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Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD) - Call for papers!

Impacts of Agricultural Subsidies on Rice Farming Household Level Food Security in the Municipality of Bobonaro, Timor-Leste

(Timor-Leste), Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural Economics (University of the Philippines Los Baños)

Dissertation Abstract:

Subsidy has long been considered as an important element in improving farm production as well as farm household's food security. This study aims to evaluate the contribution of agricultural subsidy on rice farming household's level food security. Data were collected through interview with 315 respondents in Atabae and Maliana subdistricts, municipality of Bobonaro, Timor-Leste. Relevant data for the study were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results of the study revealed that subsidy recipient-households had higher rice production and food consumption scores than non-recipient households. The average rice production and food consumption score of subsidy recipients were higher than nonrecipient households by 96% and 5%, respectively. Rice production can be improved by using high yielding varieties, application of urea, triple superphosphate, potassium chloride fertilizers and increasing landholding size. Household food security, on the other hand, can be enhanced through improved rice production, use of modem storage tools for keeping food grains, and higher household income. Age of household head positively affect household food security while big household size and high price of rice have negative effects on food security.

Overall, subsidy had positive and significant effect on farming household's rice production and food security. Recipients who received more than one subsidized input got higher yield than non-recipients and recipients of only one input. Therefore, the continuous provision of subsidy in packets is important in improving farm household's rice production and food security.