Chapter 2

Review of Literature

Legal Bases

The Republic Act No. 10068, known as the "Organic Agriculture Act of
2010," is the legislative framework established to support the development
and promotion of organic agriculture in the Philippines. According to the Act,
"It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote, propagate, develop
further and implement the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines that
will cumulatively condition and enrich the fertility of the soil, increase farm
productivity, reduce pollution and destruction of the environment, prevent the
depletion of natural resources, further protect the health of farmers,
consumers, and the general public, and save on imported farm inputs. The
Act emphasizes, "Organic agriculture includes all agricultural systems that
promote the ecologically sound, socially acceptable, economically viable and
technically feasible production of food and fibers. Organic agriculture
dramatically reduces external inputs by refraining from the use of chemical
fertilizers, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. The Republic Act No. 10068 sets
a solid foundation for the advancement of organic agriculture in the
Philippines, aiming to create a sustainable agricultural system that benefits
the environment, farmers, and the general population.

The Republic Act No. 8435, also known as the Agriculture and Fisheries
Modernization Act (AFMA) of 1997, serves as a pivotal legislative framework
in the Philippines aimed at modernizing and advancing the agricultural and
fisheries sectors. Enacted to promote sustainable agriculture and fisheries
development, AFMA underscores the importance of enhancing productivity,
ensuring food security, and modernizing agricultural practices in the country.
According to the Act, "It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote
sustainable agriculture and fisheries development through the modernization
of the agriculture and fisheries sectors, providing the necessary infrastructure,
facilities, and support services to enhance productivity, efficiency, and
competitiveness. The act emphasizes Sustainable agriculture and fisheries
development shall be pursued through the adoption of appropriate
technologies and practices that are environmentally sound, socially
acceptable, and economically viable, ensuring the conservation and efficient
utilization of natural resources for the present and future generations. The
legal basis provided under Republic Act No. 8435 is supported by the official
documentation of the Act itself, which outlines the specific provisions and
guidelines for promoting sustainable agriculture and fisheries development in
the Philippines. In conclusion Republic Act No. 8435, the Agriculture and
Fisheries Modernization Act, stands as a crucial legal foundation for research
endeavors focused on sustainable agriculture and fisheries development.

Conceptual Literature

Sustainable Agriculture

The study by Xiao et al. (2020) titled "Conceptual cognition and research
framework on sustainable intensification of cultivated land use in China from
the perspective of the New Agriculture, Countryside and Peasants" introduced
a conceptual framework aimed at enhancing sustainable intensification of
cultivated land use (SICL) in the context of China's agricultural challenges. It
addresses the need for food security, green agricultural development, and
sustainable resource usage by highlighting the critical role of farmers and
modern agricultural practices. The framework delves into the origins of SICL,
differentiating its connotations and establishing its logical foundation in
relation to China's "New Agriculture, Countryside and Peasants" initiative.
Through a systematic approach labeled "factor fusion-structural
reorganization-functional excellence," it outlines a research structure based
on process, pattern, mechanism, and effect within the cultivated land use
system. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the
agricultural ecological space, human-land relationships, and SICL to construct
a comprehensive research framework. This framework serves as a guide for
future research and policy-making towards achieving sustainable agricultural
intensification in China.

Additionally the study titled "An integrated conceptual framework for the
study of agricultural cooperatives: from repolitisation to cooperative
sustainability" by Ajates (2020) had explored the significant influence of
Agricultural Cooperatives (ACs) within European agriculture, accounting for a
substantial portion of agricultural trade and playing a pivotal role in the
dynamics of rural areas. Her study extends a critical examination of ACs
beyond the conventional scope of institutional economics, aiming to
rejuvenate discussions around their political engagement and evolution. The
research highlighted the trend of ACs being increasingly absorbed into the
prevailing food regime, paralleling the organic and fair trade movements, and
notes a decline in their commitment to foundational cooperative principles.
Despite the undeniable support ACs provide to farmers—many of whom, as
identified in interviews for the study, depend on these cooperatives for
survival—Ajates points out a concerning drift from their historical political
roots. To address this, she proposed an innovative theoretical framework
designed to analyze ACs against the backdrop of broader food system
influences. This framework is structured around three conceptual pillars:
firstly, the 'cooperative triangle,' which maps out the interlinked identity
dimensions of cooperatives; secondly, the 'cooperative hourglass,' which
captures the ongoing tensions between the economic and governance models
of cooperatives and the market economy in which they operate; and thirdly,
the concept of 'cooperative sustainability.' This final element synthesizes the
previous two to evaluate ACs' effectiveness in preserving their identity
dimensions while also advancing environmental sustainability through their
practices.
Agricultural Practices

