Does an agricultural intervention impact the socio-economic development of farmers in upland barangays of Goa, Camarines Sur? Evidence from regression discontinuity design
Romy Jake G. Pagador, Anthony G. Peñas, Cezar S. Obias Jr. & Emmanuel A. Onsay
The contribution of agriculture in the socio-economic development is undeniable and is truly an important part of the Philippine economy. It is also a major source of livelihood and employment of most Filipinos especially in the rural areas. The general intent of this study is to evaluate the impact of the government agricultural intervention on selected upland communities in Goa, Camarines Sur especially on the far-flung barangays of the municipality using Regression Discontinuity Design. This study focused on the local farmers that already received the agricultural interventions and the local farmers that did not receive any agricultural interventions as well and is the basis to determine the socio-economic and poverty status of the local farmers. The study showed that the distribution of seeds, fertilizers and cash assistance to the upland farmers could improve the overall outputs of the farmers and in turn, which can help alleviate the lives of the farmers. The said agricultural interventions of the governments assume that it has a great and positive impact to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life of the local farmers. On the other hand, irrigation and farm-to-market roads are one of the things that need to be considered or prioritized by the government especially by the agriculture sector to ensure that the output or production in agriculture shall increase.