Challenges and impact of the farmer-scientists training program on community development in Bohol, Philippines
Paper Details
Challenges and impact of the farmer-scientists training program on community development in Bohol, Philippines
Abstract
Agricultural extension programs play a crucial role in enhancing farm productivity, technology adoption, and rural livelihoods. In the Philippines, the Farmer-Scientists Training Program (FSTP) represents a participatory and capacity-building approach that empowers farmers as active innovators. Despite its widespread implementation and reported high satisfaction rates, limited empirical studies have comprehensively assessed its long-term economic and social impacts at the local level. In Bohol, existing evaluations largely focus on implementation rather than outcomes, creating a gap in understanding how the program influences productivity, income, and community development. This study addresses this gap by evaluating the challenges and impact of the FSTP among corn farmers in Bohol. A mixed-methods cross-sectional design was employed, involving structured surveys, key informant interviews, and field observations among program graduates. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), were used to analyze relationships between socio-demographic and farm characteristics, challenges encountered, and program impacts. Findings reveal that participants are predominantly smallholder, low-income farmers who received strong support in terms of training and farm inputs. However, gaps persist in access to credit, mechanization, and market linkages. Farmers experienced moderate challenges, particularly related to environmental factors, program participation demands, and operational inefficiencies such as delayed input distribution. Despite these constraints, the program contributed positively to knowledge enhancement, adoption of improved practices, and moderate productivity gains. The study highlights that the effectiveness of the FSTP is shaped by institutional support, resource accessibility, and local governance conditions. It implies that strengthening integrated support systems, particularly in financing, market access, and extension services, is essential to sustain program benefits and enhance community development outcomes.
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Jeffrey O. Awas*, Anabel J. Intong, Aida T. Salingay, Manolito C. Macalolot, 2026. Challenges and impact of the farmer-scientists training program on community development in Bohol, Philippines. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci., 28(4), 8-25.
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