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Assessing the Factors Influencing the Intent to Utilize the Information Generated by the Rice Crop Manager Digital Application in Pila, Laguna, Philippines
No full textRice is the primary choice of Filipinos despite the presence of other staple foods such as noodles and bread (Pelegrino, 2020). According to Statista (2022), the per capita rice utilization in the Philippines was at 136 kilograms (kg) per year. This value increased compared to the per capita rice utilization in the Philippines in 2016 which was at 108 kg/year.
While rice serves as a major and staple crop of the country, the production of the commodity faces challenges in view of various factors (e.g., drought, flooding, among others) resulting to low rice yield and production. According to the Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR), 2016 posed as one of the lowest recorded palay production in the Philippines due to the El Nino phenomenon. On another note, it was also mentioned by Mataia et al. (2020), as cited by Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Agricultural Research & University of the Philippines Los Baños (2022), that the production constraints faced by the Philippine rice production were 1) low yield, 2) high production cost, 3) inadequate water supply, 4) climate change, 5) limited drying and storage facilities, 6) mismatch of farmer’s preference for high-quality variety seeds, 7) pests and diseases, 8) low adoption of new crop management technologies, 9) low access to low cost credit, 10) crop insurance, and 11) unstable price resulting to low farm income. In response to the challenges mentioned, the National Agriculture and Fisheries Research for Development and Extension Agenda (NAREA 2023-2028) laid down priority research areas containing the expected technologies to mitigate and address the challenges mentioned. One of the research areas identified was on the field of precision and digital farming (Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Agricultural Research & University of the Philippines Los Baños, 2022).
The Rice Crop Manager (RCM) was developed as a digital agriculture platform. Its capability includes the provision of reliable and credible nutrient and crop management recommendation for the reference of the rice farmer. In partnership with the Department of Agriculture, through the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) co- developed the technology to provide location-specific fertilizer management recommendations for the rice farmers nationwide disseminated through an Android application in a mobile device. Through the active participation of the Agricultural Extension Workers (AEWs) within Local Government Units (LGUs) and rice farmers, the mobile application has approximately distributed two (2) million recommendations. In general, the increase in yield averaged to about 392 kg/ha/cropping season and has provided an average additional net income of US $122 per ha/cropping season (International Rice Research Institute & Department of Agriculture- Philippine Rice Research Institute, 2021).
The RCM mobile application was be shown to meet its yearly targeted recommendations. However, the International Rice Research Institute & Department of Agriculture- Philippine Rice Research Institute in 2021 still cited issues and challenges in terms of its use and adoption. Specifically, the case study report by the International Rice Research Institute & Department of Agriculture- Philippine Rice Research Institute, (2021) stated that the adoption rate was only 27%. The identified gaps include the lack of information and data on the behavioral and social profiles of the intended users relative to the use of the RCM generated recommendations. To address the gaps identified by the IRRI and PhilRice, this study explored the use of the UTAUT by Venkatesh et al. (2012) as a tool in determining and analyzing the factors affecting the behavioral intention of rice farmers to use the RCM recommendations. This includes measuring the 1) Performance expectancy (PE), 2) Effort expectancy (EE), 3) Social influence (SI), 4) Facilitating conditions (FC), 5), Hedonic motivation (HM), and 6) Habit (HB) among rice farmers in Pila, Laguna and its effect towards the behavioral intention to use the RCM recommendations.
The research employed a descriptive and causal type of research. Furthermore, through simple random sampling, self-administered questionnaires (SAQs) were disseminated among 60 rice farmers in Pila, Laguna. The SAQs, with a four-point Likert scale, was used to measure the rice farmers’ responses relative to the independent variables (e.g., performance expectancy, effort expectancy, among others) and the dependent variable (i.e., behavioral intention). On the other hand, key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with five key staff from the DA-Regional Field Office IV-A and Municipal Agriculturists (MAO) of Pila, Laguna to further validate and enhance the quantitative data obtained from the SAQs.
The study described the profile of the farmers and their respective farm areas in Pila, Laguna. The results of the KIIs showed that there are a total of 962 farmers registered in Pila, Laguna. With respect to the total population, only 60 rice farmers had valid responses within the questionnaires disseminated. In terms of age classification, all the respondents of the survey fall into the older age category ranging to 35-79 years old. Additionally, the number of female and male respondents for the study was 20 and 40 respectively.
Relative to farm characteristics, the total land area of registered rice farmers at Pila, Laguna is 1,298 hectares. Rice varieties being used are Tubigan 17 (216), Mabango 3 (218), and GSR 8 (480). Based on the interview with the agricultural technicians, the rice production in the area can go as high as 120 MT for the dry season while 80 to 100 MT during the wet season. In terms of traditional fertilizer management practices, the agricultural technicians mentioned that most farmers rely on rough estimates for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) before the utilization of the RCM generated recommendations.
