Author : Barroga, Kenneth D.

Summary : This study's main research question as contextualized for Davao region, Philippines, is what are the effects of the extent of technological innovation adoption (TIA) among micro, small, and medium food processing enterprises (MSMFEs) on the persistent developmental issues of poverty and gender equity?

This study involved DOST's the Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) under which financial assistance for MSMFEs is provided to enable them to adopt technological innovations to boost productivity.

Primary data were obtained through a census of 52 MSMFEs and key informant interviews. The analytical tools used included a composite index construction, an ordered logistic regression analysis, and a before-and-after approach to impact evaluation.

The adoption indices ascertained which MSMFEs did not adopt the technological innovations of SETUP and which ones adopted less, moderately, and highly or fully. Results showed that the extent of adoption among MSMFEs was mainly influenced by sex of the owner, educational attainment, business scale, and type of market.

There was a positive and significant impact of TIA on MSMFEs' annual gross sales, employment, and daily wage rates of direct workers; thus, contributing to poverty alleviation. The TIA has also considered equity between male and female with respect to employment and daily wage rates of direct workers.

Given these promising findings, this study suggests that, among the menu of available poverty reduction and gender equity strategies, one with far reaching potential is that of strengthening the MSMFEs through TIA.