Analysis of the Life Aspirations of Small-Hold Farmers and their Perceptions on Farming in Selected Agricultural and Non-Agricultural Zones in Calamba City, 2018

Date

1-2019

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Prof. Julieta A. Delos Reyes

Committee Member

Antonio Jesus A. Quilloy, Isabelita M. Pabuayon

Abstract

The study analyzed the aspiration levels and the farming perception of small-hold farmers in both agricultural and non-agricultural zones in Calamba City, Laguna. Specifically, it aimed to: describe the study area’s land-use plan and zone classifications; determine the socio-economic, farm characteristics, life aspirations and the perception and attitudes of respondents towards farming; assess the aspiration levels of both farmers situated in agricultural zones and non-agricultural zones in Calamba; determine the effect of respondents’ farming perceptions, socioeconomic and farm situation variables on their aggregate aspirations (aspiration index); and draw the policy implications of the results of the study.

A total of 71 farms of varying farm systems, 40 from Agricultural Zones – Looc, Lecheria, Canlubang (Upland), Sampiruan and another 31 from Non-Agricultural Zones –Majada, Sirang Lupa, Camaligan, Makiling and San Jose, Calamba City Laguna- were randomly sampled and personally interviewed using a pre-tested interview schedule. Life aspirations spanned three dimensions: income, wealth (non-productive assets) and aspired retirement age which was determined and measured through adopted and modified questionnaires. Additionally, a self-constructed questionnaire using Likert Scale was used to gain farmer’s general perception and attitude towards farming.

Tobit regression analysis was conducted to analyze the factors affecting farmers’ aggregate aspirations situated in agricultural (AZ) and non-agricultural zones (Non-AZ). For the AZ Tobit estimates, the farmer’s gender (male), married civil status, annual household income, and educational attainment positively affected farmers’ aspirations. Of these variables, only educational attainment and annual household income were found to also positively affect the aspirations of farmers situated in Non-AZs. In addition, total farm income and farm size were also significant factors affecting Non-AZ farmers’ aspirations, exclusively. The Spearman’s Rank correlation analysis was conducted to determine the effect of the farmers’ perception scores on their aggregate aspiration. Results of the correlation analysis show that the effect of perceptions and attitudes of farmers towards aspiration levels, though important, is statistically insignificant. This study confirms that aspirations do positively respond to opportunities whether through education or in this case also, through wider sources of income gained by family members and other activities outside the farm. Furthermore, farmers in Calamba whether situated in agricultural or non-agricultural zones value their farm life and the preservation of their lifestyle, albeit this attitude is not passed on to their children.

Recommendations included the following: implement projects or offer training that focus on farm entrepreneurship and/or non-farm activities; strengthen linkages between farmers of different barangays through information sharing; strengthen the capacity of BAFCs and open credit facilities; and provide information on the legalities and technicalities of land ownership, land sale, and tenancy rights.

Language

English

LC Subject

Agriculture, Farmers

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2019 A14 D46

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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