Myra E. David, Ruth A. Ortega-Dela Cruz, Ephraim C. Quiñones |
Instt. for Gover. and Rural Develp., College of Public Affairs and Develp., Univ. of Philippines
Abstract
The Philippines’s Department of Agrarian Reform seeks to
determine the feasibility of the organically-grown rice-based
farming and marketing project when implemented in Oriental
Mindoro, The Philippines. Using the qualitative study approach,
two irrigator’s associations (IA) were assessed by holding key
informant interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with
IA officers and non-IA members or a community. IAs’ needs
were assessed by their: (a) organizational capacities, i.e., vision,
mission, goal, structure, members’ participation, fiscal resources,
community network, and registration and (b) enterprise capacities,
responsiveness of proposed common service facility to needs,
and nature of professional services to be provided. Suitability
of design was assessed by the: (a) quality and relevance of
objectives and design; (b) potential sustainability and expansion;
and (c) viability in terms of community participation, gender
equality, and environmental sustainability. Results of SWOT
analyses indicate common findings among the associations and
their community. Both have initial experience with small-scale
organic farming and are in close proximity to potential high-end
markets. However, characteristics distinct to each of the IAs
are found. One IA has a perennial problem with its main water
canal whereas the other has no other income stream aside from
its limited membership fees. Given the results, the following
recommendations were drawn: build the organizational capacity of
the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Organizations (ARBOs) through
continuous leadership and governance trainings; assist them in
adding a business development component/committee to their
organizational structures; and provide them with brand new quality
farm equipment that suits the local situation.
Keywords: Irrigators Association, Marketing, Needs and Design Assessment, Oriental Mindoro, Organic, Rice-based Farming, The Philippines
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