In the study titled "Rethinking resilient agriculture: From climate-smart

agriculture to vulnerable-smart agriculture" by Azadi et al. (2021) they aimed
to enhance Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) by incorporating the often
overlooked element of small-scale farmers and introducing Vulnerable-Smart
Agriculture (VSA) as a more comprehensive approach. The study emphasized
the importance of considering farmers' perspectives in policymaking and
decision-making processes. To develop a conceptual framework for VSA, the
researchers proposed five key elements: predicting critical incidents by
farmers, measuring the consequences of incidents, identifying farmers' coping
strategies, assessing farmers' livelihood capital in response to incidents, and
adapting to climate-related incidents. The study primarily focused on farmers'
learning and preparedness in managing tension and disasters at the farm
level. Understanding the implications of climate change threats and
recognizing effective coping mechanisms were identified as crucial for
promoting sustainable management.

Additionally In the study titled "A scoping review on incentives for adoption
of sustainable agricultural practices and their outcomes" by Peñeiro et al.
(2020) they have explored the critical need for agricultural systems to shift
towards sustainability to address global food security and environmental
concerns. Their scoping review, which analyzed nearly 18,000 papers, aimed
to assess how various incentives influence farmers' adoption of sustainable
agricultural practices and the subsequent impact on environmental, economic,
and productivity metrics. Their findings revealed that incentives offering
immediate economic benefits were more likely to encourage the adoption of
sustainable practices compared to those providing solely ecological
advantages. Over time, the perceived benefits of adopting sustainable
practices, whether for the farm, the environment, or both, emerged as a
significant motivator for farmers. The study also highlighted the crucial role of
technical support and extension services in fostering sustainable agricultural
methods. Furthermore, it was determined that the effectiveness of policy
measures increases when tailored to the specific needs of the farming
community, considering the balance between economic, environmental, and
social factors.

Farmers Strategies

In the study titled "Food supply chains and short food supply chains:
Coexistence conceptual framework" by Marini et al. (2021) explored the
coexistence of Food Supply Chains (FSCs) and Short Food Supply Chains
(SFSCs) against the backdrop of evolving economic, social, and
environmental sustainability practices. Through a systematic literature review
of 51 articles, they developed a conceptual framework based on two main
criteria: convergence of interests and the need to add value. This framework
identifies four types of coexistence: uncooperative, competitive, cooperative,
and coordinative, highlighting the dynamic interactions between FSCs and
SFSCs. Their research underscores the importance of considering diverse
farmer strategies and sustainability practices to accommodate shifts in the
business environment, thereby broadening the understanding of food supply
chain coexistence.

Additionally in the study titled "Differentiation of farmers, technical

constraints and the differences of cultivated land protection technology
selection: A theoretical analysis framework of farmer households" by Zhao et
al. (2020) developed a conceptual framework to explore the internal behavior
logic and decision-making processes of different types of farmers in the
context of incomplete factor markets and farmers' differentiation. The aim was
to provide insights for the sustainable development of cultivated land quality in
China. Probit and logit methods were employed to analyze the willingness of
different types of farmers to adopt technology, their behavioral logic, and the
variations in technology selection under different constraints. The findings
revealed that pure farmers, as well as Class I and Class II households, shared
a common intention to protect farmland. However, as non-agricultural income
increased, farmers' intention to protect farmland gradually decreased.
Furthermore, significant differences were observed in the choice of cultivated
land protection technology among different types of farmers. These
differences were influenced by variations in farmers' endowment
characteristics, such as technical attributes and risk preferences. The study
emphasized the importance of considering farmers' diverse endowment
advantages and risk preferences when implementing and applying farmland
protection technology. Overall, this conceptual framework sheds light on the
decision-making processes of farmers and highlights the need for tailored
approaches that account for their specific characteristics and preferences in
the context of farmland protection technology.

