Livelihood Interventions Under Department of Agriculture–Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA‑SAAD) Program in Abra
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsis.V1.I3.230Keywords:
Agricultural Productivity, DA-SAAD Program, Farmer-Beneficiaries, Food Security, Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas, Livelihood Interventions, Livelihood Sustainability, Rural Poverty, Socio-Economic ImprovementAbstract
This study assessed the implementation and effectiveness of livelihood interventions under the Department of Agriculture–Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in seven geographically isolated and disadvantaged municipalities of Abra, Philippines. Guided by the Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation Framework, Theory of Change, Program Logic Model, Sustainable Livelihoods Approach, and Stakeholder Perception Theory, the study employed a descriptive–correlational design involving 210 farmer-beneficiaries. Data were gathered using a validated, pilot-tested structured questionnaire and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings indicated that beneficiaries were predominantly middle-aged, married, and experienced farmers. Social preparation (mean = 4.22) and food production and livelihood support (mean = 4.32) were completely implemented, whereas marketing assistance and enterprise development (mean = 4.01) and program management (mean = 4.02) were substantially implemented. Socio-economic conditions were perceived as much improved (mean = 4.00), while productivity enhancement (mean = 4.10) and livelihood sustainability (mean = 4.07) demonstrated high effectiveness. The proportion of low-income beneficiaries decreased from 82.9% to 55.2%. Overall implementation was strongly associated with program effectiveness (r = .708, p < .01). Constraints were moderately serious (mean = 3.22), particularly inadequate farm inputs, insufficient training, limited technical assistance, and restricted market access. The study recommends improved input distribution, specialized training, enterprise development, market linkages, and institutional coordination. Its findings align with Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through their relevance to income improvement, food security, and productive livelihoods. The study supports economic, community, and institutional sustainability by informing strategies for beneficiary self-reliance, livelihood continuity, and more responsive agricultural program implementation.
References
Adefila, A. O., Ajayi, O. O., Toromade, A. S., & Sam-Bulya, N. J. (2024). The impact of agricultural development on socioeconomic well being. International Journal of Science and Research. https://ijsra.net/sites/default/files/fulltext_pdf/IJSRA-2024-2120.pdf
Agricultural Systems Institute. (2026). Farmer-scientists training program. https://asi.cafs.uplb.edu.ph/fstp/
Annor, S. A., Centino, Z. M. H., Delima, G. A., Nuñez, L. B., & Sentino, M. N. V. (2025). Evaluating targeting efficiency in agricultural intervention programs: Evidence from the SAAD Program in the Philippines. Journal of Visayas State University (ReSERDS). https://reserds.vsu.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Vol9_1_2025_p1_Annor-et-al.pdf
Asian Development Bank. (2024). Asia and the Pacific food security forum 2024. https://www.adb.org/news/events/asia-pacific-food-security-forum-2024
Australian Center for International Agricultural Research. (2025). Agribusiness-led inclusive value chain development for smallholder farming systems in the Philippines (IVC Philippines). https://www.aciar.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-11/AGB-2018-196.pdf
Avila, E. C. B., Ogarte, N., Del Rosario, M. C. R., & Maleniz, J. (2025). Enhancing farmer engagement in cooperatives: Implications of awareness and interest. Global Publication House International Journal of Business Management. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/388043954_Enhancing_Farmer_Engagement_in_Cooperatives_Implications_of_Awareness_and_Interest
Becker, G. S. (1964). Human capital: A theoretical and empirical analysis, with special reference to education. National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER). https://www.nber.org/books-and-chapters/human-capital-theoretical-and-empirical-analysis-special-reference-education-first-edition
Benguet State University, & Department of Agriculture – Cordillera Administrative Region. (2022). Climate-resilient agriculture assessment, targeting and prioritization for the adaptation, and mitigation initiative in agriculture (AMIA) in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360430066_Climate_Resilient_Agriculture_Assessment_Targeting_and_Prioritization_for_the_Adaptation_and_Mitigation_Initiative_in_Agriculture_AMIA_in_the_Cordillera_Administrative_Region_Philippines
Board of Investment. (2025). Industry roadmap in the Philippines from 2005–2025. https://www.foi.gov.ph/agencies/boi/industry-roadmaps-in-the-philippines-from-2005-2025-boi205026619139/
Bolarinwa, O. A. (2015). Principles and methods of validity and reliability testing of questionnaires used in social and health science researches. Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal, 22(4), 195–201. https://doi.org/10.4103/1117-1936.173959 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/1117-1936.173959
Boone, H. N., & Boone, D. A. (2012). Analyzing Likert data. Journal of Extension. https://commons.joe.org/joe/vol50/iss2/48/ DOI: https://doi.org/10.34068/joe.50.02.48
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. (2024). SAAD Phase 2 social preparation guidelines. https://www.bfar.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Social-Preparation-Guidelines-SAAD-Phase2_Final.pdf
