Analysis of the Factors Affecting Farmers' Decision Relating to Farm Mechanization: The Case of Morong, Rizal Rice Farmers

Date

6-2022

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Gemma U. Reyes

Committee Member

Jewel Joanna S. Cabardo, Cris Edwin B. Bonalos, Mar B. Cruz

Restrictions

Restricted: Not available to the general public. Access is available only after consultation with author/thesis adviser and only to those bound by the confidentiality agreement.

Abstract

In Morong Rizal, many rice farms have been passed down for generations and are highly valued by the farmers. Farmers want to maximize the resources given to them, which is why they continue rice production despite the challenges. The town is known as a producer of rice in the province of Rizal. There are approximately 100 0 farmers who are members of 32 farming associations in the town. Some of these farmers use non-mechanized farming and some use mechanized farming. The presidents of Upper Hibihan Farmers Association and Matinik Farmers Association and Matinik Farmers Association provide assistance to farmers who wish to convert to mechanization to increase productivity. However, there are farmers who prefer to maintain their traditional approach to farming and do not wish to convert to a mechanized approach.

This study took a systematic approach to an empirical identification of the factors affecting the farmer's choice to either maintain their non-mechanized farming approach or convert mechanized farming. Furthermore, it examine the profile of the farmers in non-mechanized and mechanized farming, as well as identified the factors that either hindered or encouraged these farmers to mechanization. Identified factors included farm area location, land scarcity, knowledge to operation etc. Then for their record in price production, a comparison between the cost of production, operations, yield and income of non mechanized and mechanized farming.

The qualitative descriptive research design helped the researcher to analyze and discuss the different factors that affect the farmers’ decision on their decision in choosing between non-mechanized and mechanized farming. This includes factors determined from previous studies of (Wang et al. 2018), (Aryal et. al, 2019) and (Azadi et. al, 2019) and served as guides during the interviews This helped the researcher determine the factors that influence farmers’ decisions on whether to use mechanization or not. Non-mechanized and mechanized were compared through cost, operations, yield and income. This research design was helpful for the local farmers as well as the local government unit, as it helped generate recommendation for implementation of programs for rice farmers. The researcher also had an interview with the farmers that can help in making recommendations.

The results of the study showed that there are aging farmers who are converting to mechanization because they want to lessen the workload given their age and health conditions, while non-mechanized farmers are mostly younger and physically able to perform non-mechanized farm operations. It also showed that in general, both non- mechanized and mechanized farmers have small family with the majority having three to five household members.

The major factors that affect the farmers choice between non-mechanized and mechanized farming included: knowledge on operations; cost of production; land conversion and urbanization, as well as the effects of such on the next generation. There are farmers who lack knowledge in operating machines used for farm operations, that is why they remain with non-mechanized farming, while for mechanized farming they undergo demonstrations that helped them learned to operate. Cost of production also affects farmers specially those who engage non mechanized farming, as they are forced to have higher cost of inputs in particular, for buying fertilizers due to insufficient subsidy from the local government. Similarly, the conversion of rural areas to urban areas affects the non-mechanized farmers because they could be displaced or stand to lose their livelihood altogether. As for mechanized farmers, they want to showcase the potentials and opportunities in farm mechanization that can be leveraged to encourage the next generation to continue or engage in farming.

In terms of cost of production, non-mechanized farming is found to be cheaper or requires less capital, while in terms of working hours and number of laborers, mechanized farming is faster and requires less laborers. Yield of mechanized farming is greater compared to non-mechanized farming. This result also implies that while more profits can be realized through mechanized farming compared to non-mechanized farming, in terms of the return on investment, non-mechanized farming offers a higher return.

Research recommendation are then developed, including: 1) municipal agriculture office shall give consideration to the ability and economic capability of the farmer, presumably the reasons why these farmers opted to continue with the non-mechanized farming; 2) Municipal Agriculture Office should also setup a support program where they can educate farmers to diligently record all their expenses and costing so they can calculate their income correctly, and more farmers can be competent in increasing rice production. Adequate training should be provided to those who use mechanized farming while irrigation pumps should be provided to farmers who prefer not to use machines.

Language

English

LC Subject

Rice trade--Philippines, Farm mechanization, Rice famers, Decision making--Economic aspects

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993 2022 M17 F45

Document Type

Thesis

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