Impact of Agricultural Extension Services on Cacao Yield Improvement in Monkayo, Davao DE ORO: Policy Framework for Strengthening the Local Cacao Industry

Abstract

This Study Assesses the Impact of Agricultural Extension Services on Cacao Yield Improvement in Monkayo, Davao de Oro, Philippines, Using a Quantitative Descriptive Research Design. It Examined Extension Interventions Across Four Dimensions: Cacao Production, Environmental Management, Social Dynamics, and Marketing Support. Findings Reveal that Farmers Perceive a Moderate Impact of Extension Services in All Areas. Production Interventions Moderately Improved Yield, Plant Protection, and Post-Harvest Practices, While Environmental, Social, and Marketing Initiatives Moderately Enhanced Soil Fertility, Climate Adaptation, Networking, Group Management, Income Generation, and Market Access. A Strong Positive Correlation (R = 0.747, P < 0.001) Indicates that Consistent, High-Quality Extension Support Significantly Contributes to Productivity Improvement. However, Survey Responses Revealed that Past Training Activities, Field Demonstrations, and Technical Visits Were Not Institutionalized, Resulting in One-Time Interventions that Failed to Build Lasting Capacity. This Discontinuity Weakened Farmer Organizations, Reduced Participation, and Limited Coordination with Government Programs. Many Farmers Abandoned Cacao, Replaced It with Other Crops, or Cut Down Existing Trees Due to the Lack of Updated Practices, Production Support, and Market Information. Previously Distributed Processing Equipment Also Deteriorated, Halting Fermentation, Drying, and Processing Initiatives that Once Provided Income. Based on These Findings, Policy Recommendations Include Enacting a Municipal Ordinance to Institutionalize Continuous Cacao Extension Services, Establishing a Municipal Cacao Farmers’ Federation to Unify Associations, and Developing a Unified Municipal Cacao Development Roadmap. These Measures Aim to Sustain Cacao Production, Address Farmers’ Shared Challenges, Enhance Capacity, Restore Value-Adding Activities, and Build a Resilient, Market-Ready Cacao Sector.