ASSESSMENT OF RICE EXTENSION PROGRAM OF AYALA AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT, ZAMBOANGA CITY, PHILIPPINES
Authors: CAROLASDOLASAN, A.P. AND TABAL, E.P.
CAROLASDOLASAN, A.P.: Graduate students, College of Agriculture, Western Mindanao State University, Zamboanga City, Philippines.
TABAL, E.P.: Faculty, Graduate School, College of Agriculture, Western Mindanao State University, Zamboanga City, Philippines.
ABSTRACT
The study assessed the demographics, awareness, participation, and perceived impact of the Local Extension Program among rice farmers in Zamboanga City. The respondents were predominantly male farmers aged 41–60 years. They were active members of two lowland rice farmers’ associations, along with six (6) respondents from the Barangay Local Government Units serving on Agricultural Committees. Most respondents had attained a high school to college level of education and had been farming for 11–15 years. They operated medium-sized farms (1–3 hectares) and primarily relied on irrigation systems. The findings revealed that farmers were fully aware of and actively participated in the Local Extension Program, receiving training, technical support, farm input distribution, and pest management assistance. Although respondents reported moderate increases in rice production, yields remained below 70 sacks (3.5 MT) per harvest. Farmers adopted improved rice varieties, fertilizer application practices, irrigation management techniques, and post-harvest practices, but these were perceived as only somewhat effective. Program services received a 100% satisfaction rating, particularly the visits conducted by Agricultural Extension Workers. However, the study recommends reducing farmers’ dependence on distributed inputs on distributed inputs and strengthening sustainability through capacity-building initiatives and tailored training programs. Strengthening monitoring mechanisms, promoting cooperative development, integrating market linkages, and expanding Farmer Field Schools (FFS) may further enhance productivity, farmer self-reliance, and sustainable rice farming practices in Zamboanga City.
Keywords: Rice production, rice extension program, Zamboanga City, Philippines