The study used Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS- SEM), through the Smart PLS application, to determine and analyze the significant x factors affecting the behavioral intention to use the recommendations (i.e. the information) generated by the RCM technology and determine the reliability and validity of the model developed. Based on the results generated, the outer loadings of the items relative to the independent variables were higher than 0.70, a standard value according to Cinzi et al. (2010). This means the items (e.g., job-fit) within the questionnaire can accurately measure the constructs (e.g., performance expectancy) they are trying to measure. Through the Smart PLS application, path coefficient analysis was also done to determine the significant and non-significant factors affecting behavioral intention to use the RCM recommendations within rice farmers in Pila, Laguna. The results of the path coefficient analysis through PLS-SEM accepted hypotheses HA5 and HA4 which were for independent variables namely 1) Hedonic motivation (HM) and 2) Facilitating conditions (FC) respectively. On the other hand, hypotheses HA6, HA1, HA3, HA2 for the independent variables namely 1) Habit (HB), 2) Performance expectancy (PE), 3) Social influence, and 4) Effort expectancy respectively was rejected.
HM and FC with p-values of 0.005 and 0.0332 respectively are identified to be significant factors affecting the behavioral intention of rice farmers to use the RCM recommendations. The intensive support system provided and established by the Municipal Agriculturist Office (MAO) of Pila, Laguna and the DA-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO) IV-A enabled the rice farmers in Pila, Laguna to effectively use the RCM recommendations. This included having enabling mechanisms through the provision of input subsidies and technical support on the use of the recommendations. On the other hand, the realization of the nutrient and fertilizer related benefits promised by the RCM recommendations compared to traditional fertilizer management practices provided higher extrinsic and intrinsic motivation for the farmers. Consequently, the presence of extrinsic rewards (i.e. higher yields due to accurate fertilizer recommendation application) and other enabling factors (i.e. presence of technical assistance and one-on-one interviews) contributed to the ease of using the technology and realization of its benefits relative to rice farming. In return, the higher extrinsic motivation higher enthusiasm and joy from realizing the perceived benefits increased the rice farmers’ respective motivation and eventually their behavioral intentions to use the RCM recommendations.
On the other hand, non-significant factors identified relative to behavioral intention to use the RCM recommendations were PE, EE, SI, and HB. The identified factors contributing to the insignificance of these variables relative to BI can be attributed to the 1) the technology’s lack of features to address problems from other external factors (e.g. pest and disease, drought) aside from areas concerning nutrient and fertilizer management 2) overfamiliarity of the rice farmers in Pila, Laguna with respect to the use of the RCM recommendations, 3) independent decision making and voluntary use of RCM recommendations, and lastly 4) high cost of fertilizers and the presence of culturally integrated farm management practices for rice.
The study provided information on the respective behavioral and social profiles of the rice farmers in Pila, Laguna as users of the RCM recommendations. As such, various recommendations addressed to different stakeholders were drafted to further strengthen the operationalization of the technology. The first recommendation highlights the need to provide more inclusive and participative features within the RCM application. Through the development of a recognition and rewards system, Agriculture Technicians could capitalize on the joy and enthusiasm of rice farmers to further improve the process of generating RCM recommendations. Specifically, this system could increase the participation of rice farmers in providing relevant, accurate, up to date, and complete baseline information regarding their rice production which is needed to generate the RCM recommendations. The development of features showcasing the formulation of alternative fertilizers based on locally found materials could also be done to decrease the rice farmer’s difficulty and expanding their options in order to meet the recommendations of the RCM due to the presence of high-cost commercial fertilizers.
The second recommendation revolves around the study’s alignment with the results gained by Manalo et al. (2019). Specifically, the aforementioned study states that the engagement of the youth as infomediaries can strengthen the dissemination and utilization of the RCM recommendations. This is in view of the student’s higher hedonic motivation relative to the use of technology, in this case the RCM recommendations. By deeply engaging younger individuals [i.e. in this case the children of the rice farmers during the critical stages of the generation of the RCM recommendations (e.g., activities on the conduct of baseline interviews.)], increased uptake and use of RCM recommendations will be realized within rice farms in Pila, Laguna.
The third recommendation focuses in capitalizing on the rice farmers’ enthusiasm by revisiting and enhancing the format and style of the recommendations. This includes adjusting the font sizes and including more images to make the document more visually appealing and interactive for the rice farmers. With this, users may also further increase their appreciation on the information in the RCM recommendation generated, hence their increased behavioral intention to use the RCM recommendations.
