Impact assessment of empowering small-scale farmers through the Mag-Uma Kaupod ang Pamilya Extension (MUKaPE) Program of the DEBESMSCAT-Cawayan Campus

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of the Mag-Uma Kaupod ang Pamilya Extension program in benefiting local farmers in Barangay Itombato. A descriptive research design and purposive sampling were used to select 17 farmer-beneficiaries for interviews. The program demonstrated a positive impact on the production performance and attitudes of farmer-beneficiaries. After the program, the percentage of beneficiaries reporting good yields increased from 35% to 65%, and profitability improved from 35% to 88%. Farmer-beneficiaries reported increased enjoyment of farming, a positive perception of profitability, and a stronger desire for their children to continue farming. Crop cultivation patterns shifted towards diversification and income generation. However, certain challenges faced by the farmer-beneficiaries, including soil fertility, fertilizer management, machinery access, post-harvest infrastructure, and marketing, remained unaddressed. The study emphasized the program's significant positive influence on production performance, with good yields increasing to 65% and profitability rising to 88% after the program. Constraints such as soil fertility, fertilizer management, machinery access, post-harvest infrastructure, and marketing required targeted interventions. The MUKaPE program improved access to agricultural information, support services, farmers' organizations, and training. However, areas such as irrigation, market assistance, and farm-to-market roads still needed improvement. Farmer beneficiaries highlighted the importance of irrigation, fertilizer assistance, market access, training, machinery access, financial support, electrification, and post-harvest facilities for enhancing farming practices. These findings emphasized the need to address water management, input accessibility, infrastructure development, knowledge dissemination, technological advancements, financial support, and value chain enhancement to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability in farming activities in Barangay Itombato.