The Effects of Coping Strategies on the Production Level and Income of Aster Farmers during the Covid-19 Pandemic in Los Baños, Laguna, 2021

Date

6-2022

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Charis Mae T. Neric

Committee Member

Julieta A. Delos Reyes, Agham C. Cuevas

Abstract

The coronavirus disease or COVID-19 hit the Philippines and a nationwide lockdown was declared in March 2020. The Philippine economy suffered, particularly the agriculture industry since the country is primarily reliant on agriculture, including the aster farmers in Los Baños, Laguna. Aside from aster being not a necessity during the pandemic, their difficulties include transport of their harvest, acquiring inputs, demand, and oversupply of commodities. As a result, aster farmers opt to rely on coping strategies to cope up with the pandemic. The study was conducted to assess the effect of the coping strategies on the production level and income of aster farmers in Los Baños, Laguna.

A total of 38 aster farmers in barangay Bayog and Maahas, Los Baños, Laguna took part in the study, 20 from barangay Bayog and 18 from barangay Maahas. The list of respondents was collected from the municipal agriculture office (MAO). Primary data were gathered through personal interviews using pre-tested questionnaire. The study used several analytical tools. These included descriptive statistics, cost and returns analysis, t- test analysis, partial budget analysis, and chi-square test of independence.

Results of the study showed that the aster farmers in the study area employed three coping strategies: shifting to other farm-related sources of income, shifting to non-farm sources of income, and continuing aster farming. Specifically, listed under the farm-related sources of income were rice farming, selloum farming, aster farming, rice and aster farming, rice and vegetable farming, selloum and aster farming, vegetable and aster farming, and poultry and rice farming. On the other hand, listed under non-farm sources of income were sari-sari store, flower stall, and food delivery services. In terms of production level, the study determined that the production level during the pandemic (701.80 kg per hectare) was less than the production level before the pandemic (6,825.37 kg per hectare). The cost and return analysis results showed that the average net income of aster farmers during the pandemic (PHP 16,228.11) was less than the average net income before the pandemic (PHP 25,271.25). The t-test proved that the there is a significant decrease on the production level and average net income before and during the pandemic at 5% probability level. The partial budget analysis also showed that out of the 11 specific coping strategies, only five were beneficial to the respondents: selloum farming, aster and selloum farming, aster farming, flower stall and food delivery service. Lastly, chi-square test of independence revealed that tenurial status and household income of farmers significantly influenced the choice of coping strategies.

The study recommended the establishment of necessary policies on sudden catastrophes to help in prepare for the long-term consequences. This also include financial assistance and compensation to the affected farmers. In addition, trainings and seminars on other sources of income should be established. Also, it is recommended for farmers to consider organizing a cooperative to help them gain capital when unexpected event happened.

Language

English

LC Subject

COVID-19—economics, Agriculture

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993.5 2022 A14 A38

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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