IMPACT OF IMPROVED VEGETABLE FARMING TECHNOLOGY ON FARMERS' LIVELIHOODS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Improving on-farm technology is one of the solutions identified to increase agricultural productivity and the income of vegetable farmers in the Philippines. Two improved varieties; the hybrid eggplant variety ‘Casino’ and the hybrid watermelon variety ‘Dragon’ were studied in key vegetable producing provinces on the main island of Luzon, the Philippines. Farmers who adopted these varieties increased their income levels by an average of 104% for eggplant and 30% for watermelon, and consequently were able to provide for their needs such as housing, to purchase farm tools and equipment and transport vehicles, to expand their farm operations by renting land, to educate their children, and to provide appropriate health care. Social benefits included employment, enhanced local business and tax collection. At present, farmers are encountering problems of pests and diseases and declining soil productivity due to continuous cultivation. The most important factors influencing the adoption of improved eggplant varieties were high yields and high market demand. The influence of seed company technicians was a major factor for both eggplant and watermelon. In addition, resistance to pest and diseases, the early maturing characteristics of the variety and high demand were identified as adoption factors for watermelon.