Farmers Challenges

In the study titled "Exchanges among farmers’ collectives in support of

sustainable agriculture: From review to reconceptualization" by Slimi et al.
(2021) proposed a conceptual framework to understand the role of farmers'
collectives in transitioning to sustainable agriculture. By reviewing 43 articles,
they identified four key perspectives on how farmers interact with collectives
during this transition: reliance on collectives, collectives as complex
organizations, collectives as knowledge hubs, and the significance of learning
within collectives. However, gaps were noted in understanding the mutual
influence between individual farmers' transitions and collective dynamics. To
bridge these gaps, the authors introduced a framework grounded in Deweyian
pragmatism and developmental approaches, emphasizing farmer
empowerment and the importance of personal experience and inquiry in
facilitating sustainable transitions. This work aims to enhance the distribution
of agroecological knowledge and support stakeholders in fostering
sustainable agricultural practices among diverse farming systems.

According to the study titled "Issues and challenges of oil palm

cooperatives towards greater sustainability: A proposal of conceptual
framework" by Zakaria et al. (2020) the study proposes a framework to
address sustainability challenges in oil palm cooperatives, aiming to guide
future research and policy-making towards sustainable development in the
palm oil industry.
Farmers Innovation

In the study titled "Knowledge management for innovation in agri-food

systems: a conceptual framework" by Gardeazabal et al. (2023) This study
aims to present a conceptual framework, Agricultural Knowledge
Management for Innovation (AKM4I), that addresses the implementation
challenges faced by agri-food innovation systems (AIS) and related
knowledge management (KM) frameworks. The framework acknowledges the
critical role of knowledge as an enabling factor for healthy agri-food innovation
systems. It emphasizes the significance of effective knowledge management
in facilitating innovation and transformational change within the agricultural
sector. The framework reviews the limitations of previous agricultural KM
frameworks, including the lack of pragmatic integration of innovation, reliance
on linear and reductionist pathways, and the omission of power dynamics,
politics, ownership, and trust in combining scientific and local knowledge
across stakeholders. It aims to overcome these shortcomings in the AKM4I
framework. It focuses on formalizing information and knowledge flows
between diverse stakeholders. It recognizes the importance of managing
these interactions to favor innovation outcomes. By addressing practical and
relational barriers, the framework aims to facilitate more equitable, rapidly
evolving, and actionable knowledge generation and management for
innovation and transformational change. The framework explicitly integrates
innovation within the knowledge management process. It emphasizes the
need to combine scientific and local knowledge, considering the practical and
relational aspects of knowledge sharing and collaboration. This integration
aims to enhance the effectiveness and impact of knowledge management
efforts in driving innovation. The AKM4I conceptual framework offers a novel
approach to agricultural knowledge management for innovation. By
addressing the limitations of previous frameworks and emphasizing systemic
interactions, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of innovation, the
framework provides a comprehensive and practical tool for facilitating
transformative change within agri-food innovation systems.

In a study titled "A theoretical framework for tracking farmers’ innovations

to support farming system design" by Salembier et al. (2021) over the last few
years, an increasing number of agricultural R&D actors have sought to
discover and get to know farmers’ practices that they consider as innovative,
unconventional, or promising. We refer to these approaches, all of which aim
to support the design of farming systems, as ‘farmer innovation tracking’.
There is still a lack of knowledge, however, about the specificities of the
approaches adopted to track innovations and how they contribute to design
processes. To explore these questions, we studied 14 initiatives in France led
by actors from different R&D networks. We analysed the data collected using
agronomy and design science concepts. Three outcomes emerge from this
work. (1) We shed light on the common features of innovation tracking. We
outline five stages that structure all the approaches: formulating an innovation
tracking project, unearthing innovations, learning about them, analysing them,
and generating agronomic content. (2) We characterize six contributions of
farmer innovation tracking to design processes: giving rise to creative
anomalies, shedding light on systemic mechanisms to fuel design processes
on other farms, uncovering research questions, stimulating design in orphan
fields of innovation, circulating innovation concepts, and connecting farmer-
designers with each other. (3) Finally, we highlight three tracking strategies:
the targeted tracking of proven practices, the targeted tracking of innovations
under development, and the exploratory tracking of proven practices. This
article is the first to propose a theorization of the farmer innovation tracking
approaches, thus enriching the agronomic foundations supporting farming
system design. The purpose of our paper is not to provide a turnkey method,
but to highlight concepts, mechanisms, and points of reference for actors who
might wish to develop farmer innovation tracking in different contexts in the
future. By revealing their contributions to design processes, this article seeks
to contribute to the institutionalization of innovation tracking.