The fourth and last recommendation focuses on integrating the RCM technology with other rice production technologies to increase perceived benefits by rice farmers relative to their rice production. Through an integrated and harmonized digital rice management platform, higher expectations of rice farmers relative to the benefits brought by the RCM technology will not be offset by other problems brought by various factors such as drought, flooding, pests and diseases to the rice production
Pagtitipan: A Physical Theatre Performance on the Gender Performativity of Queer Individuals in Catholic Institutions
No full textGene Expression of Toll-Like Receptors (TLR)-2 and-3 in QPCR-Confirmed Blood Samples Infected with African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV)
No full textBackground: African swine fever (ASF) is a viral hemorrhagic disease affecting both domestic and wild pigs which causes socio economic losses due to high mortality and morbidity rates. There is no commercially available vaccine yet in the market, but vaccine trials are actively being conducted in other countries. Understanding how the host\u27s immune system responds to ASF infection is critical not only in controlling AS outbreaks but also in developing diagnostic test kits, targeted control measures and effective vaccines. Hence, this study was conducted to determine patterns of activation of immune-related genes, specifically toll-like receptors (TLR)-2 and -3 in whole blood samples of ASF-infected pigs using qRT-PCR. Methodology: ASFV-positive whole blood samples were obtained from local government units (LGUs) or provincial veterinary offices (PVOs) which collected the samples from ASFV-infected farms for the AS monitoring and surveillance program of their respective areas of jurisdiction. The blood samples were subjected to further qPCR confirmation prior to gene expression analysis. Confirmation of ASFV positive diagnosis was subsequently performed following the recommended procedures outlined in the WOAH Terrestrial Manual on African Swine Fever Diagnosis. Afterwards, gene expression levels of TLR-2 and -3 were quantified using qRT-PCR following the 2-△△ Ct method. Results: In this study, only blood sample total RNAs with good quality were subjected to qRT-PCR for the gene expression analysis. The mRNA expression levels of TLR-2 and TLR-3 were highly significant as compared to the corresponding mRNA expression level of the negative control (NC). TLR-2 highly increased by 4137.32-fold, while there was 5338.25-fold increase in TLR-3 mRNA expression level. Moreover, TLR-3 mRNA expression level was higher by 1200.93-fold as compared to TLR-2 expression level. Conclusion: Overall, the findings of this study showed the specific and highly significant upregulation of TLR-2 and -3 mRNA transcript levels in ASFV-infected blood samples indicating the active involvement of the TLR signaling pathway in the host response against the viru
Design, Fabrication, and Determination of the Optimum Working Conditions of a Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Pneumatic Bagging System
Get PDFThe peanut bagging process is not mechanized, it requires a large amount of human labor. In addition, the shovel or canister used in bagging breaks the peanut shell that causes losses. The purpose of this study is to reduce the required workforce by mechanizing the peanut bagging process, and to determine the optimum working criteria (hose diameter and air velocity) of the prototype machine. A peanut pneumatic bagging machine powered by a tractor power takeoff (PTO) was designed and fabricated to convey peanut pods from the ground and fill the product into the bags. To determine the optimum working conditions of the machine, tests are conducted using three hose diameters (100, 120, and 160 mm) and three air speeds (23, 25, and 27 m s-1). Machine work capacity, fuel consumption, and physical product damage were identified. The terminal velocity value of the peanut pods was calculated as 14.48 ± 2.08 m s-1. Air speed twice the terminal velocity was applied to prevent pressure drop in the transport pipe and ensure flow continuity. The hose with a diameter of 160 mm give the highest work capacity and the lowest fuel consumption. The air velocity of 27 m s-1 in the hose was the most successful in terms of both work capacity and fuel consumption. No product damage was verified during the trials, and the prototype machine was found to be effective for the peanut bagging process
Taxonomy of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) - 1: Identification and Local Distribution of the Predominant Species on Witches’ Broom-Diseased Plants in the Philippines
Get PDFSamples of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) plants infected with witches’ broom disease were gathered from 13 provinces in the Philippines. Mealybugs were observed to occur in nine out of the 13 cumulative samples. The most predominant among several mealybug species observed was identified as Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi Gimpel and Miller. P. jackbeardsleyi is not yet known to transmit phytoplasma, especially the one causing cassava witches’ broom (CWB). However, its occurrence in almost 70% of the CWB-infected samples provides circumstantial evidence that it may be related to the spread of the pathogen. This formal report of identification is in support of the studies on the possible role of mealybug species on CWB phytoplasma transmission
The Effect of Payment Transparency in Monetary Donations of Individuals using Mobile Wallets VS Cash
No full textThis study investigates the effect of payment transparency on charitable giving behavior. Payment transparency is the salience of a payment method in physical form and determinable amount compared to cash. While moral and social incentives also play a role in charitable giving, this study specifically focuses on the impact of payment method transparency on economic incentives. Literature on other payment methods such as credit cards and debit cards have suggested that transparency does have an influence on spending and charitable giving. Wherein less transparent payment methods lessen the perceived pain of losing money, which leads to greater donations. However, this study proposes to apply such logic onto mobile wallets (i.e., GCash) in the Philippine setting through a quasi- laboratory experiment. Participants played a captcha game to earn money and then were asked if they wanted to donate a portion of it to charity. Contrary to expectations, donations were not significantly higher when using the less transparent mobile wallet compared to cash. However, the study found a positive correlation between earnings and donation amounts, suggesting that individuals give more when they perceive themselves as having more money. Additionally, older participants donated more, while all donors exhibited a slight disinclination to donate their full earnings, suggesting a natural disincentive to donate
Supply Chain of Dairy Buffalo Milk and Selected Milk Products in Laguna
No full textThe study conducted traced and examined the supply chain of dairy buffalo milk and selected buffalo milk products in Laguna. It sought to determine and describe the supply chain actors and their functions in the dairy industry of Laguna; determine the flow of inputs from suppliers to buffalo raisers and the flow of dairy products from raisers to end-consumers; assess profitability and marketing efficiency of dairy buffalo raisers and products; analyze the existing support services available; and identify the problems and issues encountered in the industry and propose possible courses of actions.
