An Analysis of Smallholder Banana Production and Marketing in Calauan and San Pablo City, Laguna

Date

6-2023

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Normito R. Zapata, Jr.

Committee Member

Melodee Marciana E. De Castro, Eliza C. Aquino, Mar B. Cruz

Abstract

Banana us considered one of the most important fruits in the world since it provides nutrition and income to many households globally. The Philippines is known as one of the biggest exporters of bananas in the world, which is why local businesses, either big or small, are venturing into this industry. Even in Laguna, banana farming is considered a source of business in almost all of its areas. This study entitled "An Analysis of Smallholder Banana Production and Marketing in Calauan and San Pablo City, Laguna" was conducted to assess the current practices and problems faced in the production and marketing of smallholders and analyze the prospects of banana smallholdings in these areas. It specifically aimed to: (1) describe the socio-demographic profile and farm profile of banana farmers; (2) discuss the production and marketing practices of banana smallholders; (3) examine the problems encountered by banana smallholders in their production and marketing; (4) analyze the prospects in smallholder banana production and marketing; and (5) formulate recommendations for the development of banana production and to address the current problems of smallholder banana production and marketing.

The descriptive research design was used in the study and an analytical framework was formulated to serve as a guide for the conduct of the study. A total of 72 smallholders were interviewed face-to-face through snowball sampling and eight (8) key informants were also informally interviewed. This became the source of the primary data for the study while publication and data from government institutions such as the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agriculture-Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (DA-RSBSA), DOST-PCAARRD, FAES-OPAg, and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), electronically published journals, websites, related books, manuscripts, and even publications from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) were the sources of the secondary data. The study used two data analysis tools which are the Cost and Return analysis and SWOT Analysis. The Cost and Return Analysis was used to evaluate the current profitability and performance of banana smallholdings while the SWOT Analysis was used to analyze the current practices of smallholder banana production concerning their internal and external environment.

The results showed that smallholders were mostly male and aged around 51 to 60 years old. The majority of them have about 31 to 40 years of farming experience since most of their lands were also inherited form their families or if not, the caretaking responsibility was just passed onto them. On average, their farmlands are 0.91 hectares wide. Almost all the smallholders cultivate the 'Saba' cultivar while some combine it with 'Latundan' and 'Lakatan'. Farmers harvest monthly and traders or viajeros regularly buy their banana produce in bulk. Theses bananas are distributed in different areas around Luzon such as Calamba, Sta. Rosa, Biñan, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Bulacan and Pampanga. The bagsakan or peak season of bananas is around August to November when it is usually raining while the lean season is around March to May when it is usually hot and dry.

The study identified six (6) problems among smallholders which include climate change and stronger typhoons that is also currently the major problem of smallholders in Calauan and San Pablo City. The incidence of diseases and pests was also a problem for farmers along with the low farm productivity caused by their poor production practices. In addition, small holders also experience controlled and low prices on their produce since they have low bargaining power. It was also found that there is currently a low involvement, non-functionality of associations, and lack of banana organizations which is also contributing to lowering the income of banana organizations which is also contributing to lowering the income of banana smallholders even more. Furthermore, farmers also complain about the deemed lack of support from the government and related institutions due to their delayed and unfulfilled assistance to them.

Based on the assessment of the current practices and problems faced by smallholder banana production the study recommends to smallholders that they: (1) practice weather and climate management; (2) adopt the recommended practices and use of tissue-cultured seedlings; (3) mobilize smallholder's organizations and cooperatives; and (4) sell other banana plant parts or by-products for additional income. For the government and related institutions, they are recommended to: (1) promote and provide tissue-cultured seedlings for smallholders; (2) provide logistical support to banana smallholders; and (3) establish banana value-addition facilities. Finally, the study also recommends to smallholders, the government, and related institutions to: (1) organize and participate in seminars and training sessions on banana farming and (2) establish banana associations or cooperatives.

Language

English

LC Subject

Banana industry, Production (Economic theory), Marketing

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993 2023 M17 P36

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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