1

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Farming has always been an essential and awarding job that helps provide the

needs of very family and individuals as well as sustain the economy of our nation.

Throughout the history of men, farming played a major vital role in supplementing the

ever growing needs of mankind. Over these past years, agriculture had been consider a

stable pillar of society that we mankind acknowledge. This provides majority of our basic

needs for food all while utilizing the nature’s gift.

Furthermore, agriculture paved the way for more comprehensive and scientific

understanding in the effective and efficient use of the natural resources. Farmers

particularly agri-business farmers utilize and use the gift of nature to create and provide

products that families used and consumed. This profession is great. They are considered

noble in their profession. Without them we may have difficulty in surviving.

However, it is observed that nowadays the population of farmers specifically small-

scale agri-business farmers are drastically decreasing. In one statement of the Samar

Representative Edgar Sarmiento (2017), he said that the country is losing at least 1

percent of agricultural workforce annually. It is supported by the statistical data of the

Philippine Statistic Authority (2013-2015) saying that from 2013-2015 the country is losing

0.56 percent to 1.39 percent of agricultural work force on average. Additionally, the

numbers of Filipinos involved in the agricultural sector decrease from 31 million Filipinos

in 2013 to only 29.1 million Filipinos in 2015 (PSA, 2013-2015).

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Moreover, the area of land used for farming are now slowly converted to

commercial and industrial buildings and infrastructures. Thus, pushing our small-scale

farmers to move to a less accessible and urbanized locations. Despite of the satisfaction

and promise of this sector, small-scale agri-business farmers are decreasing in the

number. The new generations are finding less interest in this type of business venture.

Also, the remaining populations of small-scale agri-business farmers are facing

challenges in their business.

Multi-factorial variables results to the problem and challenges that farmers

particularly the small-scale agri-business farmers are facing. These factors may be

directly or indirectly proportional to each other. Thus, there is a need of an adequate

review and study of the problem. Also, these multi-factorial variables may reflect one or

more aspect of society. Further and thorough investigation is needed.

In interpreting these multi-factorial problems, it is important to know, reflect, and

understand the perspective and thoughts of the farmers who are in the center dealing

with multiple challenges and difficulties. In this way we can effectively understand the

feelings of the farmers and formulate interventions to the problem.

The study aims to understand and determine the underlying thoughts and

perspectives of the small-scale agri-business farmers regarding on the difficulties and

problems that they are facing. More importantly, the study seeks to answer the following

questions:

1. What are the difficulties and challenges that an agri-business farmer is facing,

2. How hard is it to become an agri-business farmer?

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3. As an agri-business farmer, how do you deal with the problem and challenges that

you encounter?

This research entitled ‘’the challenges and difficulties of small scale agri-business

farmers’’ is designed to determine and undertake the problems, challenges and difficulties

of the small scale agribusiness farmers. Furthermore, the research was made to know

and gather the respective experiences, opinions and perceptions of individuals that are

engaged in agribusiness particularly the small scale agri-business. The study's context is

only limited to the vicinity of the city of Butuan. Qualified respondents are the bonified

inhabitant and citizen of Butuan City. Whose agribusiness and/or farm are, within the

boundaries of the city of Butuan.

The purpose of this phenomenological study is to understand, know, and describe

the underlying causes, effects, as well as the challenges and problem of the small scale

agri-business farmers in their area of work particularly to the farmers in the vicinity of the

city of Butuan. At this stage in the research, the challenges and difficulties of the small

scale agri-business farmers will be defined as the phenomenon of the small scale agri-

business farmers in maintaining and surviving the factors that makes their livelihood

difficult.
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CHAPTER II

LITERATURE REVIEW

This chapter deals with the journals, articles, and literatures that bear significance

to the construction of the study. Various readings from electronic references, books,

articles, and websites are made in order to better help the researchers know and

understand the phenomena.

Farm Land Conversion:

One of the staple sectors of the Philippines is the sector of agriculture. We depend

much on this sector for our needs and consumption of food. The problem is, as the nation

is growing in population and economy our agricultural sectors and area is also decreasing

(Villareal, 2011).With the nation’s growing population and the continuous of 95 million as

of 2011 and the rapid decline of agricultural area to 10.3 million hectares. There is a

narrow ratio of only 1080 sq. meters of farm land for each Filipino (Porcalla, 2017). This

so little land area is required to produce all the food, fibres and other requirement of the

growing nation.

Additionally, over these past years more and more agricultural areas have been

converted to either economical and/or residential establishments. One good example of

this is the case of Sicogon, a small island in Ilo-ilo province. Calbido and Cruz (2017)

stated that as of 2016, majority of the 334.6 hectares of agricultural area in Sicogon have

been developed into a commercial and tourism hotspot completed with malls, hotels and

even a 1.2 km airstrip.

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These increasing farm land conversion is not very good news to the farmers. As

the land available for farming decreases so do the opportunity of the farmers to plant and

grow crops that are needed to maintain the growing needs of the population.

