Social impact assessment of hybrid rice technology in Isabela [Philippines]

English. Several studies evaluated the economic impacts of hybrid rice technology on farmers. However, almost nothing is done to assess the social impacts of this technology, which is estimated to increase a farmers' yield by 15%. This study aims to present thge social effects of hybrid rice technology to complement the economic results. Sixty respondents in Isabela are taken from HRCP survey of PhilRice Socioeconomic Division. This survey focused on monitoring the economic impact assessment, this research is concerned with the positive and negative social effects of hybrid rice technology on farmers. The assessment also recommends the enhancement of positive effects and likewise the mitigation of its negative effects. Social effects are categorized into three: individual, household, and community impacts. At the individual level, the analysis focused on measuring farmers' confidence, skills and techniques, and knowledge gained. Knowledge, attitudes, an d perceptions (KAP) of hybrid and inbred farmers regarding hybrid and inbred rice varieties are also assessed to present differences of the KAP of the two groups. On the household level, the study considered household assets are indicators of the social impacts of hybrid rice technology. Lastly, at the community level, labor opportunities are taken into account.

English. Scientific Conference of the Federation of Crop Science Societies of the Philippines Lapasan, cagayan de Oro City (Philippines) 2-6 May 2005