Cayabyab, B. A. G. (2023). Farmer's attrition and completion in the farmer-scientists training program. AGRIS: International Information System for the Agricultural Science and Technology. https://agris.fao.org/search/en/providers/122430/records/668dbd62b3930d7cdc08e28?utm_source=gemini
Cordero, T. (2023). 4 out of 10 persons were never married — PSA. https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/861155/4-out-of-10-persons-were-never-married-psa/story/
Department of Agrarian Reform. (2026). DAR boosts Benguet coffee and cacao industry through VISTA Project. https://www.dar.gov.ph/dar-central-news-jul-sep-2026-subroute/25411
Department of Agriculture. (2022). 2021 SAAD annual report. https://saad.da.gov.ph/saad-2021-annual-report_corrected-06222023/
Department of Agriculture – Cordillera Administrative Region. (2022). Kabuhayan at Kaunlaran ng Kababayang Katutubo (4K) Program: Abra implementation report. https://4ks.da.gov.ph/
Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development. (2024). Abra: Phase 2 implementation overview. https://saad.da.gov.ph/phase-2/abra/
Department of Agriculture Memorandum. (2025). Cascading of SAAD Phase 2 food production and livelihood (FPL) guidelines. https://saad.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/pdf/1763512328-Signed-SAAD-FPL-guidelines.pdf
Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 8. (2024). SAAD NPMO strengthens regional capacity in Eastern Visayas with MAED cascading. Bandilyo. https://saad.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/april-june2024-compressed.pdf
Department of Agriculture–Special Area for Agricultural Development Program. (2023). SAAD annual report 2023. https://saad.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/AR-2023_V6-final-2.pdf
Department of Agriculture-Special Area for Agricultural Development. (2025). DA-SAAD national technical report. National Program Management Office. https://saad.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2024-DA-SAAD-TR-FINAL_revision-4.pdf
Department of Agriculture-Special Area for Agricultural Development. (2026). DA-SAAD NorMin rolls out P42.8M in agri-livelihood projects for 2026. Special Area for Agricultural Development Program, Department of Agriculture. https://saad.da.gov.ph/da-saad-normin-rolls-out-p42-8m-in-agri-livelihood-projects-for-2026/
Department of Agriculture. (2023). Department Order No. 6, Series of 2023: Implementing guidelines for SAAD Phase 2 (FY 2023–2028). https://saad.da.gov.ph/phase-2/
Department of Agriculture. (2024). SAADvocacy. https://saad.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/April-June-2024-print.pdf
Department of Agriculture. (2025). RSBSA list of registered farmers. https://www.foi.gov.ph/agencies/da/rsbsa-list-of-registered-farmers-da-348618194554/
Department for International Development. (1999). Sustainable livelihoods guidance sheets. https://www.livelihoodscentre.org/documents/114097690/114438878/Sustainable%2Blivelihoods%2Bguidance%2Bsheets.pdf
Encyclopedia of Agricultural Extension. (2026). Agricultural extension for smallholder farmers. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/11553
Jameel Poverty Action Lab. (2025). Increasing small-scale farmers' access to agricultural markets. J-PAL Policy Insight: Center for Effective Global Action. https://www.povertyactionlab.org/policy-insight/increasing-small-scale-farmers-access-agricultural-markets
Kalogiannidis, S., & Syndoukas, D. (2024). The impact of agricultural extension services on farm output: A worldwide viewpoint. Research on World Agricultural Economy. https://journals.nasspublishing.com/rwae/article/view/103925 DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v5i1.999
Kusek, J. Z., & Rist, R. C. (2004). Ten steps to a results-based monitoring and evaluation system: A handbook for development practitioners. The World Bank. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/f87d81cf-54e9-5a35-ab9e-dc24fc61f85a/content
Likert, R. (1932). A technique for the measurement of attitudes. Archives of Psychology. https://legacy.voteview.com/pdf/Likert_1932.pdf
Lillo, E. P., Diaz, G. G. G., Diaz, J. L. B., Mago, J. E., & Davirao, C. R. (2025). Socio-demographic profile of food farmers in Carcar City, Cebu, Philippines amid challenges and opportunities for agricultural development. Asian Journal of Agriculture. https://smujo.id/aja/article/view/21110 DOI: https://doi.org/10.13057/asianjagric/g090124
Lustre, M. (2025). Determinants of hybrid rice technology adoption in Camarines Sur, Bicol Region, Philippines. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/392696558_DETERMINANTS_OF_HYBRID_RICE_TECHNOLOGY_ADOPTION_IN_CAMARINES_SUR_BICOL_REGION_PHILIPPINES
Mamasao, M. H., & Bandera, A. D. (2026). Production, processing and marketing of agriculture subsystems in the Philippines: A review. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews. https://wjarr.com/sites/default/files/fulltext_pdf/WJARR-2026-1073.pdf DOI: https://doi.org/10.30574/wjarr.2026.30.1.1073
McLaughlin, J. A., & Jordan, G. B. (1999). Logic models: A tool for telling your program’s performance story. Evaluation and Program Planning. https://www.pmn.net/wp-content/uploads/logic-models-a-tool-for-telling-your-programs-performance-story.pdf DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0149-7189(98)00042-1
Mula, M. G., Mula, R. P., Rodriguez, C. M., Bantilan, M. C. S., Bayani, K. G., Galiste, E. D., Domingo, M. V. C., Baro, R. A., Nillo, R. G., Caccam, M. M., Prado, V. V., Pajarillo, R. M. C., & Vengazo, J. K. O. (2024). Agriculture and fishery production and livelihood interventions: A key towards improving farmers’ and fishers’ productivity and income. Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences, 25(3), 195–209. http://www.innspub.net
