Socio-demographic profile of food farmers in Carcar City, Cebu, Philippines amid challenges and opportunities for agricultural development

Abstract

This research specifically examines the socio-demographic profile of food farmers residing in Carcar City, Cebu, focusing on their age, sex, educational attainment, income, household size, land ownership, and farming experience. The study employed a descriptive quantitative research design, which involved conducting structured interviews and administering surveys. The results showed that most farmers are middle-aged or older, implying that those aged 36-55 years comprise 46%, while those aged 56 years and older comprise 40%. The youngest age group is the young adults, comprising 14% of individuals aged 18-35 years old. Most of the women engaged in farming activities are middle-aged, which correlates with their household responsibilities. The economics of return could limit opportunities due to low monthly earnings, ranging from PHP 5,000 to 15,000 (89 to 267 USD), and insecure land tenure, which discourages sustainable agricultural practices. Farmers educational attainment is limited and restrictive in terms of modern technological acceptability, as more than 70% of them received only primary education. Strategic interventions are thus needed to address these issues, including enhancing youth engagement in agriculture, increasing training programs, and developing mechanisms to improve financial support and secure land tenure. Therefore, working together with government agencies, stakeholders, and community organizations is crucial in reviving the agricultural sector, promoting food security, and achieving sustainable rural development. The results consistently indicated a clear need for comprehensive policies that would enhance farmer resilience and economic viability.