Empowering Women Farmers in Nueva Ecija through Entrepreneurship: The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Sustainable Economic Development

This study examined the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in empowering women farmers in Llanera, Nueva Ecija, through entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development. Specifically, it assessed the level of awareness of women farmers regarding CSR, the types and scope of CSR programs implemented by local businesses, their participation and engagement in entrepreneurship initiatives, the socio-economic impacts of CSR-driven activities, and the challenges that hinder program effectiveness. Using purposive sampling, 50 women farmers were surveyed through a validated and reliable questionnaire, with data analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson r correlation. Findings revealed that women farmers possess a moderate understanding of CSR concepts and moderate awareness of CSR initiatives supporting entrepreneurship. CSR programs demonstrated moderate effectiveness in providing training, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and fostering community participation, though financial support, access to technology, and clear communication remained limited. Participation and engagement in CSR-supported activities were moderate, with collaboration and skill development noted, yet limited attendance in workshops and access to coordinators highlighted implementation gaps. Socio-economic impacts were similarly moderate, including improvements in business knowledge, income opportunities, savings, and decision-making capacity, while gains in financial independence and market access were limited. Challenges such as lack of awareness, limited resources, insufficient training, and program biases posed moderate barriers to effectiveness. Correlation analysis indicated a strong relationship between participation and perceived barriers. The study concludes that CSR initiatives positively influence entrepreneurship and economic empowerment among women farmers, but targeted strategies are required to enhance awareness, accessibility, and inclusivity for sustainable, gender-inclusive development.