Related Study

Sustainable Agriculture
Agricultural Practices

Farmers Strategies

A study titled "Smart Farming Innovations for Philippines: Strategies and

Recommendations" by Matero et al. (2020) this study focuses on Smart
Farming Innovations (SFI) of the Philippines. It is motivated by the 5th-agenda
of the current Philippine President to increase agricultural and rural enterprise
productivity. The study presents a strategy to lead research, development,
and market of organic foods as medicine and build social entrepreneurs in
using SFI. We assume that the current establish protocols for
micropropagation, cryo-preservation, and management of vegetables, vertical
farming and hydroponics and monitoring in real-time of the climate, lighting,
irrigation through the use of electronics, sensors, and automation in proposing
the SFI to map the producers and market of organic foods, and finally build
the cluster of social entrepreneurs in using the SFI smart technology’s organic
farm system. Specifically, the result of SFI’s creative features, services and
describes its business model through value proposition, SWOT analysis, and
financial projections. We conclude that scalable technology-driven products
and services to alleviate poverty are a must to contribute to humanity. SFI’s
organic food production requires a certain radius to be effective and efficient.
It must consider setting-up e-commerce, cloud computing, power and
security, and utilization of big data analytics to aid in timely decision making to
scale up in the future.

Subsequently, "Farmers’ Awareness and Knowledge on Climate Change

Adaptation Strategies in Northern Luzon, Philippines" by Ngilangil et al. (2013)
the findings revealed that the majority of the farmer respondents were married
males with an average age of 48.81 years. They had been engaged in
farming for 14-20 years, had completed high school education, and had small
landholdings with monthly incomes ranging from P5,000 to P8,000. The level
of knowledge and awareness among the farmer respondents regarding
climate change concepts was generally high. They believed that crop
production was at great risk during extreme weather events. However, their
understanding of human activities contributing to greenhouse emissions was
rated lower compared to other concepts. Significant differences in knowledge
and awareness were found among provinces, which could be attributed to
geographical location, available resources, and the implementation of local
government programs. Further analysis using Tukey HSD Multiple
Comparison showed significant differences between provinces, suggesting
variations in the implementation of climate change programs and the
involvement of community stakeholders and social institutions. Overall, the
study highlights the varying levels of knowledge, awareness, and adoption of
adaptive strategies among farmers in different provinces. It underscores the
importance of considering local contexts and resources in implementing
climate change initiatives and the need for collaboration among stakeholders
to address these challenges effectively.

Moving Forward, "Adaptation Strategies to Changing Environment by an

Organic Farm in Laguna, Philippines" by Shimoguchi (2016) was determining
how an organic farm business was able to cope with the various challenges in
term of the implemented strategies to sustain operations despite changes in
the business environment. It should be noted that the environment refers not
only to natural factors but also includes socio-cultural and economic aspects,
which affect the farm (Fujimoto, 2014). Lessons from these experiences may
help other farmers to attain growth and resilience in their OF business.
Moreover, this study is a potential tool useful for future OF investors to
determine the best practices in the OF business. It should be noted that this
paper may not be able to thoroughly explain all aspects, but aims to provide
an outline for further research.

