Assessing the Status of Artisanal Salt Producers in Pangasinan: Basis for a Sustainable Salt-Based Community Enterprise Framework
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsis.V1.I3.225Keywords:
Artisanal Salt Production, Community Enterprise Development, Economic Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Pangasinan, Social Sustainability, Sustainable LivelihoodsAbstract
This study assessed the demographic and enterprise profiles, sustainability practices, and challenges of artisanal salt producers in Pangasinan, Philippines, as a basis for developing a Sustainable Salt-Based Community Enterprise Framework. Anchored primarily in the Triple Bottom Line Theory and supported by complementary community enterprise and sustainable livelihood frameworks, the study employed a descriptive-correlational research design involving 120 artisanal salt producers purposively selected from eight salt-producing localities. Data were collected using a researcher-developed, expert-validated questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rank-order correlation, and point-biserial correlation. Findings revealed that most respondents were experienced, middle-aged producers operating individually, with limited youth participation and cooperative involvement. Overall sustainability practices were moderately implemented (AWM = 3.00), with environmental sustainability (3.74) exceeding social (2.64) and economic sustainability (2.61). Significant relationships were identified between sustainability practices and selected characteristics, including age, registration status, production method, landownership, and farm classification. Social challenges were most frequently encountered (AWM = 3.50), followed by economic (3.36) and environmental challenges (2.10). Major concerns included weak cooperative organization, youth migration, seasonal income instability, market competition, and climate vulnerability. These findings informed the proposed ASIN Framework (Advancing Salt-based Industries and Networks), integrating social strengthening, economic resilience, and environmental stewardship and climate preparedness. The study supports Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). Its sustainability contribution lies in providing an evidence-based framework for strengthening community enterprises, preserving traditional livelihoods, improving institutional collaboration, and promoting environmentally responsible, climate-resilient salt production. Evaluation and implementation of the proposed framework are recommended.
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