THE Status of Financial Well-Being of Farmers: Basis for INTERVENTION

Abstract

Despite farmers' contributions to the country’s economic growth, their financial well-being is vulnerable to instability, limited access to credit, and rising production costs.  The main objective of this study was to ascertain the financial well-being of farmers in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, and to determine differences based on their profiles. The targeted respondents, selected through disproportionate sampling, comprised 300 farmers: 216 planters of traditional crops and 84 producers of high-value crops. This study employed a descriptive-comparative design. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, mean scores, standard deviations, T-Tests, and ANOVA. The results revealed that farmers' financial well-being was generally moderate. Findings further indicated that there were no significant differences in financial well-being across demographic factors. Moreover, the results suggest an intervention plan to help agricultural stakeholders and local administrators intensify efforts to improve their quality of life by enhancing access to support services, facilities, and livelihood opportunities.