Author : Orencia, Eufracio T.

Summary : The study dealt with the role of farmers in rural development. Specifically, it described characteristics of farmers associated with decision-making and the extent of participation of the officers and members of the SAMAHANG NAYON in the decision-making process. The study was limited to existing SAMAHANG NAYONS (farmers' association) in Pila, Laguna. Data were gathered from 197 members of farmers' associations through personal interview, using the before-and-after interview guide with the assistance of social laboratory technicians. Other baseline data and information were collected from progress resports and other sources. Simple arithmetic analyses, such as means and percentages, were used to describe the data. Significant findings of the study were: 80 percent of decisions were made by members of the association as a body; 98 percent favored the way the associations made decisions by considering majority opinion; in the case of the adoption of new technology, 89 percent consulted field technicians before making decisions; more than two-thirds of the respondents had attended training courses; 89 percent expressed willingness to attend future training programs for additional knowledge; almost three-fourths of the members felt some important changes in their life status after joining the association; in terms of services, 88 percent were assisted by the associations in their farming needs such as processing of bank loans, securing farms supplies and equipment at lower costs, and marketing of farm products.