The farm land conversion in Sicogon is only a few of the whopping 97,592.5

hectares of agricultural land were converted to commercial and industrial area between

1988 and 2016 Department of Agrarian Reform (2016). This land area is as big as the

size of Cebu and Metro Manila combined. This conversion happened due to the effect of

the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL). To make things worse, it does not

include the conversion of the pending applications reclassified by the LGU’s as well as

the illegally converted farm lands Subingsubing (2017)

These agricultural farm land conversions is so prevalent and alarming that the

Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) issued a 2 year ban in the application and

conversion of agricultural farm land Mariano (2016). With the total of 57,283.7 hectares

of converted farm land approved by the national office, 80.6 percent is from the area of

Luzon with the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon (Calabarzon).

7.8 percent from Visayas and 11.6 percent from Mindanao Philippine Statistic Authority

(PSA, 2015).

Accessibility and Finances Problem:

Due to these rampant agricultural land conversions, farmers are pushed further to

the areas that are not urbanized with little or no proper accessible road and infrastructures

to aid them. Pangulayan (2016) argues that over the course of the CARL implementation
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4.7 million hectares of land are given to almost 2.7 million farmers but it is uncertain if

they are still using these given lands.

In a survey entitled The 2016 Fall Agricultural Lender Survey conducted by the

Kansas State University and Georgia University (2016), it showed the indication that the

farmers particularly small-scale agribusiness farmers are slowly showing less cash flow

with more short term borrowing to operate and debt. More surprisingly, there is an

increase of farmer inability to pay their debt and giving up their land as collateral value

Voorhis (2016).

Although the total collective percentage of loan unable to pay or fulfil are minimal

it is still rapidly rising which will result to a much worse interest rates. Up until the late

2014 and early 2015, farmers show an alarming decline in the strong and profitable prices

to maintain their production. At the start of the year 2015 food prices fallen which greatly

affected the farmers production capabilities Voorhis (2016).

As a result, more and more individuals are discouraged to go in the business of

farming supported by the statement of Sarmiento (2017) that our country is losing on

average of at least 1 percent of our agricultural manpower annually. In a survey conducted

by the Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) in 2013-2015, the country is losing between

0.56 to 1.39 percent of agricultural farmers on average. This translates as a loss of 31

million male agricultural farmers and 29.1 million female agricultural farmers between

2013 and 2015 PSA (2013-2015).

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Climate Change and Weather Problems:

Nowadays, farmers also face the brink of total annihilation due to the emerging

climate change and global warming. As mentioned by the Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA), agriculture and fisheries are highly dependent on climate. As such, small

increase or decrease in the climate, temperature, and CO2 concentration in the air will

drastically affect the crops and livestock EPA (2017). On a report of the USGCRP (2010)

many crops failed to cope to the ever changing environmental instability despite of the

significant aid from modern technique and technologies in farming.

This indicates the increase in the average percentage of failure and damage to the

crops of the agricultural farmers. With the ever changing climate, pollutants in the

environment and depletion of the ozone layer the farmers will probably have huge

difficulty in sustaining and providing agricultural product to the people.

Also, report shown by the EPA indicates that crops tend to suffer drastically in the

event of climate change. Over $220 million of crops damage were reported to EPA 2010

and 2012 due to the alternating temperature increase and warm winter effect in Michigan

EPA (2012). Weed, fungi and other harmful pest also thrives in warmer temperatures

wreaking havoc to the crops of farmers and environment. All this, not to mention the el

Niño and la Niña phenomenon which alone causes major damages to the crops of

multiple farmers.
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CHAPTER III

DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

This chapter focuses on the general and overall approach of the research and its

primary objectives. It contains the description of the participants’ as well as the site of the

study and the sampling technique used. Moreover, it also discusses the role and

responsibility of the researchers, collection of the data and its analysis. In addition, this

chapter will also show the process and how the researchers establish credibility.

Overall Approach and Rationale:

The researchers used the qualitative method for this study. Qualitative research

according to Denzin (2011) is a type of inquiry or research method that is chiefly

exploratory. It implies emphasis on collecting non-numerical data and is used to seek

knowledge and understanding. Additionally, the phenomenological approach was the

type of research design utilized. According to Lester (2010), phenomenology is a type of

research approach that highlights the information and perception on a specific

phenomenon that the research participants have experienced. The researchers sought

to find the point of view and perception of the small scale agri-business farmers with

regards to the challenges and difficulties that they are experiencing in their respective

work. This is done for the researchers to understand the reasons behind the drastic

population depletion in the agricultural workforce particularly the small scale agri-business

farmers.
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Site, Population Selection, and Sampling Strategies:

The interview and data collection will be conducted at Brgy. Pigdaulan located

southeast of the City of Butuan. The researchers will apply the availability sampling for

this study. This strategy is a non-probability method which includes collecting data from

selected population subjects who are available and of accessible proximity which makes

it convenient for the researchers as to mention by Saunders (2012). Five (5) nearby and

available small scale agri-business farmers are chosen to participate in an interview.