Nomvula, T., Lungile, Z., & Bokamoso, S. T. (2023). The role of technology adoption in improving smallholder farmers' productivity and livelihoods. International Journal of Agricultural Sciences. https://internationalscholarsjournals.org/articles/602511992112023
Perena, E. S., Gamba, M. P., & Dellomas, K. K. G. (2026). Gender dynamics in single and integrated farming in the municipality of Irosin, Sorsogon, Philippines. United International Journal for Research & Technology. https://uijrt.com/articles/v7/i8/UIJRTV7I80007.pdf
Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries. (2022, September 15). PH, Japan kick off project to improve vegetable value chain. https://pcaf.da.gov.ph/index.php/2022/09/15/ph-japan-kick-off-project-to-improve-vegetable-value-chain/
Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries. (2026). GESI Committee pushes for strengthened policy reforms, improved food security among A/F marginalized groups. https://pcaf.da.gov.ph/index.php/2026/06/10/gesi-committee-pushes-for-strengthened-policy-reforms-improved-food-security-among-a-f-marginalized-groups/
Philippine Institute for Development Studies. (n.d.). Terminal evaluation cum impact assessment of the SAAD program. https://pids.gov.ph/research/public/view?id=1534
Philippine Statistics Authority. (2022). Age and sex distribution in the Philippine population (2020 Census of Population and Housing). https://psa.gov.ph/content/age-and-sex-distribution-philippine-population-2020-census-population-and-housing
Philippine Statistics Authority. (2024). 2023 full year poverty statistics in the Cordillera Administrative Region. PSA.
Placencia, . G. P., Carbonell1, A. K. E., Digal, L. N., & Balgos, C. Q. (2025). Factors influencing the technical efficiency of smallholder cacao farmers in Davao de Oro, Philippines. http://searca.org/article?p=2552 DOI: https://doi.org/10.37801/ajad2025.22.1.5
Project Management Institute. (2025). Program management overview. PM Expert. https://www.pmexpertinc.com/l/program-management-overview/
Rogers, P. J. (2008). Using programme theory to evaluate complicated and complex aspects of interventions. Sage Journals. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1356389007084674 DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1356389007084674
Roser, M. (2023). Employment in agriculture. OurWorldinData.org. https://ourworldindata.org/employment-in-agriculture
Sesio, E. A., & Eljera, J. A. (2024). Impact assessment of Special Areas for Agricultural Development (SAAD) projects on association beneficiaries in Taft, Eastern Samar. Eastern Samar State University Research Journal. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13941126
Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research. (2023). Aging farmers could add to food insecurity. https://www.searca.org/press/aging-farmers-could-add-food-insecurity
Subedi, B. P. (2016). Using Likert-type scales in social science research: The debate on rules and principles. International Journal of Contemporary Applied Sciences. https://ijcar.net/assets/pdf/Vol3-No2-February2016/02.pdf
Velza, J. F. P., Ibañez, R. Y., Jr., Clores, N., & Valler, D. L. (2023). Socio demographic characteristics and perceived constraints of the farmers to crop production in selected barangays of Cawayan, Masbate, Philippines. International Research Journal of Science, Technology, Education & Management. https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=24685 DOI: https://doi.org/10.11594/ijmaber.04.01.13
Viloan, M. E. (2025). Aging farms, shrinking fields: The Philippines’ farming crisis. Medium. https://medium.com/@b3nt3.lang/aging-farms-shrinking-fields-the-philippines-farming-crisis-91caf8876af7
Weiss, C. H., & Connell, J. P. (1995). Nothing as practical as good theory: Exploring theory-based evaluation for comprehensive community initiatives for children and families. Scirp. https://www.scirp.org/reference/referencespapers?referenceid=202497
Workie, D. M. (2023). Livelihood diversification strategies and determinants by smallholder farmers in the highland areas of North Shewa, Ethiopia. Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development. https://www1.up.poznan.pl/jard/index.php/jard/article/view/703/1192 DOI: https://doi.org/10.17306/J.JARD.2023.01703
World Bank. (2023). Working with smallholders: A handbook for firms building sustainable supply chains. https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/4bcb23d-3a14-4d0f-814f-bd876bb5f010
World Bank. (2025). Supporting rural transformation in the Philippines. https://www.worldbank.org
Zhang, Y. Z., Mi, Y. S., & Liu, C. J. (2024). Farmer participation in cooperatives enhances productive services in village collectives: A subjective evaluation approach. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/sustainable-food-systems/articles/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1442600/full DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1442600
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Quinnie A. Jagodilla, Mary Ruth O. Menor, PhD (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors retain copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication. All articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) License. This license permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution, and reproduction in any medium or format, including for commercial purposes, provided that appropriate credit is given to the original author(s) and the journal, a link to the license is provided, and any changes made are indicated.
