Challenges in Coconut Farming: A Case of Farmers in Quezon, Quezon

This study aimed to explore the Challenges in Coconut Farming: A Case of Farmers in Quezon, Quezon. It determined the profile of respondents in terms of age, sex, type of coconut farmer, size of coconut farm, and years in coconut farming. It investigated the challenges in coconut farming in terms of climate-related issues, pest infestations, crop diseases, and fluctuating price of copra. This study used a mixed method to collect data. The researcher selected ninety (90) respondents through simple random sampling. The findings characterized the typical respondents as an aging male tenant (60 years and above) with over 15 years of experience, operating a small farm of 1-3 hectares. The most critical challenge identified is the severe fluctuation in copra prices (the highest mean), often forcing farmers to sell at a loss. This economic vulnerability is compounded by the high cost of pest control materials and increasing damage from climate-related events like strong winds and storms. A key statistical finding, derived from the Kruskal-Wallis H-Test, indicates a significant difference in the perceived impact of these challenges when farmers are grouped by age, while perceptions do not vary significantly by sex, farmer type, farm size, and years in farming. The study recommends that Local Government Units (LGUs) implement a Copra Price Stabilization Fund and establish age-appropriate succession and extension programs to address the economic strain and unique needs of this elderly farming population.