Effects of Typhoons and Floods on the Business Performance of Rice Farmers in Calauan, Laguna

Date

5-2016

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Maria Noriza Q. Herrera

Committee Member

Dia Noelle F. Velasco, Nohreen Ethel P. Manipol, Agnes T. Banzon, Dinah Pura T. Depositario

Abstract

This study generally determined the effects of typhoons and floods on the business performance of rice farmers in Calauan Laguna. Specifically, the study: 1.) presented the profile of the rice farmers and their farms; 2.) determined the effects of typhoons and floods to the business performance of the rice farmers through the four key business functions of production, marketing, finance, and human resources; 3.) identified the existing adaptation strategies; 4.) assessed the additional profits of adaptation strategies, and; 5.) recommended courses of action for farmers and the government.

A survey was conducted using a structured questionnaire to the 90 rice farmers who were selected using a snowball or convenience sampling from four barangays in Calauan, Laguna namely: Hanggan, San Isidro, Masiit, and Bangyas which are severely affected by typhoons and floods since 2009. An interview was also conducted to the Municipal Agricultural Office (MAO) of Calauan, Laguna to derive relevant information related to the effects of typhoons and floods to rice farmers. Other data presented in this study were obtained from secondary sources such as thesis, journals, newspapers, and others.

Results showed that the different business functions of production, marketing, finance, and human resources were affected by typhoons and floods. In terms of the production aspect, prices of farm inputs increased and zero harvest was experienced by farmers during typhoons and floods. In relation to marketing, the quality and the farm gate price were reduced. As for human resource, the typhoons and floods resulted to lack of manpower and those who could be tapped asked for higher wages. Finally, in relation to the financial aspect, a comparison on the cost and returns of users of long-term varieties versus the users of short-term varieties were made. The latter was considered less vulnerable to typhoons and floods. It was found that the net return of the users of short-term varieties was higher by Php 7, 280.00.

The researcher formulated different recommendations both for the farmers and the government. As regards to production, the farmers should utilize short-term, flood-tolerant and high-yielding varieties. Two of the best hybrid varieties recommended were the Scuba rice of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the ARIZE-TEJ variety of Bayer CropScience Philippines. Early harvesting and making adjustments in the cropping calendar season was also recommended. A proposed cropping calendar was discussed in the study wherein the farmers should schedule harvesting in months when typhoons and floods are less prominent. As for the marketing and financial aspects, the farmers should search for other ways to fund their operations and not merely rely on established buyers. For whenever there are typhoons and floods, farmers become price-takers. They can further process their produce into milled rice and sell directly to consumers to gain a higher mark-up. Furthermore, farmers can also apply for loans in microfinance institutions which are really intended for smallholder farmers. Lastly, in connection with human resource, the farmers should attend seminars to increase their knowledge on ways to adapt to climate adversities specifically floods and typhoons.

Government agencies in particular, Department of Agriculture (DA) should also help the farmers attain self-sufficiency by bringing back the subsidy system. This is because the farmers’ problems are not much on the lack of knowledge on how to adapt but more on the availability of resources needed to implement these adaptation strategies. Infrastructures must also be improved and monitored properly by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

Language

English

LC Subject

Natural disasters--Philippines, Business planning, Rice farming, Rice farmers

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993 2016 M17 A75

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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