Abstract/Summary

The study investigated the communication and livelihood dynamics of selected sugarcane farmers registered as members of the Sugarcane Block Farm System in ten communities in Balayan and Calaca, Batangas, Philippines. The study: (1) examined family farmers’ communication dynamics in relation to gender roles; (2) analysed the process of co-creation of knowledge within the agricultural innovation system; and (3) examined government policies to support sugarcane family farmers in enhancing their livelihood dynamics. The research utilised the modified transcendental phenomenological approach to unpack the lived experiences of forty sugarcane family farmers. These participants undertook a series of semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions between January and December 2022 with the assistance of the Balayan Mill District a regional arm of the Sugar Regulatory Administration – Department of Agriculture, which supervises the participating block farms. A key informant interview was also conducted with the head of the office to gain a holistic appreciation of the government's efforts to address the issues of the sugarcane family farmers. The study revealed dualism in leadership within the block farms. While patriarchal views still exist within the sector, the farmers made an effort to address these concerns by providing spaces for females to lead and participate within the SBFS. The implementation of the existing agricultural innovation system was challenged, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as alternative communication modalities were implemented to bridge the communication gap. This highlighted the weaknesses in accessing ICTs in rural communities, a longstanding problem in the country due to the financial and educational limitations of the participants. Lastly, the need to re-evaluate the existing government laws and policies on sugarcane farming is essential in order to address the issues surrounding the livelihood dynamics of the family farmers. Particularly with regard to the provision of an enabling environment for farmers to participate in the co-creation of knowledge to strengthen their sustainability as sugarcane farmers.