Behavioral Finance: The Role of Self-Efficacy and Goal-Setting of Motivation in Financial Literacy among Small Rice Farmers

Abstract : This research focused on understanding financial literacy alongside self-efficacy and goal-setting motivation behaviors within small-scale rice farmers in Daet, Camarines Norte. An integrated approach was conducted through a combination of a survey with 71 farmers, and a focus group with 10 farmers. For the quantitative component, descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analyses were used, while qualitative responses were organized through thematic analysis. The research found farmers had high motivational and selective self-efficacy in terms of income diversification and financial task prioritization. However, weak adaptability to financial shocks, high-order decision-making, and advanced task prioritization were noted. Self-efficacy, and goal-setting of motivation were found to be strong predictors of financial literacy, accounting for 79.3% of the explained variance. Financially competent farmers had proactive planning, disciplined cash control and goal-directed behaviors correlating to the competencies of financial structuring and cash control. Major self-directed activities reported were seasonal cash planning, digital financial tools, and cash management within families. The need to address behavioral aspects of finance in capacity-building programs was clearly established within the findings. Guides to policy and program design that enhances the socio-economic status and financial resilience of smallholder farmers will be improved with this focus on self-efficacy and goal-setting as primary motivators.