Gendered Differences in the Implementation of a Rice-based Enterprise Program in Sariaya, Quezon Province, Philippines

This study examined gendered differences in the experiences of local farmers in Sariaya, an agricultural municipality in Quezon Province, Philippines. Using the Harvard Analytical Framework, this paper aimed to provide insights into how gender influences the experiences of local farmers under the Rice Business Innovation System (RiceBIS) Community Program of the Department of Agriculture - Philippine Rice Research Institute (DAPhilRice). A qualitative approach was employed using data from focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Thematic analysis was used to identify emerging themes on the different gendered differences in the roles, resource access, needs, and challenges of local farmers in the implementation of the RiceBIS Community Program. The findings showed differentiated roles between men and women in both production and leadership in organizations, which are attributed to the cultural gender roles within the traditional Filipino household. Women’s roles were mainly budget management and record-keeping while men were mostly involved in primary decisionmaking. Their participation and involvement in the RiceBIS Community Program have paved the way for both men and women in the community to recognize the benefits of being affiliated with a farmers’ organization. Among these benefits is better access to various government interventions such as seed and fertilizer subsidies, agricultural machinery grants, and capacity-building programs. However, challenges persist in the local rice industry even with the continued implementation of the RiceBIS Community Program in the area. These challenges are predominantly associated with market forces, institutional actor dynamics, and technological and climatic factors. Men and women identified different but fundamentally complementary approaches in responding to these challenges. Despite being mainly exploratory, the findings of the study contribute to the improvement of the design and implementation of the different components of the RiceBIS Community Program in the area. Specifically, this study serves as a basis for program implementers and stakeholders in co-designing evidence-based strategies that would ensure gender equity while promoting partnership, strengthening capacity, and engaging farmers in rice-based enterprises in the community.