Next, "Adaptation Strategies to Drought Among smallholder Farmers in

Southern Leyte, Philippines" by Diacamos et al. (2021) this study aimed to
identify the determinants of farmer’s adaptation strategies to drought in
selected municipalities of Southern Leyte, Philippines. Logistic regression
analysis was employed to identify thedeterminants. The results show that
participation in agricultural training, awareness of drought and total farm
income have positive and significant relationships with adaptation strategies.
The result of the logistic regression implies that when farmers are aware, well-
trained and equipped, they are more inclined to employ adaptation strategies
to drought. The result also indicates that farmers who have experienced and
are knowledgeable about dry spells have more tendencies to adapt and adjust
during the actual occurrence of drought. More effort may also be made to
older farmers as they are less likely to employ adaptation strategies. In
addition, information and training about using drought-tolerant crop varieties is
of the feasible options to consider in responding to drought.

Furthermore, "Measuring adaptive capacity of farmers to climate change

and variability: Application of a composite index to an agricultural community
in the Philippines" by Defiesta et al. (2014) analyzed the adaptive capacity to
climate change and vulnerability of 520 farming households in Dumangas, a
town in central Philippines confronting climate/weather-induced risks. The
objectives were: to determine the levels of adaptive capacity of farming
households to climate change, analyze the factors that cause the differences
in adaptive capacity and find out whether adaptive capacity translates to
adaptation. The level of adaptive capacity of each farming household was
determined using a composite index based on previous studies. The index
included five indicators namely human resources, physical resources,
financial resources, information and diversity. The results showed that
variations in adaptive capacity were caused by differences in information
resources, physical and financial resources.

Additionally, "Knowledge Sharing of Farmers’ Adaptation Strategies on

Climate Stresses in Benguet, Philippines" by Malabayabas et al. (2020)
explored how adaptation strategies to climate-related challenges are shared
among upland farmers in Benguet, Philippines. Utilizing a mixed-method
research approach, the study combined survey questionnaires and in-depth
interviews to collect data. A total of fifty-three farmers participated in the
survey, and key informants from the agricultural sector provided additional
insights. The research focused on four primary climate-related challenges:
frost, strong typhoons, drought, and hail, categorizing adaptation strategies
into water management, nutrient management, and pest and disease
management for various crops. Analytical tools included descriptive statistics
and UCINET software to examine the patterns of knowledge sharing among
farmers. The findings indicated that the exchange of knowledge among
farmers was primarily confined to their immediate networks of known and
trusted individuals, heavily influenced by the anticipation of reciprocal
benefits. The study underscores the necessity of developing mechanisms to
broaden the scope of knowledge sharing, especially in isolated upland regions
where such exchanges are currently constrained.

Moreover, "Smallholder farmers’ perceptions of climate change and the

roles of trees and agroforestry in climate risk adaptation: evidence from Bohol,
Philippines" by Lasco et al. (2016) examined the perceptions of farmers,
household members, and community leaders in the Wahig–Inabanga
watershed, Bohol province, Philippines, regarding climate change and the
roles of trees in coping with climate risks. Through focus group discussions,
the researchers found that farmers and community leaders had observed
changes in rainfall and temperature over the years. They also held positive
perceptions of the roles of trees in addressing climate change, with timber
tree species valued for their regulating functions and non-timber trees valued
for their food and income-generating potential. The study employed statistical
analysis of the household survey data using linear probability models to
determine the factors influencing farmers' perceptions of climate change and
the perceived importance of tree roles in climate risk management. The
results indicated that farmers who had access to electricity, water for
irrigation, and climate information from government agencies and mass media
were more likely to perceive changes in rainfall. Conversely, farmers who
were members of farmers' organizations were less likely to perceive changes
in rainfall. Regarding the perceived importance of tree roles in coping with
climate change, the regression analysis revealed significant positive
relationships with variables such as access to electricity, multiple off/non-farm
sources of income, presence of trees planted by household members,
observed increase in temperature and decline in yield, and sourcing climate
information from government agencies. Conversely, a negative relationship
was observed between the recognition of tree roles and the level of education
and deriving income from tree products. Based on the findings, the study
recommends several strategies to promote tree-based adaptation. These
include improving access to necessary resources and inputs, exploring
farmer-to-farmer extension approaches, using participatory methods to
generate farmer-led solutions based on their experiences with climate
change, and initiating government-led extension programs supported by non-
governmental partners.