Access, Role, Reciprocity, Trust and Rapport:

Prior to the interview, the researchers will submit a letter asking for permission to

conduct a study in barangay Pigdaulan to the current barangay chairman. The

researchers’ role is to seek and collect data by conducting an interview and to gather all

the collected information to come up with answers to the research questions. These in

return would be of benefit to the participants as the researchers will update them from

time to time on the gradual improvement on the study. The researchers will guarantee to

the subject that the confidentially would be observed during and after the interview. It will

be then explained that the collected data would be solely be for the research purposes

only credited by the Agusan Senior High School Department. The interviewers shall retain

a friendly and harmonious relationship with the interviewee by maintaining an emphatic

and noncritical exterior.

Ethical and Political Considerations

Ethical considerations as defined by Grady (2010) are norms that distinguish right

from wrong. These codes provide basic guidelines to avoid misconduct. Bryman (2012)
 10

discussed ethical and political considerations as observed actions to avoid strain on the

research process. The researchers shall acquire full consent from the research

participants before carrying on with the interview which would be with honesty and

transparency between the exchange of the interviewer and interviewee. The researchers’

opinions and personal political views will not influence, interfere, nor reflect the end result

of the research.

Data Collection Method

The researchers used the interview technique for the method of data collection.

Interview as stated by Brinkmann (2014) is a conversation where information is produced

through a one-to-one interaction between the researcher and the participants or

interviewee. The participants were interviewed via face to face technique. The

researchers prepared questions which avoided the use of discriminatory and offensive

language along with that the materials needed for conducting the study are also prepared

as well as the papers needed for writing down the answers. After that, the interview

questions were finalized and maintained with the objectivity through the research.

Participants were selected with voluntary participation from the research site via

availability sampling strategy. Those who are conveniently accessible and of close

proximity or range are those who are picked to be the participants.

Data Analysis Procedures

The researchers recorded the interview proper and write down notes upon starting

as well as securing an adequate level of anonymity. The participants were reminded that

the confidentiality is observed and were updated on the research. After the interview, the
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transcribed responses were categorized into themes corresponding to the central

question. The researchers cross checked the themes formed with the literature review.

Then, the data findings were further backed up with related literature. The result and

findings were concluded and represented unbiased.

Procedures to Address Trustworthiness and Credibility

Trustworthiness as defined by Olivia (2017) can be considered by establishing the

truth of the research’s finding and how applicable it is to other contexts and

circumstances. The researchers provide sufficient information of the research context to

meet the credibility criterion. The true picture of the phenomenon was shown to address

reliability. Consents were asked from the participants prior to the interview. The

participants were informed that their privacy and comfort would be the researcher’s

priority. Their anonymity also remained undisclosed to further protect the interest of the

participants.
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Chapter IV

RESULTS

The collected statements, ideas, perspectives, and experiences of small scale

Agribusiness farmers upon the interview were gathered, analyzed, and converted from

spoken words into text in order to fully extract and capture the sense and ideas that the

participants wanted to convey. Furthermore, the data were analyzed and presented

unbiased and transparency is observed at all times. The following themes were formed

as a result of the analysis.

Theme 1: Financial Instability. One of the major problems and/ or challenges that a

small scale agribusiness farmer undertakes is the financial instability. Farmers need

money to properly finance or fund their crops and/or agricultural productions. The problem

is, due to the current economical inflation; farmers find it difficult to fund their crops and

agricultural productions. Participant A mentioned “Sa akoang pagsugod kaniadto

naglisod gyud ko sa financing sa basakan” (In the start, I have difficulty in the funding of

my farm land) indicating that even way before, farmers are already suffering from the

problem of financial instability.

Moreover, the researchers found out that many of the farmers depend on the

financial aid and/or support of other private lending companies to further sustain their
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agricultural production. This claim is supported by the statement of participant B stating

that: ”Kanang financing… maglisod mi og pangita og kanang mu financing sa amoang

basakan.” (Uhm, Finances… we have a problem in finding people that will fund our

farmland) This means that they do not have all the capabilities to financially establish their

Agricultural activities without the risk of borrowing money from other lending companies

and/or individuals.

Theme 2: Farm-to-Market Transportation Difficulties. Farm-to-market roads are

essential for the safe and accessible way to transport the goods and/or services that a

small scale agribusiness farmer’s produce. It enables the farmers to trade within the city

area without the risk of possible spoilage of agricultural products due the extremely long

and risky travels. As such several farm-to-market roads were introduced to maximize the

potential of farm product trading.

However, not all farmers could access these several few farm-to-market roads.

Also, vehicular availability with in the farmlands area were obviously limited .this is one of

the case that small scale agribusiness farmers are facing. As stated by Participant E:

’’Kanang, kuan… sa pagpanaog sa produkto sa syudad. Layo kaayo ni siya, wala pa gyud

sakyanan’’ (Uhm… the transportation of the products to the city. It is very far, and we

don’t have proper vehicles to travel).

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Although farmers show promising potential in their products they are having a

difficult time in transporting their crops. They also fear that their products will be damage

and/or spoiled due to the bumpy and unfinished market road. Due to these, some farmers

have been discouraged to sell their products in the market, as showed by the response

of participant C: ‘’ Wa may saktong sakyanan og kalsadsa nga akoang magamit. Basin

unya manglata ang mga gulay ba’’ (There are no proper vehicle and road that we can

use. Our products may be damaged).

