Projects of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (PCAARRD) were featured in the 2023 International Conference on Sustainable Agri-environment Education, Entrepreneurship, and Community Development.
The conference, held recently at Mariano Marcos State University in Ilocos Norte, aimed to provide a platform for experts, practitioners, and students to engage in discussions on achieving sustainable agriculture and environment.
Four tracks were discussed: 1) Data Science, Technology and Innovations in Agri-environment Education and Entrepreneurship; 2) Agriculture, Fishery and Environmental Conservation, Protection and Management; 3) The Futures of Agricultural Education in the Era of Industrial Revolution; and 4) Challenges and Opportunities on Scientific and Technological Entrepreneurship and Governance.
One of PCAARRD projects, “Assessment of the Digital Readiness of Vegetable Farmers in Selected Areas in Calabarzon,” was showcased in the first track.
Project leader Professor Julieta Delos Reyes from UPLB pointed out that despite the significant impact of technological innovations not all farmers possess the same set of access or skills to utilize any of these technological advances optimally.
Hence, the project seeks to assess the digital readiness of Calabarzon vegetable farmers.
Delos Reyes revealed that only a few vegetable farmers are considered digitally ready due to multiple impediments such as ability, affordability, and awareness.
She added preliminary recommendations were made on how the digital readiness of the farmers can be improved, including tailor-fit training programs to farmers’ needs, conduct of awareness campaigns, enhancement of affordability of gadgets and internet connectivity, as well as increasing youth involvement.
