Analysis of the Factors Affecting Sugarcane Production and Farmers’ Planting Intentions in Davao del Sur, Sarangani and South Cotabato

The study aimed to analyze the factors affecting sugarcane production, including economic, agricultural, environmental, social, technological, political, institutional, and infrastructure factors, as well as their possible influence on sugarcane farmers’ planting intentions in Davao del Sur, Sarangani, and South Cotabato. As the global trend in sugarcane production declines, it is crucial to understand the factors that influence farmers' decisions to plant sugarcane. However, farming decisions are heavily influenced by multi-dimensional aspects that somehow impact the sustainability of the sugarcane industry. The study employed a descriptive-quantitative survey research design, administered to 89 selected medium- to large-scale sugarcane farmers using a sampling technique. Statistical tools include descriptive statistics (frequency distribution and mean), Pearson r, and Multiple Regression Analysis. The results showed that the sector was primarily composed of aging farmers with limited formal education, which may hinder the adoption of modern farming techniques. Farm-related issues, such as hilly or rolling terrains and dependence on rainwater, heightened vulnerability to climate variability. Economic and social factors underscore the significant influence farmers have on sugarcane production. Consistently, correlational analysis showed that economic factors had the strongest and appeared most significant to farmers' planting intentions, reflected by an r-value of 0.678 and a p-value of <0.001. Multiple regression confirmed that economic factors were the sole predictor (p < 0.001), with the highest standardized coefficient (0.530), influencing farmers’ planting intentions. Based on the findings, the Department of Agriculture and State Universities and Colleges should launch youth-targeted agricultural programs on modern sugarcane farming techniques. Government agencies should introduce mechanization suited for hilly and rolling terrains, including irrigation projects, to reduce reliance on rainwater and provide production support programs and policy efforts that strengthen market prices, minimize costs, and ensure access to affordable credit for the sustainability of sugarcane farming.