Strengthening Agricultural Capacity Through Training: An Assessment Of Effectiveness And Farmer Empowerment In Majayjay, Laguna, Philippines

Navasero, Elaine
Panisales, Joshua Maru
Bonalos, Cris Edwin
Aquino, Eliza
Mora, Jennica Amielle
Manuben, John Julius
Pua, Rei Chino

Sharia Agribusiness Journal
Vol. 5 No. 2 (2025)

ABSTRACT Agriculture is vital for the Philippines, especially vegetable farming in Majayjay, Laguna, which is often constrained by limited technical knowledge, resource access, and market challenges. One specific constraint is the dependency of farmers on “bukis” or intermediaries, a relationship that often places them at a disadvantage due to their limited knowledge and skills in pricing, negotiation, and market access. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a tailored capacity-building program in enhancing the knowledge, practical skills, and empowerment of smallholder vegetable farmers in the municipality. A descriptive evaluative research design was employed, involving 35 purposively sampled smallholder farmers from three local associations. The training modules were developed based on a comprehensive needs assessment using focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs). Post-training evaluation utilized a structured survey and follow-up KIIs to assess impact. Results demonstrated that the program was highly effective: 97% of participants reported significant improvement in technical knowledge and farming skills (e.g., pest management, post-harvest handling). Furthermore, 88.6% indicated that the training fully met their expectations, and 100% reported applying at least one learned technique in their operations. A key finding was the enhanced sense of empowerment, with 97% expressing high confidence in their decision-making ability and leadership roles within their farm enterprises and associations. The findings confirm that context-specific, participatory capacity-building programs are a potent tool for promoting sustainable agricultural practices and fostering farmer empowerment in localized settings. The study recommends multi-stakeholder support to scale and replicate these targeted programs across similar farming communities. Keywords: capacity-building; vegetable farming, farmer empowerment, sustainable agriculture; training effectiveness; majayjay; laguna.