Developing a Proposal on the Establishment of a Research Division in the Municipal Agriculture Office in Zambales

Abstract

Agricultural research in the Philippines is primarily conducted by national research agencies and regional field offices. Due to the fragmented structure between national and local government units, research initiatives at the municipal level are virtually nonexistent. Since the devolution of agricultural services under the Local Government Code of 1991, Municipal Agriculture Offices (MAOs) have prioritized extension services over research due to resource constraints. The objectives of this study are to describe municipal agricultural conditions, explain the MAO’s structure, identify benefits and challenges of a research division, analyze stakeholder needs, evaluate existing research models, and develop a comprehensive proposal for the division’s establishment. This study was conducted in a third-class LGU as it represents a middle ground between high-income and low-income municipalities. It is an appropriate study given the potential of its socio-economic growth. The study used a qualitative and descriptive case study design and utilized semi-structured interviews with 31 stakeholders, including farmers, fisherfolk, community leaders, researchers, and local government officials. Data were collected through voice recording and processed through non verbatim transcription. Key informant interviews were processed through thematic analysis, and seven themes emerged: establishing a research ecosystem, defining research agendas, addressing economic and environmental challenges, building capacity, fostering collaboration, managing knowledge dissemination, and engaging stakeholders. Thematic analysis identified key issues. Stakeholders advocate for localized research, partnerships, and accessible dissemination to address these issues. The study determines the necessity of an Agriculture Research Division at the municipal level for productivity and sustainability. This study also serves as a guide for the Sangguniang Bayan to enact an ordinance to formalize its establishment and also as a model for other municipalities to adopt for municipal-led agricultural research.