Finally, "Practising hope: learning from social movement strategies in the

Philippines" by Wright (2016) delves into the experiences of a Philippine-
based social movement known as the Farmer-Scientist Partnership for
Development or Magsasaka at Siyemtipiko para ang Pagunlad ng Agrikultura
(MASIPAG) This coalition, comprising mainly small-scale and subsistence
farmers, champions narratives of empowerment and optimism as tactics to
involve farming households in sustainable agricultural practices. MASIPAG's
efforts are dedicated to forging alternative routes that move away from the
conventional, hierarchical, and exploitative approaches to agriculture. The
study explores how emotions like hope and fear interlace with our daily lives,
influencing our perceptions and actions. The research highlights that the
creation and manipulation of these emotions are intricately linked to the
spheres of politics and economics. While the political domain is often
saturated with fear-driven narratives that impact various policies and societal
structures, the articulation of hope is notably less common. By envisioning
alternative futures and cultivating a sense of varied possibilities, members of
the network find themselves part of a broader socio-political endeavor, thus
fostering a collective identity grounded in hope and action against the
backdrop of fear.

Farmers Challenges

A pivotal study by Vertudes et al. (2020), titled "Impact of Rice Tariffication

Law in Selected Rice Farmers in Nueva Ecija, Philippines," delves into the
consequences of the Rice Tariffication Law, also known as Republic Act
no.11203. The researchers discovered that the law led to a decline in the
prices farmers received for their rice, complicating their ability to earn a
livelihood and support their families. Despite these difficulties, the resilience of
the farmers shone through, with many expressing a continued commitment to
rice farming, supported by government initiatives offering free seeds, loans,
and agricultural training.

Transitioning from policy impacts to sustainable agricultural practices, the

study "Agroecology: Challenges and opportunities for farming in the
Athropocene" by Miguel A. Altieri and Clara Inés Nicholls (2020) suggests a
paradigm shift towards agroecology in response to global challenges such as
climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Agroecology's emphasis on
harmonizing with nature offers a sustainable pathway to support small farms,
foster eco-friendly animal husbandry, and promote urban agriculture, ensuring
food security and environmental protection.

In a related exploration of sustainable practices, Gregorio et al. (2020) in

their study "A Local Initiative to Achieve Global Forest and Landscape
Restoration Challenge – Lessons learned from community-based forest
restoration project in Biliran province, Philippines" aimed to address the
challenges of forest and landscape restoration, crucial for communities reliant
on agriculture and forestry. The study underscores the importance of
sustainable income, land ownership, and community engagement in achieving
long-term environmental restoration goals.

Further emphasizing the importance of education in agriculture, the study

"Effect of Farmer Field School (FFS) on the Knowledge, Attitude, Practices,
and Profitability of Rice Farmers" by Red et al. (2021) investigates the impact
of FFS on rice farmers in Babatngon, Leyte, Philippines. The findings indicate
that FFS participants exhibited significantly better knowledge and application
of the Palaycheck System, leading to improved profitability. This underscores
the value of enhancing farmers' knowledge and practices through educational
programs.

Shelton (2021) shared insights from a transformative biotechnology project

in "Bt Eggplant: A Personal Account of Using Biotechnology to Improve the
Lives of Resource-Poor Farmers." This personal account details the
introduction of Bt eggplant in Bangladesh, emphasizing the potential of
biotechnology to address agricultural challenges and improve farmers'
livelihoods.

Kafferine Yamagishi et al. (2021) explore the potential of farm tourism in

the Philippines in "The Future of Farm Tourism in the Philippines: Challenges,
Strategies, and Insights." This study identifies farm tourism as an innovative
strategy for rural income diversification, highlighting the necessity of
developing skills, infrastructure, and government support to harness this
potential fully.

Addressing the vulnerabilities of small farm households, "Small Farm

Households' Vulnerabilities in South Cotabato, Philippines" by Palanca-Tan et
al. (2021) examines the challenges related to accessing and financing farm
inputs. The study calls for comprehensive policy interventions to support
small-scale farmers and enhance the sustainability of farming activities.

