanatory variables included in the model accounted for about 51% variations in the quantity of rice output harvested in the study area. Smallholder rice farmers were faced with the following challenges in rice production and market outlet choice which include: Fire outbreak, thieves, cattle herdsmen attack, flood occurrence, transportation problem, poor storage facility, inadequate capital, lack of land/ tractor, poor price, high cost of chemical, inadequate fertilizer, lack of improved seed, inadequate extension officers, and lack of credit facilities. This study recommends that new innovations and technology that targets increased productivity should be promoted, provision of adequate extension officers is needed, input market supply for provision of seeds, fertilizers and storage facilities should be made accessible to farmers, provision of rice processing equipment should be made available, contract farming and marketing should be encouraged for increased rice production and market out choice for profit maximization among rice farmers to eradicate poverty and improve their welfare.
International Journal of Multidisciplinary, 2023
This descriptive study was conducted to obtain baseline data on the rice production practices in the identified barangays of Cawayan, Masbate for the government to offer real-time intervention. A structured survey questionnaire was used to gather information on the socio-demographic characteristics and rice production practices of the farmers. Aging farmers in the three barangays of Cawayan were observed with an age ranging from 50-60 years old. About 61% of them are classified as small-scale farmers and been tilling the land for more than 31 years. Despite the years they have been in farming, they still belong to the poorest sector with a monthly family income of PHP 800.00. About 96% of the farms in the identified barangays are rain-dependent. Majority of the farmers find difficulty in identifying the variety they are using, and 73% of them used seeds from their previous harvest as planting materials. Land preparation is done through the use of animal-drawn plows and employs direct seeding to minimize expenses. The manual method of controlling weeds, insect pests, and harvesting was practiced by the farmers. The application of fertilizer employed by the farmers is not based on the recommended rate. In totality, farmers obtained breakeven or negative income from their production. The gaps in the farming practices of the farmers can be filled through a holistic and sustainable extension program like Mag-Uma Kaupod ang Pamilya (Farming Together with the Family) in which family members are involved in agricultural production to achieve sufficient and sustainable food for all.
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Low income is the main problem of millions of farmers who are cultivating 4.81 million hectares in the Philippines. This problem is attributed to challenges specifically low yield, low quality of produce, and significant post-harvest losses, particularly in a resource-scarce setting. This study aimed to help increase the farmers' income in selected towns of Nueva Ecija through the promotion and use of special purpose rice production technology. Twenty (20) farmer-cooperators in three towns of Nueva Ecija were selected to demonstrate the production technology covering a total area of 4.75 hectares during the dry season, and 3.3 hectares during the wet season, both in 2023. Extension modalities such as training, techno-demo establishment, information material and technical assistance provision, and market linkage were undertaken to enhance their knowledge, attitude, and skills on special rice production and enterprise. The study utilized the descriptive quantitative method wherein the data were gathered through surveys, specifically personal interviews. Results showed that 70% of the farmer-cooperators were male and 60% were living below the poverty threshold. The farmers were 53 years old on average and engaged in farming as their primary source of income. The average yield of special purpose rice particularly the CLS-2 variety was higher (6.46 MT/ha and 6.22 MT/ha during dry and wet seasons, respectively) than that of inbred or non-special rice. The income per hectare from special purpose rice production per hectare was Php 75,420.00, which is higher than that of regular rice at Php 29,389.00, giving a higher benefit of Php 46,031.
Changes in Rice Farming in the Philippines: Insights from Five Decades of a Household-Level Survey
Journal of Social Issues in Southeast Asia, 2017
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is the world's premier research organization dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and about 1,400 staff members representing 36 nationalities. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change. More than half of the rice area in Asia is planted to IRRI-bred varieties or their progenies. The institute develops new and improved methods and technologies that enable farmers to manage their farms profitably and sustainably, and recommends rice varieties and agricultural practices suitable to particular farm conditions as well as consumer preferences. IRRI assists national agricultural research and extension systems in formulating and implementing country rice sector strategies. The responsibility for this publication rests with the International Rice Research Institute.
