Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 23 ISSUE 1
Written by Leomarich F. CASINILLO, Emily L. CASINILLO, Virgelio C. DARGANTES JR.

Rice farming is one of the main sources of income in many rural areas in the Philippines. The purpose of this study is to model the different constraints that influence the level of rice farmers' income in Albuera, Leyte, Philippines. Survey data from an available sample of participants were gathered through a face-to-face interview consisting of the rice farmers' income and its determining constraints. Some descriptive measures were calculated to summarize the gathered variables and ordinary least square (OLS) regression analysis was employed to predict the significant constraints of farmers' monthly income. Results revealed that the rice farmers' monthly income is below the poverty line as the Philippine poverty threshold is concerned, that is, rice farmers in rural areas are considered "poor". The farmers have said that their rice production and income level are “affected” by the following constraints: “high prices of agricultural inputs”, “inadequate capital”, and “pest and diseases”. Additionally, their rice production and income are moderately affected by “lack of credit facilities”, “lack of technical services”, and “weeds”. Moreover, the two constructed statistical models showed that the following constraints are significant factors affecting the income level of rice farmers: “high prices of agricultural inputs”, “lack of credit facilities”, “high cost of transportation", "low educational attainment", and "land rent". Conclusively, farmers are in need of assistance from the local government concerning access to credit for capital, adoption of new technologies in farming, and other facilities that might improve their production. Furthermore, farmers must undergo some seminars and training to strengthen their knowledge of rice farming and improve their practices to increase their level of production, well-being, and monthly income.

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