Agro-Industrial Farming and the Socio-Economic Development Of Tboli Settlers: Basis for Integration in Economics Subject

Agro farming, an advanced evolution of traditional agriculture, integrates plant cultivation, livestock rearing, and crop production. Agriculture is central to poverty alleviation, income equality, and food security, supporting over 2.2 billion people in Asia. Studies underscore the importance of understanding land use changes driven by socio-economic and cultural activities, as seen in Colombia's historical agricultural practices and the Philippines' agro-processing industry's economic contributions. However, infrastructure underinvestment remains a challenge, impeding productivity. In T’boli, South Cotabato, agriculture remains a primary economic driver, with corn, rice, and plantation crops dominating land use. The municipality's fertile lands and favorable climate support diverse agricultural activities, yet modern challenges, including infrastructure, education, and health, demand attention. Research on agro-industrial farming's socio-economic impacts in T’boli remains limited, especially regarding smallholder farmers and contract farming participation. Additionally, addressing localized curriculum needs, as mandated by DepEd Order No. 35, highlights the necessity of aligning education with cultural practices and community-specific challenges. The study underscores agro-industrial farming’s potential to drive socio-economic development, address rural inequalities, and provide targeted solutions for localized community needs, fostering sustainable growth in T’boli and similar contexts.