World Education Connect Multidisciplinary e-Publication, Vol. VI, Issue IX (September 2026), pp.41-47
Gigi Mostrado-Candeleja
ABSTRACT
This phenomenological study explored how agrarian reform beneficiaries experienced agricultural livelihood and rural enterprise development in Mandaon, Masbate. Twelve recognized beneficiaries actively engaged in farming or livelihood activities were purposively selected and interviewed using a validated semi-structured guide. Audio recordings, field notes, verbatim transcription, thematic analysis, and member checking supported systematic interpretation. Five inquiry areas organized the findings. Participants described farming as their primary source of survival, supplemented by small enterprises, but marked by unstable income and sustained through pride and resilience. Their principal challenges were limited capital, unstable markets, climate exposure, and inadequate institutional support. They responded through income diversification, careful financial adjustment, family cooperation, and participation in cooperatives and government programs. Government assistance, skills training, cooperative networks, and aspirations for enterprise expansion created opportunities for development. Participants sought stable livelihoods, accessible finance, dependable buyers, continuing agricultural and entrepreneurial education, and sustained farmer-centered programs. The findings show that land access alone did not ensure economic security. Livelihood sustainability depended on productive resources, knowledge, markets, collective organization, household labor, and responsive institutions operating together. Agrarian reform support should therefore integrate affordable finance, climate-resilient production, enterprise coaching, cooperative strengthening, value-chain and buyer linkages, and continuous monitoring based on beneficiaries' conditions. The Department of Agrarian Reform, local government, agricultural agencies, cooperatives, and private partners should coordinate sequenced assistance from production planning through marketing. Future inquiry should include diverse beneficiary groups and combine narratives with enterprise, income, and program-performance evidence.
Keywords: agrarian reform beneficiaries, livelihood sustainability, phenomenology, rural enterprise development, rural entrepreneurship
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