Nineteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

This study examines the best practices of the Sudlon, Cebu City, Philippines farmers who are beneficiaries of the Agro-enterprise Development Program (AEDP). It utilized the CIPP Evaluation Model, which focused on the program input and impact or effectiveness. The interview guide and adapted survey questionnaire were administered to 101 farmer families and 6 program staff using mixed methods and quota sampling designs. AEDP has technically equipped the members with new trends in farming, empowered them holistically through different training and capacity-building activities, and made them financially secure through workshops on business essentials of farming which include application of good agricultural practices (GAP) and assistance in finding sure markets for their products. GAP not only assures the cleanliness of harvest but also the positive impact of farming on the environment. Poor farmers have elevated their socioeconomic status through the best farming practices and gained multiple opportunities such as rebuilding and concreting their dilapidated houses, procuring household entertainment technologies, securely providing their basic needs, and fostering care for the environment. Evidently, the best practices implemented have changed the meaning and highlighted the significance of farming. Though near-perfect, farmers still met challenges under the program, namely, attention competition towards the farm technician and climate problems such as typhoons, droughts, and pest infestations, which all have been satisfactorily addressed. AEDP’s best farming practices are recommended to be replicated and emulated to help all small-scale farmers in the region and the country improve their lives and consider farming an indispensable role.