Author : Trinidad, Rosario G.

Summary : The study sought to determine the participation of rice farmers in farm and non-farm activities, the problems/needs/solutions they encountered and the possible factors that influenced their participation. Data were gathered through interview schedules in five purposively sampled barangays (Centro Norte, Bulala, Dugo, Casili and Minanga) in Camalaniugan, Cagayan with 241 randomly-selected respondents. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square, Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Regression were used to analyze the data. The results of the study showed that most of the respondents were middle-age, had attained a high educational level, had basically nuclear households which consisted of 4 to 6 members. They were generally Roman Catholics. Most of them were not prone to organizational membership. The respondents' level of living was low which was aggravated by their low income. Their main source of farm income was rice while the source of their non-farm income was derived from a variety of sources. The visibility of tractor as farm implement was due to the presence of agricultural machineries in nearby towns giving it on installment basis. The average total cultivated area was 2.4 hectares of rice farm and most areas were irrigated. Most respondents were land owners but the area were so small for a family to live descently. Women believed their prime obligation was their home and family, though they were expected to help their husbands in the farm. They were favorably disposed to their roles in both home and farm. Capital was identified as their major problem both in farm and non-farm activities. To cope up with their financial problem they suggested the establishement of credit facilities and/or government support. As coping mechanisms, most of them identified relatives, friends and parents as their source of assistance and help especially when their problems revolved around financial, health and food. The situations in the area that hindered gorwth and development were the physical calamities.