Economic impact of the PCARRD [Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development, Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines] farmers information and technology services (FITS) on lanzones and coconut-based farms in Quezon province, Philippines

This study evaluated the economic impact of the Lucban-based Farmers Information and Technology Services (FITS) on lanzones- and coconut-based farms in Lucban and Tayabas, Quezon [Philippines] FITS farmer-beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries were personally interviewed to gather primary data on their socioeconomic characteristics, farming system, extent of technology adoption, farm productivity and income. Among the production technologies introduced in the area by FITS, the most widely adopted technology combinations are girdling-pruning and girdling-scraping for lanzones, and application of muriate of potash fertilizer to coconut farms. This fertilizer was distributed by the Philippine Coconut Authority to farmers free of charge. Several factors were found to have a positive effect on farmers' availment of technology. Among lanzones farmers, these include: nearness of farm to FITS, high lanzones income-to-total farm income ratio, large household size, high total farmers' income, and more crops planted. Among coconut farmers, these are: longer farming experience, nearness of farm to FITS, high total farmers' income, high coconut income-to-total farm income ratio, and membership in organization. FITS technology services had a favorable impact on farm productivity. Lanzones yield per hectare was 6269 kg and 3282 kg for beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries, respectively. The corresponding figures for yield per tree were 45 kg and 21 kg, respectively. For coconut, yield per hectare was 46 percent kg and 2833 kg for beneficiaries and non beneficiaries, respectively. Yield per tree was 32 kg and 28 kg, respectively. Similarly, FITS technology services contributed to higher farm income obtained by beneficiaries from lanzones and coconut. Lanzones farm income was P139,979 for beneficiaries and P44,252 for non-beneficiaries. Coconut farm income was P15,372 and P6387 for beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries, respectively. Generally, beneficiaries did not show a better income distribution than non-beneficiaries.Between the two commodities, however, FITS appeared to have a greater favorable impact among lanzones farmers than coconut farmers, in terms of farm productivity and income. Although the presence of FITS appeared to have brought about some economic benefits for lanzones and coconut farmers, its technology delivery system should be improved taking into account factors that affect a farmer's decision to adopt a technology. FITS should package information technologies in a form most preferred by farmers. A bundled type of technology is recommended to ensure a uniform and high level of adoption.