| Author | Ronan, Dwight Jason Magro |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.RD-16-11 |
| Subject(s) | Coconut products--Philippines--Southern Luzon
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| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Regional and Rural Development Planning |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Thesis ; no. RD-16-11 |
| Abstract | A massive outbreak of coconut scale insect , locally known as cocolisap , recently hit one of the most coconut - productive regions in the Philippines. The rapid spread and wide scale damage caused by the invasive species pushed farmers to adopt various emergency control measures. The study examined the extent of adoption among farmers and their perceptions towards these measures based on a survey of 91 farm households in Tiaong Municipality, Quezon Province. Results of the study show that coconut farmers were relatively aware of the recommended pest control methods despite having low access to agricultural extension services and mass media platforms. Chi - squared tests reveal that membership to farmers’ organizations is significantly associated with farmers’ access to the se communication strategies . The study also found out that only a few farmers fully adopted the measures recommended by authorities and experts. Reasons for l ow adoption include weak coordination and institutional support as well as strong opposition from some farmers especially on chemical and biocontrol measures. Furthermore, qualitative data gathered from the field indicate a general lack of interest among farmers to control the invasive CSIs. T - tests showed significant differences between the perceptions of users and non - users of inorganic insecticides especially on its perceived risks on health, environment, and profit. On the other hand, farmers who decided to adopt biocontrol measures consider the measure to be highly compatible while non - users view the otherwise. Users and non - users of other pest control measures have relatively similar perceptions . Results of the study also highlighted the significant impact of the CSI outbreak to coconut fa rmers in the study area. Broadly, the number of coconut trees , farm yield , and income decreased before and after the outbreak. Findings, however, show that farmers who utilized some of the recommended measures saw some improvements in yield and income. The study shows that effective communication strategies can lead to higher awareness and stronger adoption of agricultural innovations. Moreover, farmers’ perceptions towards new practices and technologies play a significant role in their decisions whether to use or not use these innovations. Based from the se findings, the study recommends authorities to carry out more sustainable and long - term strategies to manage CSIs, improve IPM and ISM service s delivery in the country, and strengthen efforts to support Filipino coconut farmers. |
| Year | 2016 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Thesis ; no. RD-16-11 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Development and Sustainability (DDS) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Rural Development, Gender and Resources (RD) |
| Chairperson(s) | Thapa, Gopal Bahadur |
| Examination Committee(s) | Soparth Pongquan;Ahmad, Mokbul Morshed |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT Fellowship |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Sc.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2016 |