Exploratory study on storymaps as technique of generating information about farmers' realities

Date

1991

Abstract

An exploratory study on an alternative informationgeneration technique among farmers and rural people was conducted in February 1991. The study was in responseto the limitations of quantitative research methods inthe field, especially among rural audiences, and the need to encourage greater involvement of the respondentin the research process.The study used storytelling and mapping, twoinformal communication media, to generate informationabout farmers' realities, specifically in discovering causes of farmers' low incomes and what they believe as the solutions to their low income.Applying Paulo Freire's conscientization process in the research procedures, a group of farmer-leadersfrom Cabiao, Nueva Ecija were asked the questions, ""What keep you poor?"" and ""How can you rise from your Poverty?"" The study was held in Cabiao and at thePhilRice complex in Munoz, Nueva Ecija. Participants were asked to illustrate all the elements in their production cycle, and to draw diagrams connecting related elements in their production cycle. They were then asked to review and validate their storymaps, and to share their farming experiences, views, opinions, and solutions to their problem of low income.Results point to government-imposed economic and political structures which entrap farmers to low incomes, and poverty. While it is apparent that there are private enterprises that exploit farmers, like pesticide dealers, rice millers, usurers, traders and middlemen, their proliferation, power and influence are due to gcvernment's absence, lack of support and protection to the country's rice farmers. It is these businessmen and profiteers that government has been empowering all these years, and not the country's rice farmers, as claimed by the respondents.For farmers to rise from poverty, government must lead its full support to them. Farmers need the government to (1) put a balance in the price of farm inputs and palsy; (2) provide postharvest facilities; (3) stop collecting irrigation fees; (4) provide cropinsurance benefits due them; (5) enforce thegovernment's price ceiling for palay; (6) ease the lending procedures to non-government organizations.Results generated by the storymaps technique has been substantiated by several reports and literatures, showing its potential as a research tool among farmers and rural audience.

Document Type

Master Thesis

Language

English

LC Subject

Farmers -- Philippines -- Nueva Ecija

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 995 1991 D46 B38

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