Asian Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development

Developing community-based enterprises from the selected agrarian reform communities in Quezon Province

2025-04-03T14:36:22-05:00

This research aims to develop community-based enterprises in agrarian reform communities (ARCs) anchored in urban-rural development through climate-resilient agricultural practices in Quezon Province, particularly in the municipalities of Sariaya and Dolores. Following a community-based participatory action research (CBPAR) approach, a needs assessment revealed that local farmers faced significant challenges, including overproduction, low prices, inadequate storage, and limited market access, while a few had ventured into value-added processing. Training gaps in food processing, marketing, and business skills were also identified, highlighting the need for capacity-building programs to enhance entrepreneurship and agricultural productivity. Through participatory learning trials (PLTs), a variety of value-added products, such as tomato ketchup, pork tocino, and buko pie, were developed, incorporating local agricultural produce. Training focused on food processing techniques, entrepreneurial skills, and good manufacturing practices (GMP). While feedback from participants was largely positive, challenges such as high attrition rates in certain training modules were noted. The study recommends the establishment of shared service facilities for food processing, financial assistance for capital development, and the creation of cooperatives to support sustainable entrepreneurship. Additionally, further standardization of products to meet FDA requirements, coupled with continuous monitoring and mentoring, is crucial for ensuring the long-term viability of community-based enterprises.

Management of GI-certified agricultural products and their contribution to household income in rural thailand

2025-04-27T00:48:18-05:00

This research looks at how Geographical Indication (GI)-certified agricultural products are managed in Thailand. It focuses on the sales and production cycles, the income they bring in, and the main problems they face. Using a mixed-methods approach, surveys and interviews were conducted with representatives of 77 GI-certified products categorized into rice (10), foods (15), and plant fruits and vegetables (52). Four management patterns emerged: one production and one selling season (25 products), one production with multiple selling seasons (15), two production and selling cycles (19), and multiple cycles (18). Contributions to household income were classified into four levels: Low (19), Medium (18), High (13), and Maximum (27). A Chi-Square test revealed no significant association between management patterns and income levels. Producers identified critical barriers, including limited market access and climate variability, which affected product quantity and quality. Many expressed low confidence in product reputation, citing the inability to secure price premiums over non-GI products. The study underscores the need for targeted policies to address market access, climate resilience, and product reputation. These findings provide valuable insights for GI authorities, policymakers, and stakeholders to sustain GI management, enhance rural incomes, and align with Sustainable Development Goals. The results are broadly applicable to other developing countries reliant on agricultural GIs.

Identifying constraints and strategies for palm oil production in Indonesia: An interpretive structure model approach

2025-04-27T01:07:17-05:00

Palm oil plays an important role in the economy in Indonesia, particularly in the Waru Sub-district, Penajam Paser Utara, East Kalimantan, which is one of the main producers. However, production conditions in the region tend to fluctuate due to the limited involvement of existing institutions, challenges that weaken their role and effectiveness, and strategic programs aimed at increasing oil palm production. This study analyzes the relevant institutional structures, identifies constraints that weaken their roles, and determines strategic programs to increase oil palm production. The study used Interpretative Structural Modelling as its analysis method. The results of the analysis show that the Agricultural Extension Centre plays an important role in increasing oil palm production. The main factor contributing to the limited effectiveness of this institution is the lack of skilled human resources. The findings of this study can be used as a practical guide by the government and relevant agencies to strengthen the role of agricultural institutions, particularly the Agricultural Extension Centre, in increasing oil palm production. The implementation of strategies such as improving the human resources of extension workers and empowering farmer groups can increase the effectiveness of programs for developing oil palm in a sustainable manner.