Assessment of Disaster Preparedness of Shrimp Producers in Hagonoy, Bulacan

Date

5-2017

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Mar B. Cruz

Committee Member

Dinah Pura T. Depositario, Nohreen Ethel P. Manipol, Agnes T. Banzon

Abstract

This research assessed the disaster preparedness of shrimp farms operating in four municipalities; namely, Abulalas, San Agustin, Sta. Monica, and San Pedro in Hagonoy, Bulacan which recurrently experienced back-flooding or overflowing of water from the provinces of Nueva Ecija and Pampanga that is triggered by typhoon. The aim was to present the profile of the shrimp farmers and their enterprises, describe the behavioral characteristics of the farmers, determine the farms' current pre- and post-disaster practices, discuss the perceived level of preparedness of the farmers, analyze factors relating to preparedness of the enterprises, and lastly, recommend courses of action based on the findings of the study.

The analysis of the disaster preparedness of the fifty- six (56) non- randomly selected shrimp farms in the area of study was founded using the methods of in- depth interviews and observation among the shrimp farmers. The study used qualitative research and quantitative research methods composed of descriptive statistics including mean and frequency count as well as Spearman’s Rho and Point- Biserial correlation coefficient.

The analysis conducted was based solely on the perception of the farmers which explained why the results of some factors relating to preparedness particularly the risk perception, self- efficacy, optimistic bias, and locus of control are not parallel with the studies reviewed and thus subject to further study.

The respondents of this study ranges from 28- 75 years of age and most of them are male which implies that males are more involved in shrimp farming than females. Shrimp farms, operated as family business by most of the respondents, is the primary source of income for the majority.

Certain systems and methods of culture were employed by the respondents in cultivating shrimps that are marketed in various consignaciones in Hagonoy. In terms of manpower or labor, only a small number of workers are hired but outside help are employed if necessary, i.e. planting and harvesting season. The large initial and production cost of shrimp farming gave no choice to some farmers but to loan from their friends, family, or even informal money lenders.

As a further matter, the behavioral characteristics of the respondents were presented in the study. The risk perception of the farmers showed that capital was perceived to have the highest vulnerability followed by labor, market, and supply consecutively. Most farmers have lower self- efficacy and have lower optimistic bias. Lastly, nearly all farmers possessed an internal locus of control which is said to be more prepared, resilient, and self- sufficient than individuals with external locus of control.

Moreover, the research showed how farmers’ current risk reduction disaster measures were closely similar to each other although there are some variations including time and cost allotted for each activity. The level of preparedness of the enterprises was measured with reference to the four business resources which are capital, labor, supply, and market. The highest perceived level of preparedness was observed in labor since majority of the farmers employ their family members and therefore, manpower is always available and accessible even after the disaster. The lowest level of preparedness was reflected in the lack of communication of the farmers with their direct supplier/s regarding the necessary actions between them should be done before and after a disaster.

The factors relating to the level of preparedness- business characteristics, owners/ decision makers’ characteristics, and support sectors- all have weak correlation to the perceived level of disaster preparedness of the respondents. The strength of their correlation, although weak, gave insights as to why farmers differ in the level of preparedness.

In light of this, several recommendations were made to assist farmers in safeguarding and sustaining their enterprises. As for the farmers, it is recommended that they diversify their source of income, create or join organizations with a credit system fund, acquire insurance for their farms, and have strong ties with their laborers, suppliers, and customers to avoid any interruption in business operations. Moreover, support sectors are recommended to continue giving aid to the farmers before and after the disaster and develop programs concerning the improvement of shrimp production and management.

Language

English

LC Subject

Shrimp industry, Emergency management

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993 2017 M17 B39

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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