Profile and motivation of integrated small farmers regarding tiny circular economy practices in the Province of Isabela, Philippines

Abstract

Abstract Small-scale circular farming models have great potential for rural families’ circular economy and food sustainability but many local residents do not see this as an opportunity to improve their well-being. This descriptive-correlation research was conducted to assess the profile and motivation of integrated small farmers towards the small circular economy farming model. The research participants were farmers in Isabela Province who integrated free-range chickens, pigs, small ruminants and food crops on their small farms. This research mostly involved women, aged 51 to 60 years, married, educated, involved in integrated farming. Most of the participants raised less than 50 free-range chickens, 5 pigs did not receive integrated livestock management training and earned less than 10 thousand pesos from integrated farming. Respondents are generally motivated in integrated small-scale farming. In essence, respondents are integrated small farmers because they like farming because of its health benefits and can be a source of additional income for the family. Extrinsically, respondents are motivated to carry out integrated farming because they believe that integrated farming will be a strong industry in the future, and a stable market is available. Male and female respondents have comparable internal and external motivations in integrated farming. Intrinsically, respondents who are older, married and unemployed, highly educated, raise less than 50 free-range chickens, 3 pigs, and earn less than 10 thousand are more motivated to run an integrated small livestock business. Extrinsically, respondents who are older, widower, and highly educated, and have more chickens, pigs, and income from raising free-range chickens, work in the public sector, and raise more livestock have greater motivation to raise integrated agriculture. The study reveals that small-scale integrated agriculture has a positive impact on farmer motivation, thereby creating the potential for a small circular economy for rural families.