Theme 3: Weather and Climate Unpredictability. Climate change is one of the

problems that the world is facing nowadays. Farmers are no exception to this. Weather

and climate behavioral pattern greatly affects the farming method, approach as well as

the types of crops to be produced. As such, it is without a doubt that with the intensified

behavioral anomalies of the climate, farmers will suffer from crops failure.

As participant C put it: ‘’ Dili na nato matagnaan ang panahon. Lisusd gyud kaayo

siya’’ (We cannot predict the weather. It is really hard). With these said, farmers are

challenged to cope up and adjust to these drastic climate shifts.

Due to these Problems, several cases of extreme crop production difficulty were reported.

Farmers are having a hard time growing their crops and adapting to the ever changing

climate pattern. This problem is clearly depicted in the statement of participant D saying
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that:’’ Nag lisod gyud mi… dili naman gyud nato matagnaan ang klima. Usahay muinitlang

og kalit. Usahay pos mukalit lang og ulan.’’ (We are having a difficulty… We cannot predict

the climate. Sometimes it will suddenly be hot. Sometimes it will suddenly rain.)

Theme 4: Manpower Deficiency. Labor intense work/activities needed great amount of

manpower in order to fully accomplish the task. As such, with great amount of workloads

comes great amount of manpower. The need for adequate amount manpower is one of

the problem that Agribusiness farmers.

Upon interviewing the participants, it was then found out that most of them have

difficulties in obtaining workers and/or manpower to accomplished the labor intense

activities’ that the farmlands requires.

As stated by Participant E: ‘’ Wala, usahay gamay ray tao nga mag atiman sa

bukid’’ (Sometimes only few workers that will maintain the farm) implying that there is a

very limited quantity of manpower/workforce which cannot sustain the growing demand

and needs of the farmlands.

Other than that, manpower deficiency in agricultural crop production may also be

the effect of financial instability. In one statement of Participant D he stated that:’’ Dili man

pud mi makakuha og tao nga mutrabaho sa uma kay wala mi kwarta ika bayad’’ (We

cannot easily get workers that will work in the farm because we don’t have the capacity
 16

to pay them) indicating that not only the number of workforce is limited but also the

financial capabilities of farmers to fund such workforce needed

Theme 5: Agricultural Crop sustenance. One of the challenges in agribusiness is the

maintenance and sustenance of agricultural crops and/or products. The growth and

development stage of plants is the most tiring and crucial part of the job. It is in this time

that the plants/crops are vulnerable to the outside threat such as pest infestation.

According to participant B" Kanang kadaghanan sa mga pananum kay madaot

kay tungod anang kuan...mga piste." (Most of the crops are damaged because of the

pest). Due to these, a lot of farmers suffer from a decrease in crops production as a result

of serious damage of the agricultural products.

Maintaining the newly planted crops/plants is not an easy job. It required a meticulous

work in order to ensure its successful growth and development. This is supported by

Participant A stating that "Ang lisod buhaton Kay ang pag amping amping sa tanum aron

Dili mamatay". (The difficult thing to do is to maintain the crops so that it will not die.)

Aside from the previously mentioned pest infestation there are many factors that

may affect and/or contribute to the problem. These are as follows: climate weather

instability, workforce deficiency and many more.

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With these said farmer's crops productivity will most likely decrease. These

translate to a drastically lower income for the farmers. Furthermore, this would allow

results to lower quantity of agricultural products in the market that indicates to an increase

in the price of several agricultural commodities

CHAPTER V

DISCUSSIONS
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This chapter presents the discussions of the implication, recommendation and

conclusion based on the data gathered, and analyzed in the previous chapter. The

Difficulties and challenges of the small-scale agribusiness farmers were studied and

analyzed in order to fully comprehend the problem.

This study attempted to understand the underlying thoughts, perspective, and

ideas of the small-scale agribusiness farmers regarding their increasing problems and

difficulties. As the researchers analyzed the data the following themes were formed: 1)

Financial Instability and Problem, 2) Farm-to-market road difficulties, 3) Weather and

Climate Unpredictability, 4) Manpower deficiency, and 5) Agricultural Crop sustenance

The participants mentioned that they suffer from these problems. In the study

Conducted by the Kansas University and Georgia University (2016) in which they

discussed the direct effects of financial problem to the daily activities of the Agribusiness

farmers it is stated that farmers tend to have difficulties in raising enough financial capital

to fully support their production. Also as stated in the "2016 Fall Agricultural Survey

"(2016) the indication of less cash flow were reported by the farmers especially small

scale agribusiness farmers.

In addition, farmers were also reported to have difficulties in finding accessible

ways to transport their agricultural products to the city. Although there are several farm-
 19

to-market roads that enable transportation, not all farmers could access these roads. As

such, this results to a more risky and expensive way at transporting such products.

According to Garcia (2014), poor rural farmers experience a more risky and

expensive transport due to the fact that there are no proper market roads. When these

deliverers were delayed the quality of the crops as well as their price and sales are

significantly affected.

