SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF RICE HULL-BURNING; STALE-SEEDBED TECHNIQUE OF IPM-CRSP

摘要

The study assessed the possible social impacts of advocating weed management techniques; specifically rice hull-burning (RHB) and stale-seedbed technique (SST) in two barangays in two towns of Nueva Ecija: Palestina in San Jose City and Kaingin in Bongabon; using Krawetz SIA Model. The study made use of comparative analysis since the farmers in San Jose are already known to practice RHB as one of the essential components in their control of weeds during the onion season; while the farmers in Bongabondo not utilize this practice. In both study areas; there is heavy application of herbicide; which can be a source of health problems. Thus; the social variables assessed in this study included: income; health and safety; household; social relations; community structure and processes; community resources; and support services. Results showed that RHB offers many advantages. The researchers suggest that further studies be conducted to verify its effect on health and the environment. Rice-hull supply androad accessibility are two other factors to consider in RHB adoption or adoption. Concerning SST; the researchers found that the technology is socially acceptable. CRSP researchers should disseminate it among farmers and inform and train the DA technicians on how to apply the method. Demonstration farms or plots can be established in different barangays to further expedite the spread of the SST technology among farmers.