THE WELFARE EFFECTS OF MARKET PARTICIPATION: EVIDENCE FROM AGRARIAN REFORM BENEFICIARIES IN MULTIPLE OUTPUT MARKETS IN AGDANGAN, QUEZON PHILIPPINES

Author Name: Ma. Josephine Therese Emily G. Teves,

Volume/Issue: 02/10

Country: Thiland

DOI NO.: 08.2020-25662434 DOI Link: https://www.doi-ds.org/doilink/04.2022-51195163/UIJIR

Affiliation:

Ph.D. Candidate, The Faculty of Political Science, Chulalongkorn University, Thiland

ABSTRACT

This research analyzed the welfare impact of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries’ (ARBs) participation in multiple output markets. It used qualitative methods such as semi-structured interviews, focus groups, observations, and documental analysis to analyze the context and capture the complexities of ARBs' market participation using descriptive information. ARBs' market participation impact in multiple output markets on income and welfare is negative. They characterized the effects of intermediate indicators such as yield per cropping season, net annual farm income, travel time, and transportation cost. The negative result is attributed to unequal benefits generated by landowner-subcontractor and traders, low bargaining power of ARBs, and high transaction costs, and such challenges should receive attention in agricultural market participation impact research. Specifically, it demonstrated that market participation's 'infrastructure-enhances-agricultural productivity and economic-growth formula must be taken prudently. Equitable benefits are feasible by addressing ARBs' needs in agricultural extension services needed to level the playing field. The long-term prospects entail re-examining the market participation processes to ensure that its benefits will be allocated fairly between the poor and the non-poor sectors. The findings may help policymakers decide how to facilitate equitable market participation via customized agricultural support services agenda. They can also test and compare qualitative findings in other contexts. Finally, they should be accountable while rethinking alternatives to address ARBs' income and productivity.

Key words: Market Participation, Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries, welfare impact, Philippines, Farm-to-Market Road