Also, in a report of Rodriguez (2015), he stated that some farmers would just let

their products not rather than spend for transportation. This indicates a great impact to

the producers and consumers. Researchers also discovered that climate change plays a

major factor that underlines the challenges of the farmers. Weather and climate plays an

important role in agriculture crops production is greatly dependent to the weather and

climate behaviors.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that even a small increase or

decrease in climate, temperature and Co2 concentration may drastically affects the

Agricultural productions (EPA, 2017). According to Milius (2017) climate change affects

agriculture in a numbers of ways, including through changes in average temp. Rainfall

and extreme climate pattern shift. As a result these introduce several numbers of
 20

challenges to the farmers such as diseases, pests, sudden atmospheric carbon dioxide

increase and ground -level ozone concentrations.

Despite of technological advances like improved varieties, genetically modified

organisms, and irrigation system weather is still a key factor in agricultural productivity.

Farming has always been a labor intense and exhausting Job. Farmland activities

required a considerable amount of manpower to operate. Crops production, maintenance

and Harvest all required certain, different set of labor and/or manpower. Over these past

few years the amount of agricultural area converted into domestic and residential

establishment (Cruz, 2017).

Due to the drastic decrease in the availability of Farmland many of the farmers lose

their farmland which in turn results to them losing of their Jobs. According to the report of

the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the Philippines is losing on average of 1.39

percent of agricultural farmers which is periodically increasing every year (PSA,

2015).These decrease can be translated as a loss of 2.9 million farmers from 2013 to

2015 with these said it's no wonder why farmers are having difficulties in obtaining man

power /labor to work in theirs farm land.

Lastly, the researchers come up with the realization that one of the obstacles that

a small scale agribusiness farmer is undertaking is me difficulty in the maintenance of the

 21

crops. Nowadays it is observed that due to the effects of both the natural and man-made

factors the crop production is increasingly difficult. Climate change affects the productivity

of the crops. Crops tend to be damage due to the uncertain climate shifts. Additions,

climate change introduce to problems such as diseases to crops and pest infestation

(EPA, 2013). With these farmers most likely have a great difficulty in sustaining their

crops. *Implication to

Implication for Educational Practice

Being a small scale agribusiness farmer is a challenging yet rewarding Job. It is

full of nobility and satisfaction. This study shows the significant importance of the small

scale agribusiness farmers in the building and development of the community.

Furthermore, these study aim to know and identify the problems difficulties and

challenges of the small scale agribusiness farmers. In these ways we can further relate

to the things that they encounter every day. In doing so we may able to formulate probable

solution and intervention to address the problem. Additionally, we know that a more

thorough analysis should be done to fully comprehend this problem thus; this study is an

important step to a more in-depth investigation of the problem. This study may serve as

a reference for future researchers that aim to further study and understand the problems.

Recommendation for Future Research

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The study seeks to know and understand the problems and difficulties of the small

scale agribusiness farmers; furthermore, this phenomenological study focuses mainly in

identifying the roots and causes of the problem. Thus, its results show the underlying

factors that contribute to the increasing difficulties of the farmers. As a result, this research

study is only limited to identifying and understanding the factors that causes the problems

of the small scale agribusiness farmers.

It is recommended that future researchers focus on the impact of challenges to the

agribusiness farmers and further investigation on the causes of these problems.

Concluding Remarks:

In conclusion, farming is indeed a staple Job that helps sustain the needs of an

individual as well as the society. It serves a vital role in the sustenance and survival of

mankind. Additionally, Agriculture paved the way of scientific innovations and

development. As such, farming is important. Not new to today’s knowledge, farmers suffer

from different problem that greatly affect and impact in their production of crops.

The following problems are shown to deeply impact farmers, financial

sustainability, farm-to-market road deficiency, weather and climate change problem,

manpower decrease, and plant sustenance. The results of the study show that, these

problems also affect certain aspects of the society such as economics, unemployment

rate infrastructure and weather issues.

Therefore, it is important to better know and comprehend the implication of these

effects. These problems do not just affect the life of the farmers but also the life of every
 23

individual in the society. Understanding its causes is necessary in solving the problems.

Thus, this study is an important step for a better comprehension of the problems

REFERENCES:

Calbodo, J. Cruz, M. Subingsubing, K. (2017). Many farms lost to land conversion.

