Extension work: The missing link to the economic productivity and social effectivity of the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV) agricultural project in La Union

• Main Author: Dulatre, Celsa C.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2003
• Subjects: Agricultural extension work—Philippines—La Union; Agricultural development projects—Philippines—La Union; Agricultural assistance, Japanese—Philippines; South and Southeast Asian Languages and Societies
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/3113; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=9951&context=etd_masteral
• Institution: De La Salle University

The study compared the economic productivity and social effectivity of an agricultural project sponsored by the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers conducted in two barangays--Arosip and Cabalayangan, in the province of La Union. One barangay was assisted by extension work, while the second barangay was unassisted. The study utilized the descriptive-comparative survey method of research. Respondents of the study included 22 farmer-recipients. Results showed that the farmer-recipients of the agricultural projects who were assisted by extension work were more economically productive and socially effective compared to the other recipients of the same project who were unassisted by extension work. The farm visits rendered by the extensionists contributed to their increased in production and income that consequently led to the increase of their material possessions in the form of farm tools, viand, clothes, more friends. It is concluded that the role of extension work is crucial in any development program addressing the rural farmers. Its importance is especially felt in foreign-sponsored programs, which need extension support to liaise it to the local recipients. Left on their own, the foreign-sponsored projects will not be as easily accepted, supported and sustained.