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Structure and Conduct of Agricultural Extension Services of Local Government Units in Region I, II, III and CAR


Since the implementation of the Local Government Code of 1992, the national government has passed the agricultural extension responsibility to the local government units (LGUs). However, this policy did not result in a locally-based agricultural extension program as the agricultural and veterinary offices received minimal support from the LGUs. The general objective of this research project was to describe and analyze the structure and conduct of the Philippine agricultural extension system. Results of the study indicated that to make extension services more effective, those involved in the management (both at the local and national levels) should ensure that plans were based on in-depth studies of the farmers’ situation and needs. Effective mechanism such as using baseline information, farmers consultation, effective monitoring and documentation, and regular impact evaluation should be made. Based on this research, planning was done on a top-bottom manner from the national to the local level allowing very little participation to the clientele and implementers. Lack of funds was one of the central issues in the extension system of the LGU. The only way to solve this problem is for the LGU to allocate adequate funds for agricultural programs, projects and activities, compensation and necessary allowances for personnel, operational funds and for equipment and facilities. Agricultural extension is a function that requires transportation facilities for greater mobility and efficiency. As extension workers, they were expected to perform their prescribed duties and functions. However, some were assigned to tasks other than their original functions thereby causing demoralization. It is therefore recommended, that if the LGUs are to remain managing the extension personnel, strict policies should be imposed against reassignment of extension personnel to non-extension tasks. Most of the modalities rated by the extension workers as very effective were those that demonstrate actual application of technologies. However, many municipalities did not have enough funds for the implementation of demo farms and study tours. Even farmers field schools (FFS) have limited reach due to the high cost of this modality. Additional financial and material support should be provided for the conduct of these activities, and for timely delivery of inputs. With regards to extension linkages with research, there is an over-concentration of efforts on a single commodity – rice. The common research or techno demo implemented by most LGUs are only for rice technologies. This has led to a mono-cropping character of agricultural production in the four regions. Technologies on other crops (except for mango) as well as processing technologies were not given equal attention at the local level. The aspect of improving the linkage of external research entities regarding other crops and the establishment of research departments within LGU might be looked into to improve the propagation of technologies that will lead to a diversified production. Research linkages on livestock and fishery need to be strengthened. Most of the issues and problems raised by the respondents were about funding. The provision of adequate funding support from the national government is a key to resolve the major issues, problems and constraints facing agricultural extension. Finally, to address the long-standing problems of farmers’ low income, improving the system of extension may not be enough. The government must be determined to improve the price support to whatever farmers produce so that the fruits of agricultural extension will really benefit the farmers. The policy of liberating the importation of agricultural products must be studied or reconsidered if we are to protect the welfare of our farmers. The government must also look into establishing local processing industries (government-owned) that will absorb raw materials and provide sure market for agricultural products so as not to leave prices in the hands of private buyers. Reducing the cost of production of various commodities is also a major task that can be done by providing subsidy for agricultural inputs. The establishment of local industries producing production inputs should be studied to release farmers from their dependence on high-cost imported inputs.

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