Retrieved, July 18, 2018 from
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https://www.google.com.ph/amp/newsinfo.inqiurer.net/876377/many-farm-lost0to-land-
conversion/amp
Conde, R. (2016) What are the problems of agriculture in the Philippines? Retrieved, July
9, 2018 from https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-problem-of-agriculture-in-the-
phillipines
Elauiar, M. (2015). Farm Land Policy and Financing Program for Young Generation in the
Philippines. Retrieved, July 21, 2018 from https://ap.fftc.agnet.org/ap_db.php?=448
Environmental Protection Agency (2017). Climate impacts on Agriculture and Food
Supply. Retrieved, July 9, 2018 from https://19january2017snapshot.epa.gov/climate-
impacts/climate-impacts-agriculture-and-food-supply_.html
Krugger, F. (2017). What are the problems of agriculture in the Philippines? Retrieved,
July 19, 2018 from https://www.quora.com/What-are-the-problem-of-agriculture-in-the-
phillipines
Rizki, M. Shafiai, M. (2014). Financial Problems among farmers in Malaysia: Islamic
Agricultural Finances as a possible solution. Retrieved, July 10, 2018 from
https://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/ass/article/view/44257/24082
Tiwari, R. (2016). The transportation problem of Indian farmers. Retrieved, July 15, 2018
from https://www.quora.comAs-a–farmer-what-are-some-of-your-biggest-problems-with-
transport
Villareal, R. (2011). Filipino farmers face decreasing arable land. Retrieved, July 14, 2018
from https:// www.bic.searca.org/news/2011/nov/phi/04b.html.
Voorhis, D. (2016). No crisis yet, but situation worsening, expert says. Retrieved, July 18,
2018 from
https://www.google.com.ph/amp/amp.kansas.cpm/news/busines/agriculture/article1224
811224.html
White, C. (2016). As farmer, what are some of your biggest problem with Transport?
Retrieved, July 17, 2018 from https://www.quora.comAs-a–farmer-what-are-some-of-
your-biggest-problems-with-transport

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: Interview Guide

Interview Protocol
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Time of Interview: ___________

Date: _____________________

Place: Agusan National High School, Butuan City

Interviewer: ______________________________

Interviewee: ______________________________

This study is entitled: “Land Treasures: Difficulties of Agri-Business Farmers”. This

seeks to find the answers to research questions relevant to the difficulties and challanges

of small scale agri-business farmers. Below are the questions to be used during the

interview proper:

1.) What are the problems and difficulties of the agri-business farmers?

2.) How hard is it to become an agri-business famer?

1.) Unsa man ang mga kalisod nga imong naagian sa pagtanum sa imong mga

baligya?

2.) Unsa ka lisod ang pagtanum sa mga gulay og producto nga imong ibaligya?

3.) Unsa may mga laing problema nga imong gi atubang isip usa ka agri-business

farmer?

3.) How do you deal with the problems and challenges that you encounter?

1). Giunsa nimo pag solbar ang mga maong problema? Nakatabang ba ang

gobyerno nimo?
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APPENDIX B: Transcriptions and Translations of the Interviews:

Participant A

What are the problems and difficulties of the agri-business farmers?

 27

Isip usa ka mag-uuma daghan koy nasinati nga mga kalisud. Sa akoang pagsugod

kaniadto namublima gyud mi sa financing sa basakan. Pubri raman mi maong dili namo

ma saktuhan ug Finance sa amoang uma. Naya naglisud pud mi tungod sa kanang

tungod sa kalayo diri sa bukid, lisod gyud kaayo ang pagpanaog sa syudad kay wala man

gyud sakyanan nga magnaog didto sa amoang tanom.

How hard is it to become an agri-business famer?

Lisod gyud siya dili lalim ang trabaho sa basakan. Init, lapok ug salimuut kaayo

ang trabaho sa uma.

Mao to siya, Kuan, lisod ang Financing kay usahay walay mupahulam ug kwarta

aron ipangpalit ug mga gamitunun sa uma, kana pong pagtrabaho lisod gyud siya, kuan

man gyud, dili gyud lalim ang pagtrabaho sa umahan, ako isip usa ka mag uuma maglisod

gyud ko sa pang adlaw adlaw nga trabahuon sa basakan.

Kuan, dili man sa lisod gyud kaayo ang pagtanom sa gulay… Ang lisod nga

buhatonon kay ang pag-amping-amping aron dili siya mamatay… Kay uhm… Usahay

man gyud mangamatay ang tanan tungod kay daghan, uhm kanang mga mananap ng

mukaon sa tanom.

Pagka karon namoblima mi sa kanang mao to, Financing sa basakan, ug

kadtong failure sa uma… Kadtong aning dali nga pagkapatay sa mga tanom. Kay wala

naman mi’y mabaligya kang mangamatay ang tanom.

 28

3.) How do you deal with the problems and challenges that you encounter?

Uhm.. Magtinabangay nalang siguro aron masulbar ang mga maong problema mao ra

siguro to…

Participant B..

What are the problems and difficulties of the agri-business farmers?

Para sa akoa, isa sa mga problema us aka mag-uuma kay kanang problemasa mga piste

nga pirmente musamok samok sa akoang basakan.. Kuan mang gyud kanang

kadaghanan sa mga pananum namo kay hapit na ma daot kay tungod anag kuan, mao

nang sa karun naningkamlot gyud mi ug mawala nang kuan mga namalanta sa amoang

basakan.

How hard is it to become an agri-business famer?

Dili lalim ug lisud gyud siya… Kanang financing…. Maglisud mi ug pangita ug

kanang mu financing sa amoang basakan. Ano pud, kanang maglisud pud mi ug

pangita ug tawo nga mag kuan mo trabaho dira sa basakan , ug kanang sa pareha

karun dili na nato masabtan ang panahon usahay grabe ka kusog ang ulan, usahay mu

init madaot ang tanum.

Lisud gyud siya… Kanang tungod sa mga piste ug mananap nga mukaon sa

mga tanom maglisud mi ug buhi sa tanum.

