LIVE EXPERIENCES OF THE RICE FARMERS IN MATI, SAN MIGUEL, ZAMBOANGA

DEL SUR

A CONCEPT PAPER

Rodriguez, Lester T.
Guinit, John Anthony
Masong, Renalyn
Buscas, Marilyn
Coveta, Aljun

May 2023
Introduction

Agriculture seems to have a difficulty nowadays because of the climate

change and the global warming that is happening today. In many nations, agriculture
is a vital industry that makes a considerable contribution to both food security and
economic growth. For millions of people around the world, rice production is a
significant agricultural subsector that supplies a basic meal. Despite its significance,
rice growing may be a challenging and demanding profession that calls for long
hours of physical labor in addition to facing other financial and environmental
challenges. Numerous studies have been conducted to learn more about the lives
and experiences of rice farmers, as well as their social and cultural contexts, as well
as their views, beliefs, and behaviors towards agricultural practices. One example is
the publication “Exploring the Live Experiences of Rice Farmers” by Thangavel and
Rajendran (2019), with billions of people worldwide depending on rice farming as
their primary source of food, rice farming has long been a significant component of
agricultural and food production. However, depending on elements including
geographic location, growing methods, and socioeconomic status, rice farmers’
experiences may differ significantly. The goal of this project is to learn more about the
routines, difficulties, and successes of rice producers. If we have a better
understanding of the realities of rice production, we can create more efficient
methods to support and sustain this vital business.

This study aims to shed light on the different viewpoints and experiences of
rice farmers through interviews, observations, and data analysis, ultimately informing
and guiding future policies and practices. This study aims to shed light on the issues
that rice farmers in Tamil Nadu, India’s Cauvery delta region, face on a daily basis.
The authors used a qualitative approach to study the farming practices, daily
routines, and social contacts of 20 rice farmers through in-depth interviews. The
results of the study highlight the complex and varied nature of rice farming as well as
the particular challenges that farmers in this area encounter. for thousands of years,
rice farming has been a significant aspect of human civilization, and it continues to be
so in many regions of the world today. In our quest to better understand the lives and
experiences of individuals who work the land, investigating the routines and
experiences of rice farmers can offer insightful information on the difficulties and
benefits of a career in agriculture. In order to better understand the social, economic,
and cultural factors that affect rice farmers’ lives, researchers have grown more and
more interested in studying the experiences of rice farmers in recent
The gap in live experiences of rice farmers refers to the disparity or differences in the
quality of life, opportunities, and challenges faced by rice farmers in different regions
or socioeconomic backgrounds. It encompasses various aspects such as access to
resources, technology, education, infrastructure, and markets, which can significantly
impact the livelihoods and well-being of rice farmers.

Here are some key factors that contribute to the gap in live experiences of rice
farmers:

Geographic Location: Rice farming experiences can vary based on the geographical
location of farmers. Factors like climate, soil fertility, and water availability can
influence yields and productivity. Farmers in areas with favorable conditions may
have better experiences compared to those in regions prone to droughts, floods, or
other natural disasters.

Socioeconomic Status: The socioeconomic status of rice farmers plays a crucial role
in their experiences. Wealthier farmers with access to capital, modern machinery,
and inputs like fertilizers and pesticides may have higher yields and profitability. In
contrast, small-scale or subsistence farmers with limited resources may struggle to
improve their production and face more significant challenges.

Technology and Innovation: The adoption of modern agricultural technologies and

innovations can significantly impact the experiences of rice farmers. Farmers who
have access to improved seed varieties, mechanization, irrigation systems, and
efficient farming practices are more likely to achieve higher yields, reduce losses,
and enhance their livelihoods. In contrast, farmers without access to these
technologies may face productivity challenges and struggle to improve their living
conditions.

Infrastructure and Services: Adequate infrastructure, such as roads, storage facilities,

and irrigation systems, is essential for rice farmers. Good transportation networks
enable farmers to transport their produce to markets efficiently, reducing post-harvest
losses. Access to reliable irrigation systems ensures water availability, especially in
areas with seasonal rainfall. Lack of infrastructure and essential services can hinder
farmers’ experiences and limit their opportunities.

Market Access: Access to markets and fair prices for their produce is crucial for rice
farmers. Farmers who have direct access to local and international markets or are
part of cooperatives or agricultural organizations may have better bargaining power
and opportunities to sell their rice at competitive prices. In contrast, farmers with
limited market access may be more vulnerable to price fluctuations and exploitation.

Policy Support: Government policies and support programs can significantly

influence the experiences of rice farmers. Policies that promote research and
development, provide subsidies, offer credit facilities, and ensure price stability can
help bridge the gap and improve the livelihoods of farmers. However, inadequate or
ineffective policies can exacerbate the disparities and hinder farmers’ progress.

Addressing the gap in live experiences of rice farmers requires a

comprehensive approach that focuses on improving access to resources, technology
transfer, infrastructure development, market linkages, and policy support. Sustainable
agricultural practices, capacity building programs, and initiatives that empower small-
scale farmers can contribute to narrowing the gap and creating more equitable
opportunities for all rice farmers.

Statement of the problem

The study specifically seeks to find the answer with the following questions;

1. What are the challenges of a rice farmer?

2. How farmers cope up with the challenge they have?

Significance of the study

The findings of the study are important to the following:

Students: Know the importance of Rice in a certain community.

Farmers: farmers should know the strategies and what are the basic necessities of
rice farming.

Governments: Government officials and sectors should provide the needs of the
farmers so that they can produce more rice.

Future Researchers: This will be beneficial to the future researchers because they
will know how rice farmers cope and made strategy to overcome a problem.

Design and Methodology

This study will use descriptive method. It used the survey as the main method to
collect data about the live experience of rice farmers.

Reference:

Deininger, K., & Jin, S. (2020). Labor, Land, and Markets: Understanding Rural
Poverty in Asia. World Bank Publications.

Kiani, A. R., Zarei, M., Niazmand, F., & Mousavi, S. R. (2020). Challenges and
opportunities for sustainable rice production: A review. Ecological Indicators, 116,
106508.

Thangavel, S., & Rajendran, S. (2019). Exploring the Live Experiences of the Rice
Farmers. International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Biotechnology, 12(3),
373-379.