Assessment of Key Players in the Special Rice Value Chain in Nueva Ecija, Philippines
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This study traced the special rice value chain, described the various players' roles, assessed the identified chains' performance, determined the constraints and opportunities, and identified interventions to improve the special rice value chain in the province. Key informant interviews with government and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) and surveys among different special rice value chain players were done. The special rice industry in Nueva Ecija is relatively limited and consists of aromatic, pigmented, and glutinous rice. The value chain mapping for special rice in Nueva Ecija starts downstream (traders) and moves upstream (input provider). Some of the identified constraints within the market levels of the chain are as follows: Farmers' limited access to affordable yet quality seeds, the volatility of the price of paddy rice in the market, and the rapid changes in the prices of production inputs, such as seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and others. Moreover, natural factors like typhoons, floods, droughts, insect pests, and weeds were noted. One major problem identified by the institutional buyers was the limited demand for special rice. To improve competitiveness, the special rice industry should focus on developing and promoting pest-resistant varieties and cost-reducing technologies. Furthermore, promoting special rice among consumers is needed to increase demand and encourage more farmers to engage in special rice production. The government agencies should continue supporting special rice farmers not only in production but also in postharvest and marketing aspects. Provision of seminars, trainings, and machinery related to special rice is recommended. Regression analysis using backward method of analysis was found to be significant in three (3) variables, namely, household size, years in school, and labor.
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EMPOWERING THE SMALLHOLDER FARMERS TO GAIN MORE PROFITABLE RICE PRODUCTION
Rice produced by smallholder farmers plays an important role in providing Indonesian food security where majority of the population are dependent on rice as the staple diet. This fact, however, does not necessarily make the smallholder farmers gain all the benefit from the rice they have been produced, including the financial profit. Improving the profitability of rice production in smallholding agriculture is often hampered by lack of human capital and access to infrastructure, market, and technologies. A series of programs were tailored for the smallholder farmers in Kemumu, North Bengkulu to improve their human capital, bargaining power, land productivity, market access, and eventually the financial profitability of the rice production processes as a whole. The programs were developed through value chain mechanism involving revitalization of the farmer group organization, development of farm gate seed merchandize, reduction the dependency on synthetic fertilizer, mentoring the on farm activities, development of the community rice processing, and development of rice marketing channels.
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Self-sufficiency is the objective of every agricultural country. This study determined the self-sufficiency in rice status of the Philippines by analyzing the fourteen rice-producing regions in the Philippines from 1992 to 2012. The researcher raised three hypotheses. Results of the analysis showed rejection of these three hypotheses implying that (1) Input factors affect production, consumption, and importation; (2) CAR and Central Visayas are the two most productive and efficient regions; and (3) Rice production and rice importation affect rice selfsufficiency positively, while rice consumption affects rice self-sufficiency negatively. Overall, the Philippines is not rice self-sufficient due to increasing gap between production and consumption.
Sarhad Journal of Agriculture
Factors influencing the output of rice produced and choice of marketing outlets among smallholder rural farming households are the main focus to improve rice production and increase the income of the farmers. Primary data were used for this study. Data were obtained using a well-designed well-structured questionnaire. The questionnaires were administered to two hundred and seven (207) smallholder rural rice farming households. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted. Data were analyzed using Multinomial Logit Model, Gini-Coefficient, Double-Log Regression Model, (Cobb-Douglas) and Principal Component Analysis. The results of the Multinomial Logit regression model show that among the significant factors that influence the choice of rice market outlets were: sex of the household head (P<0.10), educational level (P<0.10), access to credit facilities (P<0.05), extension services (P<0.01), price information (P<0.05), market information (P<0.01) and, marketing experience ((P<0.05). The value of Gini-Coefficient calculated was 0.91429. The observed inequality in income distribution among smallholder rural rice farmers was a reflection of inefficiency in the market structure for rice. The results of Double-Log Regression model revealed that quantity of rice output harvested was positively and significantly influenced by farm size (P<0.05), the quantity of seed planted (P<0.01), the volume of chemical applied (P<0.05), labour input (P<0.01), and contract farming (P<0.05). Quantity of fertilizer and expected price of output was negative and significant at (P<0.01), and (P<0.05) probability levels respectively. The coefficient of the multiple determinations (R 2) in the production model was 0.51. This signifies that the explanatory variables included in the model accounted for about 51% variations in the quantity of rice output harvested in the study area. Smallholder rice farmers were faced with the following challenges in rice production and market outlet choice which include: Fire outbreak, thieves, cattle herdsmen attack, flood occurrence, transportation problem, poor storage facility, inadequate capital, lack of land/ tractor, poor price, high cost of chemical, inadequate fertilizer, lack of improved seed, inadequate extension officers, and lack of credit facilities. This study recommends that new innovations and technology that targets increased productivity should be promoted, provision of adequate extension officers is needed, input market supply for provision of seeds, fertilizers and storage facilities should be made accessible to farmers, provision of rice processing equipment should be made available, contract farming and marketing should be encouraged for increased rice production and market out choice for profit maximization among rice farmers to eradicate poverty and improve their welfare.