Assessment of Abaca Disease Management Project of Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority in Manito, Albay

Abstract

Abaca farming is one of the major sources of income for farmers living in the four barangays of Manito, Albay consisting of Balasbas, Buyo, Cawayan, and Nagotgot. Unfortunately, this livelihood is threatened by the spread of abaca diseases such as abaca bunchy top, bract mosaic, and abaca mosaic which the mosaic has been one of the major factors contributing to decreased crop productivity. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Abaca Disease Management Project of the Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority in Manito, Albay based on the gathered secondary data and field interviews. The socio-demographic profile of the respondents was gathered to understand its correlation with farmers’ perception of whether the project is effective or not. The impacts of the project are discussed specifically the socio-economic, gender equality, social capital, and other impacts. Out of 125 farmer-beneficiaries, 57 abaca farmers were interviewed. It was found that the ADMP conducted by PhilFIDA in Manito, Albay was effective in controlling and eradicating abaca diseases. The majority of farmers interviewed believed that ADMP was successful. The major contribution of the project to the farmer’s household increase in fiber harvested, families enabled to send their children to school and abaca farming became their major source of income. Women had an equal chance to participate in community organizations. The number of farmer-beneficiaries attending the training and skill development like training on abaca disease control and eradication and livelihood training on abaca fiber processing increased. Respondent’s role in abaca farming had a high and middle degree of correlation to the increase of abaca fiber harvested, and also to the perceived success of the project. The increase in abaca fiber harvested by the farmers had a positive correlation to their perception that ADMP would be a successful project. However, the status of ownership of the land being cultivated, the size of the farm, the age, the sex, the civil status, the education, and the number of children of the farmers had no correlation to the increase of abaca fiber harvested and to the farmer’s perception on the success of the project. The results of the study could be valuable for the implementing agency and local government unit in reviewing their project implementation, management, and policy-making.