Rice Farmers' Awareness of the RSBSA and Access to Support Services in Ajuy, Iloilo

Abstract

Rice farming is a critical agricultural activity that sustains millions of people worldwide, especially in Asia, which produces around 90% of the global rice output. Countries like the Philippines remain significant rice producers but still depend heavily on imports due to challenges such as labor costs, inconsistent rainfall, land management, and limited government support (PhilRice, 2018). Improving domestic rice production is vital for food security, livelihood, and economic stability in these countries.
In the Philippines, the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) was developed as a comprehensive database of farmers, fisherfolk, and farm laborers. It serves as a targeting mechanism for government programs and support services aimed at improving agricultural productivity and farmer welfare. Despite the importance of RSBSA in delivering timely assistance and fostering agricultural development, the awareness and access to these support services among rice farmers at the local level, such as in Ajuy, Iloilo, remain underexplored (Assessment of Targeting and Financing Aspects of RSBSA-AIP, 2024).
Rice farmers' awareness of the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) is generally positive, with many farmers understanding its purpose and learning about it mainly through barangay officials; however, some farmers face barriers such as distance and limited access to social media, which affects their access to support services linked to the RSBSA. The significance of RSBSA for farmers lies in its role as a crucial policy tool for delivering agricultural benefits, assistance, and interventions, which help improve their productivity, access to government support, and overall welfare in the agricultural sector (Reyes & Gloria, 2017; Reario, 2024).
Existing research points to challenges faced by rice farmers in accessing agricultural support and extension services. Many farmers are aware of programs but have limited participation or access to training and incentives. Moreover, while data from RSBSA assist in policy formulation, there is a research gap regarding how well rice farmers in specific communities understand and utilize this system and the support services linked to it (PhilRice 2018; Assessment of Targeting and Financing, 2024).
This study aims to bridge this gap by assessing the awareness of rice farmers in Ajuy, Iloilo, toward the RSBSA and their access to related support services. Understanding farmers' knowledge and engagement with these systems is crucial in designing better outreach, enhancing program coverage, and ultimately improving rice farming productivity and sustainability at the local level.