Intensive Use of Mechanized Technology in the Agriculture Sector: An Evaluation of the Effects and Implications in Selected Commodity Value Chains

SEARCA has been commissioned by Department of Agriculture – Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (DA-PCAF) to conduct an evaluation on the effects and implications of the mechanized technology on the selected commodities. This evaluation will collect quantitative data from Rice, Corn, Cassava and Coffee farmers, and will collect qualitative data from Program Implementer, Trader-Consolidator, Processor and Cooperative Farmer Organization. After which, quantitative estimates of the project's evaluation will be produced, supplemented by qualitative insights that will serve to verify the quantitative findings and to offer deeper insights of programme experiences.

The purpose of this evaluation is to generate critical policy recommendations in support to the DA's priority agenda on farm mechanization, as well as strategic and effective postharvest, storage and processing facilities that can lead to increased productivity and competitiveness, in the light of the current ASEAN integration. The project shall cover a total of 13 Regions covering CAR, Regions 1 (Ilocos Region), 2 (Cagayan Valley), 3 (Central Luzon), 4A (CALABARZON), 4B (MIMAROPA), 5 (Bicol Region), 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), 10 (Northern Mindanao), 11 (Davao Region), 12 (SOCCSKSARGEN) and 13 (CARAGA).

The Project Team is expected to:

1. Determine the effects of the past DA mechanization programs on enhancing productivity along the value chain of the four identified crops.
2. Conduct a benchmarking activities to selected local commodity value chains in terms of competitiveness vis-à-vis farm mechanization level with ASEAN neighbor countries to determine critical policy and technological interventions needed.
3. Determine the potential increase in the mechanization level as a result of the DA mechanization program vis-à-vis actual program implementation results.
4. Formulate and recommend critical policies to address the identified policy and technology gaps to improve the effectiveness of the DA programs on agricultural mechanization.