Additionally, Espino et al. (2021) in their study "COVID-19 Impacts on

Local Agri-Food Systems in Cambodia, Myanmar, and the Philippines:
Findings from a Rappid Assessment" had assessed the pandemic's effects on
agri-food systems. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the resilience
of traditional food systems played a crucial role in maintaining food supply,
underscoring the importance of diversified and accessible food production
during crises. This narrative integrates the studies into a cohesive related
study section, highlighting the challenges and advancements within the
agricultural sector in the Philippines, with smooth transitions to maintain a
coherent flow of information

The study titled "Aging Filipino Rice Farmers and Their Aspirations for
Their Children" by Palis (2020) delves into the aspirations of aging Filipino rice
farmers for their children. This research examines the hopes and dreams of
these farmers with regard to the future involvement of their children in rice
farming. It explores the aspirations, expectations, and desires of these
farmers for the next generation within the context of the rice farming industry.

A study titled "(Stop) Burning for Biogas: Enabling Positive Sustainability

Trade-Offs with Business Models for Biogas from Rice Straw" conducted by
Röder et al. (2020) explores the potential of using rice straw as a feedstock
for sustainable bioenergy in the Philippines. The study focuses on developing
business models that can improve energy access, agricultural practices, and
empower local rice-growing communities. Four different business models
were developed, taking into account energy supply and demand approaches.
The research involved interviews with various stakeholders, including farmers,
agricultural entrepreneurs, local authorities, and policymakers. A
comprehensive assessment was conducted to evaluate the synergies and
trade-offs between the different aspects of the business models. The findings
revealed that all the business models had positive environmental, economic,
and social sustainability impacts. The farming community particularly
supported approaches that provided wider livelihood benefits, such as
diversification of agricultural activities and income generation, in addition to
renewable energy access. The study highlights the potential of bioenergy to
create a virtuous circle of benefits for local communities, contributing to
sustainable development.

Another study by Montesclaros (2023) titled "Institutions and Agricultural

Transformation: A Study of Induced Innovation in the Philippine Rice Sector"
examines the challenges faced by the Philippine rice sector despite significant
government support. The study utilizes the theoretical framework of rational
choice institutionalism (RCI) to analyze how institutions shape individual
behavior and are influenced by it. The research focuses on the concept of
induced innovation adoption (IIA) in agriculture and identifies three
institutional barriers that hindered IIA in the Philippine context: de-facto
currency overvaluation, trade protection policies, and capitalization
challenges. The study emphasizes the interconnectedness of these
institutional challenges within a "capital-trade-technology nexus" that impacts
the Philippine rice sector. It also highlights the significance of the 2019 Rice
Tariffication Law as a pivotal event that addressed trade protectionism and
partially resolved farmers' capitalization issues.

In a study by Andriesse and Zack Lee (2021) titled "Exploring Challenges

in Philippine Seaweed-Growing Communities: Collective Action, Politics, and
Sustainability," the dynamics of collective action and local politics within
seaweed-growing communities in the Philippines are examined. The research
focuses on the formation of cooperatives and associations at the village level
and their relationship with local and central state politics. The study reveals
the challenges faced in translating economic growth into rural poverty
reduction and highlights the importance of considering the complexities of
local politics and community dynamics when implementing initiatives aimed at
promoting sustainability and economic development.

Farmers Innovation

A study titled "Farmer Innovation in Africa: a Source of Inspiration for Aal of

African farmers' creativity as a pivotal asset for agricultural advancement. The
compilation features extensive research conducted across diverse farming
systems in Africa, primarily authored by African scholars and field specialists.
It highlights the innovative endeavors of small-scale farmers, both male and
female, who, despite facing challenging conditions and a lack of sufficient
external aid, strive to enhance their livelihoods through experimentation and
innovation. The book presents numerous compelling instances where
adopting a participatory model in agricultural research and development,
which leverages local knowledge and innovation, has sparked creativity
among all participants, especially the farmers. This methodology underscores
the significance of acknowledging farmers' innovative capabilities as the key
to successful agricultural development, offering a crucial alternative to the
traditional technology transfer model. Rich with case studies and analytical
insights, the book advocates for a shift in agricultural research and
development policies to better support farmer-led innovation. It showcases the
resilience and determination of rural African communities, serving as an
invaluable resource for development practitioners, researchers, policymakers,
and academicians focused on agriculture, environmental sustainability, and
development studies. The book aims to inspire a broader recognition of
farmers' roles as innovators and the importance of participatory approaches in
fostering sustainable agricultural development.