Data gathered through personal interviews with 43 market participants were analyzed by descriptive analysis and cost and returns analysis. Marketing margins were also analyzed. The 43 market participants interviewed comprised 38 dairy buffalo raisers and 5 processor-retailers. Raw milk collected by the farmers is either collected by the processor-retailers or delivered by the farmers themselves.
Cost and returns analysis for farmers were analyzed by the municipality and the type of feeding method was applied in a per farm and per liter basis. Based on the results, farmers from both municipalities were found to be profitable. The net farm profit of farmers from Lumban and Magdalena was PHP 41,794.76 (PHP 28.34/L) and PHP 227,841.68 (PHP 70.85/L) respectively. Furthermore, when analyzed depending on the feeding method applied, results indicate that purely grazing and a combination of grazing and feeds are also profitable with a net farm profit of PHP 103,480.55 (PHP 45.83/L) and PHP 249,228.24 (PHP 68.90) respectively.
Processor-retailers in Lumban and Magdalena were analyzed by their marketing margins, marketing cost as a percentage of marketing margins, net returns as a percentage of marketing margins, and the breakdown of consumer peso. Farmers in Magdalena who deliver their raw milk to the LGU processing had a higher share of the final price of fresh and chocolate milk with 53%. In addition, farmers who deliver to the cooperative processing have a higher share of the final price for white cheese and pastillas with 84% and 80% respectively. White cheese processor in Lumban has a larger share of consumer peso with 80%. Results showed that the processor-retailers in Lumban and Magdalena are efficient in their operations with low marketing costs as a percentage of marketing margins and a high percentage in net returns as a percentage of marketing margins.
The main problem faced by the farmers were pests and diseases, and natural calamities. The processor-retailers on the other hand only encountered spoilage as their main problem.
Based on the results, the following recommendations were developed: Promote the processing of more high-end and competitive dairy buffalo milk products, continuous support from the LGU and PCC, implementation of a new feeding method, and recommend for further study
UP Los Baños Journal, Volume 22 - Regular Issue
No full textUP Los Baños Journal, Volume 22 - Regular Issu
Comparative gene expression analysis of immune-related cytokines in Riemerella anatipestifer-stimulated Philippine banaba native chicken and native duck embryonic fibroblasts
No full textBackground: Studies on Philippine Banaba native chickens and Philippine Mallard ducks were generally focused on their production and management. However, little is known on their immune responses to pathogens like Riemerella anatipestifer (R. anatipestifer), one of the economically important infectious disease-causing pathogens in Philippine Banaba native chickens and Philippine Mallard ducks. Methods: Chicken and duck embryonic fibroblasts (CEFs and DEFs) isolated from 11-day old healthy embryos were stimulated with heat-inactivated R. anatipestifer for 4, 8 and 24 h. The cells were collected at each time point and subjected to qRT-PCR for gene expression analyses. Results: Comparative gene expression analyses of immune-related cytokines revealed that the ex- pression levels of IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-1ß and IL-6 were significantly upregulated in both CEFs and DEFs stimulated with heat-inactivated R. anatipestifer serotype 7. However, levels were higher in DEFs compared to the corresponding levels in heat-inactivated R. anatipestifer stimulated CEFs. On the other hand, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 expression levels of stimulated DEFs were also upregulated. In CEFs, it is interesting to note that IFN-γ level was significantly downregulated at 24 h while upregulated in DEFs. Conclusion: Results showed that the Philippine Banaba native chickens and Mallard ducks are also susceptible to R. anatipestifer infection