 29

Mao natong tanan. Kanang Financing, ug kanang magtrabaho sa basakan ug

kanang pag mintinap sa basakan.

3.) How do you deal with the problems and challenges that you encounter?

Mag effort gyud mi karon ug extra aron bantayan ug padakuon ang tanom.

Participant C

What are the problems and difficulties of the agri-business farmers?

Sa akong namatikdan, kuan, lahi naman gyud ang panahon karon… Dili na nato matag-

naan ang panahon. Lisud gyud ni siya. Dako kaayo ang posibilidad nga ma failure ang

tanom.

How hard is it to become an agri-business famer?

Sa akong experience lisud gyud siya. Kanang sa panahon karon lisud gyud sa

pagtanom nang lain lain ang klima. Pareha sa ako, daghan sa akong mga tanom ang

nadaot tungod sa dili ma ano ang panahon…. Usa pa kanang sa pagpanaog pud sa

akong mga tanum didto sa syudad. Dili naman nako makaya nga panaog didto sa

syudad ning ako ang mga produkto kay tungod napod sa akoang sa akonng katigulang

ug usapa way saktong sakyanan ug kalsada nga akong magamit. Basin unya tungod sa

daot daot nga kalsada malamog pud ang gulay ba.

 30

Sa pag Financing pod.. Lisud kaayo kay wala may magpa finance sa akoa lisud pud

kung ma failure ang mga tanom…. Malugi mi..

3.) How do you deal with the problems and challenges that you encounter?

Maning kamot nalang… ug mangayog tabang sa gobyerno.

Participant D

What are the problems and difficulties of the agri-business farmers?

Kuan.. Kanang probl;ema sa irrigasyon… Diri man gyud sa amoa, dili kaayo mo

abo tang tubig sa irrigasyon… Layo naman gyud ning bukid…

How hard is it to become an agri-business famer?

Lisod gyud siya dili lalim ang trabaho sa basakan. Init, lapok ug salimuut kaayo

ang trabaho sa uma.

Dili lalim ug lisud gyud siya… Kanang financing…. Maglisud mi ug pangita ug

kanang mu financing sa amoang basakan. Ano pud, kanang maglisud pud mi ug
pangita ug tawo nga mag kuan mo trabaho dira sa basakan ,

3.) How do you deal with the problems and challenges that you encounter?

Maning kamot nalang… ug mangayog tabang sa gobyerno.

APPENDIX C: Table of Themes

THEMES PARTICIPANTS
 31

Participant Participant B Participant Participant Participant E

A C D
Theme sa akoang :”Kanang Sa pag
One: pagsugod financing… Financing
Financial kaniadto maglisod mi pod.. Lisud
Instability naglisod og pangita og kaayo kay
and gyud ko sa kanang mu wala may
Problem financing sa financing sa magpa
basakan” (in amoang finance sa
the start, I basakan.” akoa lisud
have (Uhm, pud kung
difficulty in Finances… ma failure
the funding we have a ang mga
of my farm problem in tanom….
land) finding people Malugi mi
indicating that will fund
that even our farmland)
way before,
farmers are
already
suffering
from the
problem of
financial
instability.

Theme 2: nagli wa may kanang,

Farm-to- sud pud mi saktong kuan… sa
market tungod sa sakyanan og pagpanaog sa
road kanang kalsadsa produkto sa
Difficulties tungod sa nga akoang syudad. Layo
kalayo diri magamit. kaayo ni siya,
sa bukid, Basin unya wala pa gyud
lisod gyud manglata sakyanan’’
kaayo ang ang mga (uhm… the
pagpanaog gulay ba’’ transportation
sa syudad (There are of the
kay wala no proper products to
man gyud vehicle and the city. It is
sakyanan road that we very far, and
nga can use. Our we don’t have
magnaog products proper
didto sa may be vehicles to
amoang damaged). travel).
tanom.
 32

Theme 3: dili na nato nag lisod

Weather matagnaan gyud mi…
and ang dili naman
Climate panahon. gyud nato
Unpredicta Lisusd gyud matagnaan
bility kaayo siya’’ ang klima.
(We cannot Usahay
predict the muinitlang
weather. It is og kalit.
really hard). Usahay pos
With these mukalit lang
said, og ulan.’’
farmers are (We are
challenged having a
to cope up difficulty…
and adjust to We cannot
these drastic predict the
climate climate.
shifts). Sometimes
it will
suddenly be
hot.
Sometimes
it will
suddenly
rain.)

Theme 4: dili man pud Wala, usahay

Manpower mi gamay ray tao
Deficiency makakuha nga mag
og tao nga atiman sa
mutrabaho bukid’’
sa uma kay (Sometimes
wala mi only few
kwarta ika workers that
bayad’’ (We will maintain
cannot the farm)
easily get
workers
that will
work in the
farm
because we
don’t have
the capacity
 33

to pay
them)
Theme 5: ang lisod "kanang Kani adto
Agricultura buhaton Kay kadaghanan namoproblem
l Crop ang pag sa mga a mis
Sustenanc amping pananum kay irragston..layo
e amping sa madaot kay naman gyud
tanum aron tungod anang sa tubig ning
Dili kuan...mga bukid. Usapa
mamatay". piste." (Most dili manuhi
(The difficult of the crops ang tanom
thing to do is are damaged kung walay
to maintain because of tubig… mao
the crops so the pest) tong lisud
that it will not gyud siya sa
die.) pag atiman.