Subsequently "Farmers' Innovation Adoption Behaviour: Role of

Perceptions and 0references" by Roussy et al. (2017) delve into the topic of
grain farmers' innovation adoption behaviors, particularly focusing on the
integration of productivity and environmental conservation through
agroecological innovations, in their study published in the International
Journal of Agricultural Resources, Governance and Ecology in 2017. These
innovations entail a blend of traditional agronomic methods and new
production techniques, introducing a layer of uncertainty for farmers
contemplating their adoption. Previous research highlights various agronomic,
economic, and psychosocial factors that play a role in the decision-making
process for adopting such innovations. However, these determinants are not
universally applicable across different farming contexts. Additionally, the study
points out the influence of less tangible factors, like individual perceptions and
preferences, on the decision to adopt agroecological innovations. By
reviewing recent literature, the paper aims to shed light on both the visible and
invisible determinants that shape farmers' decisions to embrace
agroecological innovations.

Following this "Farmer Field School as an Effective Approach in Increasing

Farmers’ Knowledge, Skills, and Practices, and in Enhancing Diffusion of
Innovations: Evidences from Selected Rice Farmers in Masalasa, Victoria,
Tarlac, Philippines" by Ilar (2022) The study examined the effectiveness of the
Farmer Field School (FFS) approach in enhancing the knowledge, skills, and
practices of rice farmers in Barangay Masalasa, Victoria, Tarlac, Philippines,
as well as the diffusion of innovations among them. The research involved 24
FFS participants who underwent training on the PalayCheck System, while
another 24 non-participating farmers served as the control group. The findings
revealed that the FFS successfully provided farmers with new knowledge and
skills related to the PalayCheck System. The FFS graduates demonstrated
greater knowledge of the PalayCheck component-technologies compared to
the non-FFS farmers. Moreover, the FFS participants actively shared their
knowledge with their families, relatives, friends, and other farmers, resulting in
farmer-to-farmer diffusion of knowledge. This multiplier effect contributed to
reaching a larger number of farmers and disseminating management
practices. Although the study did not measure the extent of knowledge
diffusion or specific practices shared among participants, it highlighted the
potential of the FFS approach in building the human and social capital of
farmers. However, the sustainability of social and technical gains relies on the
presence of suitable local and national-level institutions, as well as the
necessary mechanisms and policies to support continuous capacity
development. Overall, the study suggests that the FFS approach can be an
effective means of enhancing farmers' knowledge and skills, as well as
promoting knowledge diffusion among agricultural communities. To ensure
long-term success, it is crucial to establish supportive institutional frameworks
and policies that facilitate ongoing capacity development.

In a study titled "A Review on the Status of Crop Production Innovations of

the Philippines" by Cagasan et al. (2022) researchers assessed the status of
innovation strategies in crop production in the Philippines. The researchers
identified innovative strategies, assessed technological advancements, and
discussed the importance of innovations in crop production. The findings
highlighted the implementation of smart farming innovations (SFI) and digital
agriculture (DA) as key strategies. These included the use of F1 seeds, solar
power irrigation systems, crop planning websites, and various applications
such as Rice Crop Manager, AgriDOC, and KROPS. These innovations
helped farmers optimize the use of resources while maintaining environmental
sustainability. The study concluded that these technological advancements in
crop production would contribute to achieving food security in the Philippines
while ensuring sustainability and minimizing environmental impact. The
Department of Agriculture in the Philippines also launched a digital technology
program called "e-kadiwa" to improve farm productivity and reduce waste
through data analytics and an online marketing platform. Advancements in
technology, such as robotics and remote sensing, have transformed
agricultural operations, making them more efficient, profitable, and
environmentally friendly. These advancements have led to increased crop
productivity, reduced resource usage, lower food prices, and improved worker
safety.gricultural Development" by Reij et al. (2014) explores the untapped
potenti .