Identification of Livelihood Projects of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in Ilocos Sur

Abstract

This study sought to determine the benefits derived by the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARB) of/locos Surfrom the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP), particularly in their livelihood projects other than farming. Specifically, it aimed to: present the profile of the ARB's of Ilocos Sur; determine their livelihood projects and their reasons for venturing in such projects, identify the assistance derived by the ARB's from the different organizations involved in the CARP; determine their prospective livelihood projects; identify the problems they encountered in their on-going livelihood projects; and identify the problems they foresee in their prospective projects. Most of the ARB's were male, between 30-59 years old, elementary graduates, and earned below P6000 a month. They ventured in piggery, cattle raising, poultry raising, and carabao raising as their livelihood projects. Only a few engaged in commerce, raising quails, horses, turkeys, or ducks/geese, fish culture, mushroom culture, and food and meat processing. They ventured in these projects for the following reasons: it is easier to manage; it is their area of interest; it gives higher profit; support is given by cooperatives, government agencies, and local/national officials; and it augments their income. The ARB's received cash and material assistance from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Interior and Local Government, and the Land Bank of the Philippines. They also received material assistance from the Department of Trade and Industry. Moreover, they received cash and material assistance from their cooperatives and private enterprises. Some received little cash assistance from the rural banks; cash and material assistance for non-government organizations and local/national government officials. The ARB's planned to venture in other livelihood projects like livestock production, poultry raising, andfish culture. They expressed their need for cash, material, and technical assistance in their prospective projects. In their on-going livelihood projects, the ARB's encountered mostly financial problems. They couldforesee problems on capital, technical know how and facilities in their prospective projects.