COMMON CHARACTERISTICS OF PROGRESSIVE DAIRY BUFFALO FARMERS IN NUEVA ECIJA, PHILIPPINES

Abstract

The study was conducted to document and analyze the common traits of progressive dairy buffalo farmers (PDBFs) in Nueva Ecija in terms of socio demographics, technology adoption practices, personal entrepreneurial competency (PEC), personal communication network, income from buffalo dairying and problems encountered in their dairy enterprise. Face-to-face individual interviews with 47 PDBFs were made using semi-structured questionnaire and PEC score sheet. Results showed that majority of PDBFs were maintaining at least ve female dairy buffaloes and were categorized as belonging to the “earlier adopter” group either as innovators, early adopters, or early majority. Most of the PDBFs also showed commonalities in terms of age, education and dairy husbandry practices. Depending on their level of operation, they have varying asset values but all have positive net incomes derived from dairy buffalo production. They are also “moderately competent” as entrepreneurs following the PEC rating. Using linear regression analysis, the “number of dairy cows” regressed positively while the “cost of inputs” regressed negatively with the “income from dairying”. Common problems encountered by the PDBFs include frequent uctuation in the price of raw milk, seasonal supply of fresh fodder, and inadequate technical competency. It is recommended that the PDBFs undergo refresher trainings to further hone their knowledge and skills and become communicators of technologies themselves to bene t other dairy buffalo farmers.