The study was conducted by Jonemel M. Alforque and Fidel Y. Pleños, both affiliated with Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu in the Philippines. Using field observations and in-depth interviews with farmers in Catmon, Cebu, the researchers examined how corn is currently grown, the challenges farmers face, and what changes are needed to sustain the industry.
Their findings matter at a time when Philippine agriculture is under pressure from climate change, rising production costs, and the aging farming population. Corn remains one of the country’s most important crops, serving as both food and livestock feed. Yet productivity in many rural areas continues to decline.
Why Corn Farming in Cebu Matters
Cebu’s upland communities rely heavily on small-scale corn farming for income and household food supply. In areas like Catmon, farming is often the only livelihood available. However, farmers continue to depend on techniques passed down through generations, even as environmental and economic conditions change.
According to the researchers, this reliance on traditional methods is not simply cultural—it is driven by limited access to training, weak government support, and a lack of sustained agricultural programs. When formal assistance stops, farmers revert to what they know best.
“Farmers believe in the practices they inherited because these worked in the past,” the authors noted, “but current soil conditions and climate realities require different approaches.”
How the Study Was Conducted
The research used a phenomenological approach, focusing on the real-life experiences of small-scale farmers in Barangay Tinabyonan, Catmon, Cebu. The team conducted:
- Field observations of farming practices
- Unstructured interviews with corn farmers
- Soil sampling and laboratory analysis
- Thematic analysis of farmer experiences
Participants included farmers trained under the government’s Farmer-Scientist Training Program (FSTP) as well as others who continued using traditional methods.
Key Findings: Practices That Reduce Productivity
The study identified several widespread farming practices that reduce corn yield and soil quality:
Structural Challenges Facing Farmers
Beyond farming techniques, the study identified deeper systemic problems:
- Suspended government programs following leadership changes
- Lack of technical personnel specializing in crop science
- Limited financial and logistical support
- Aging farmer population, with few young people entering agriculture
One farmer interviewed in the study explained that younger generations prefer factory or construction work because farming income is unstable and physically demanding.
A Sector at Risk—but Not Without Hope
Despite these challenges, the researchers found strong dedication among veteran farmers. Many continue working without financial incentives and even form informal cooperatives to help one another. The land itself remains suitable for corn, especially with proper soil management and contour farming.
According to Alforque, sustained government involvement is the missing link.
“Farmers are willing to improve, but without consistent monitoring, training, and technical assistance, progress cannot be maintained,” he explained.
Recommendations for Sustainable Corn Farming
The study outlines several urgent steps to revitalize corn farming in Cebu:
- Ensure continuity of agricultural programs, regardless of political changes
- Provide regular technical supervision by trained agricultural professionals
- Improve irrigation infrastructure in upland areas
- Encourage youth participation through education and incentives
- Strengthen soil management and fertilizer guidance
Without these measures, the researchers warn that corn farming in many rural areas could collapse within a generation.
Why This Study Matters
The findings highlight a broader issue facing Philippine agriculture: productivity is not limited by farmer effort, but by inconsistent policy support and lack of technical continuity. Addressing these gaps could significantly improve food security, rural income, and agricultural sustainability.
As the authors conclude, sustaining corn farming requires more than tradition—it requires long-term commitment, science-based practices, and strong institutional support.
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