APPENDIX D: Letters of Permission to Conduct the Study

 34

Participant’s Consent

“LAND TREASURES: DIFFICULTIES OF AGRI-BUSINESS FARMERS”

Dear Participants,

You are invited to participate in a research study conducted by the Accountancy

and Business Management Students from Agusan National High School – Senior High
School Department. The purpose of this research is to know how small scale agri-
business farmers face the challanges and difficulties that they encounter.

Your participation will involve a face-to-face interview and will be recorded to

generate answers. It will then be transcribed and classified into themes which will provide
answers for the research questions.

There are no known risks associated with your participation in this study. Optimum
objectivity will be observed at all times. Your privacy will be ensured and will be a priority
to us. We will ensure you that we will prioritize your comfort and anonymity. Your identity
will remain confidential and no information from the interview will be disclosed publicly.

Your participation in this research study is voluntary. You have the choice to
withdraw any time and refuse to answer any question without any consequence of any
kind. Also, your participation on this research will allow us to receive updates on the
progress of the research.

I have read this consent form and voluntarily agree to participate in this
research study.

Participant’s signature: _____________________

Date: ____________________

Researchers’ Signature:

YVELYN P. CANQUE
GIO CLEVER JAPITANA
MARY CLAIRE MAGPATOC
GARRETH AARON D. ROCERO
NORAISAH M. SULTAN
 35

Curriculum Vitae

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name : Gio Clever P. Japitana
Address : Baan Riverside, Butuan City
Birth Date : April 22, 2001
Contact Number : 09106356302
Father’s Name : Joseph D. Japitana
Occupation : Business Man
Mother’s Name : Aleth P. Japitana
Occcupation : Business Woman
No. Of Children in the family :3

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
ELEMENTARY : Butuan Central Elementary School
A.D. Curato Street St, Butuan City
March 2014

HIGH SCHOOL : Agusan National High School

A.D. Curato Street, Butuan City
April 2018

SENIOR HIGH : Agusan National High School - SHS

XI- Jobs

SPECIAL SKILLS : Dancing and Sports

 36

Curriculum Vitae

PERSONAL INFORMATION
Name : Yvelyn P. Canque
Address : 9th Street Guingona Subdivision, Butuan City
Birth Date : March 25, 2002
Contact Number : 09099453135
Father’s Name : Armando B. Canque Sr.
Mother’s Name : Nelia P. Canque
Occupation : HouseWife
No. Of Children in the family :7

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
ELEMENTARY : Butuan City Mission Academy
7th Street Guingona Subdivision, Butuan City
March 2014

HIGH SCHOOL : Agusan National High School

A.D. Curato Street, Butuan City
April 2018

SENIOR HIGH : Agusan National High School - SHS

XI- Jobs
SPECIAL SKILLS : Dancing and Make- up sessions
 37

Curriculum Vitae

Personal Information
Name : Garreth Aaron D. Rocero
Address : P1-b, Brgy.Pigdaulan, Butuan City
Birth Date : August 5, 2001
Contact Number : 09473006464
Father’s Name : Renato A. Rocero
Occupation : Driver
Mother’s Name : Marichell D. Rocero
Occupation : House Wife
No. Of Children in the family :5

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
ELEMENTARY : CAA Elementary School

March 2014

HIGH SCHOOL : Pigdaulan National High School

April 2018

SENIOR HIGH : Agusan National High School - SHS

XI- Jobs
SPECIAL SKILLS :
 38

Curriculum Vitae

Personal Information
Name : Mary Claire C. Magpatoc
Address : P-3A Bashai,Baan Km3 Butuan City
Birth Date : March 8, 2002
Contact Number : 09203099901
Father’s Name :RolandoT.Magpatoc
Occupation : Driver
Mother’s Name : Leonida C. Magpatoc
No. Of Children in the family :9

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
ELEMENTARY : Florencio R. Sibayan Central Elementary School
March 2014

HIGH SCHOOL : Alviola Village Entegrated Secondary School

April 2018

SENIOR HIGH : Agusan National High School - SHS

XI- Jobs

SPECIAL SKILLS : Dancing :

 39

Curriculum Vitae

Personal Information
Name : Noraisah M. Sultan
Address : P9 Limaha, Langihan Butuan City
Birth Date : March 5, 2002
Contact Number : 09058888589
Father’s Name :H.NassipD.Sultan
Occupation :
Mother’s Name : H. Napisah M. Sultan
Occupation : Housewife
No. Of Children in the family :1

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
ELEMENTARY : Camaman-an Elementary School
Camaman-an Cagayan de Oro City
March 2014

HIGH SCHOOL : Cagayan de Oro National High School

Cagayan de Oro City
March 2018

SENIOR HIGH : Agusan National High School - SHS

XI- Jobs

SPECIAL SKILLS :