Author(s)

Rey C. Naval^*

College of Agriculture, Forestry and Engineering, Quirino State University, Diffun, Philippines.

The study was conducted to determine the socioeconomic impact two (2) Small Water Impounding Projects (SWIPs) namely Burgos SWIP in Cabarroguis and Divisoria Norte SWIP in Maddela, both in the Province of Quirino, Philippines. The study made use of structured questionnaire to gather the socio-demographic profile and determined the socioeconomic impact of the SWIPs to the farmer-beneficiaries. Most of the farmer-beneficiaries of Burgos and Divisoria Norte SWIPs are male, 40 - 59 years old, married, have below four household members, Roman Catholic, high school graduates and some are members of cooperatives. They are rice farmers, and have attended one to two training courses related to farming and own a 1.00 to 1.99 hectares farm. “Utilization of water in the reservoir for other purposes like wallowing pool for carabaos” and “integration of fish production and livestock raising” were the identified benefits at the farmer’s level while “introduction of new techniques in farming by the Local Government Units,” “availability of cheap fish and additional income as a result of integration of fish production” and “construction of better roads” were the identified benefits at the community level. The SWIPs have positive impact as confirmed by the increase in the annual mean yield and in the annual gross income of the farmer-beneficiaries. It contributed a significant increase of 2.14 tons/year in the mean yield generating an additional income of PhP 32,113.64 for Burgos SWIP. On the other hand, it contributed a significant increase of 2.08 tons/year giving an additional income of PhP 31,313.60 for Divisoria Norte farmer-beneficiaries. The result of this study will provide strategic information to policy makers of agricultural and irrigation agencies on the existing weaknesses of irrigation systems in the country and determine in a more quantifiable terms level of potential improvement and investment targets.

Small Water Impounding Project, Socioeconomic Impact, Quirino Province

Naval, R. (2016) Socioeconomic Impact of Small Water Impounding Projects in Quirino Province, Philippines. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 4, 101-106. doi: 10.4236/gep.2016.46009.