Productivity from the different rubber-based farming system models in Cotabato Province, Philippines

Abstract

In the Philippines, the production of rubber cup lumps has decreased in recent years. Despite the expansion of the rubber industry for environmental and economic benefits, knowledge about the productivity and income of the rubber-based farming system is minimal. Hence, this research assessed and estimated the productivity and income of farmers from the different rubber-based farming system models in Cotabato Province, Philippines, where one of the major crops is rubber. It is important to determine the productivity of rubber and how its productivity was affected by the introduction of other crops. Through this, the income of farmers and welfare were measured. This research was carried out in 2016, where rubber was among the priority crops being promoted in the area. It investigated 3 different rubber-based farming models, namely: FM1 (rubber+ banana), FM2 (rubber+ cacao), and FM3 (rubber+ coconut). The study revealed that the farmers' income increased by engaging in intercropping compared to the monocropping system. Thus, as the income of the farmer increases, the household's basic needs, particularly food consumption, will be attained since income does not solely depend on rubber production but also other crops grown. The result also shows that farming model 3 provides higher returns to the farmers than the other rubber-based farming models. Hence, the study is useful for the farmers to adopt different rubber-based farming systems to increase income and reduce risks from farming. This study also serves as a basis for the policymakers for future agricultural development.