Authors : Alvin Aliado Butay; Dr. Agnes C. Perey

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 5 - May

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3tcjurx6

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26May1241

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Abstract : This study assessed the adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and its influence on rural development among rice farmers in Central Luzon, Philippines. Specifically, it described the socio-demographic, institutional, biophysical, and economic characteristics of GAP adopters; determined their level of awareness, training exposure, and certification status; examined the extent of GAP adoption and practice; and analyzed the factors influencing adoption, including enabling conditions, barriers, challenges, and potential interventions for improvement. A total of 102 rice farmers were surveyed using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analysis. The respondents were generally small- to medium-scale farmers, predominantly male, married, and experienced in rice farming. Most had access to irrigation facilities, moderate soil fertility, and were affiliated with farmer organizations. Although production costs had increased over time, yields and income remained relatively stable, suggesting that farm management practices were adaptive. Results revealed a very high level of awareness among farmers regarding GAP principles, benefits, and requirements. Most respondents had participated in GAP-related training, which was perceived as highly relevant and practical to farm operations. The extent of GAP adoption was consistently great, particularly in areas such as farm safety practices, recordkeeping, sanitation, and integrated pest management. Statistical analysis showed that training exposure significantly influenced GAP adoption, whereas awareness and certification alone did not. Key enabling factors included strong institutional support, access to irrigation, and high levels of knowledge. However, major constraints such as labor-intensive practices, inadequate infrastructure, financial limitations, and weak market incentives hindered the full optimization of GAP implementation. The study concludes that while GAP is widely adopted and contributes to sustainable agricultural development, its effectiveness largely depends on continuous hands-on training, strong institutional support, and improved infrastructure and market systems. Overall, strengthening practical training programs, improving support for certification mechanisms, and enhancing market linkages are essential to sustain and further improve GAP adoption among rice farmers in Central Luzon.

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