Socio-economic conditions and key factors influencing the operational performance of seaweed farmers in Caluya Island, Philippines | |
| Author | Baldoza, Bernajocele Jalyn Sicatin |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.AB-25-04 |
| Subject(s) | Marine algae industry--Economic aspects--Philippines Marine algae industry--Social aspects--Philiippines Fisheries--Philippines |
| Note | A Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Agribusiness Management |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | The fisheries sector in the Philippines, particularly the seaweed farming community in Caluya Island, faces significant challenges affecting its economic potential and the livelihoods dependent on it. This study examines the socio-economic vulnerabilities and key factors influencing the operational performance of seaweed farming communities on the island, a geographically isolated area contributing 56,000 MT,equivalent to USD 10 million in 2022, to national seaweed production. Surveying 327 seaweed farmers revealed socio-economic vulnerabilities, including only 6% youth engagement, low tertiary education attainment, small farm sizes (<1 ha), 0.48 multidimensional poverty incidence, and 96% living below the food poverty threshold. Farmers rely heavily on informal credit sources such as traders and micro-lending. The Aquaculture Performance Indicators (API) indicated moderate environmental and economic outcomes, 3 out of 5, reflecting limited regulatory compliance, susceptibility to diseases like ice-ice, and inadequate infrastructure. Consequently, community performance remains relatively stronger (score: 3.8 out of 5), driven by high local ownership and over a decade of farming experience. However, they are constrained by inadequate healthcare, sanitation, and education. Regression analyses highlight that farming experience significantly improves environmental and social outcomes. At the same time, advanced education negatively impacts environmental sustainability, suggesting that advanced education may encourage practices prioritizing short-term economic gains at the expense of ecological integrity. In contrast, advanced formal education does not directly translate into higher economic returns. Consequently, structured government credit and input support positively influence economic performance. The study recommends establishing cooperative-based financial services, operationalizing a local tissue-culture laboratory, upgrading post-harvest infrastructure, promoting regulatory compliance, and enhancing healthcare and educational access, all of which require a collaborative effort from all stakeholders. |
| Year | 2025 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Environment, Resources, and Development |
| Department | Department of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources (Former title: Department of Food Agriculture, and BioResources (DFAB)) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Agribusiness Management (AB) |
| Chairperson(s) | Yaseen, Muhammad |
| Examination Committee(s) | Himanshu, Sushil Kumar;Junaid, Muhammad |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | ADB Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Am.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2025 |