ASSESSMENT OF DIVERSIFIED LIVELIHOOD OPTION IN RAIN FED COMMUNITIES IN AGUSAN DEL SUR

Abstract

This paper presented the assessment of diversified livelihood option in rain fed communities in terms of socio-economic profile, farm diversification, livelihood options, farmer’s income, farm problems, and identify factors which influence livelihood option. Results revealed rain fed areas practiced conventional farming system, crops ranging from 2-7 and needs to be integrated and diversified on farming system approach. Livelihood option is necessary considering the financial status, geographic condition, and physical environment to augment their family income. Next generation of farmers shall have relevant technical knowledge, abilities, competencies, and develop entrepreneurial skills in order to produce high quality products that compete in the ASEAN and global market. Research and innovation shall be developed to facilitate viable and applicable technology to optimize scarce resources and attaining economic development and food security in the area. Climatic condition in the area needs to be assessed in order to ensure the timing of production activities leading to optimize and efficient use of resources. This research gathers data to related issues in the status of agricultural production to assess appropriate technologies in research development, agricultural policy and structural reforms. With the vast area of 5,155.76 hectare in Agusan del Sur as a potential resource can improve the agricultural production through application of technologies that are simple but viable in rain fed communities.