Productivity Growth in Philippine Agriculture

Recent studies suggest that despite performing relatively well in the 1960s and 1970s, Philippine agriculture faltered in the succeeding decades. Sector growth decelerated and public investments for agriculture declined. At the turn of the century, Philippine agriculture was no longer considered as a major contributor to the country’s aggregate economic growth, albeit, it remains a key player in accelerating inclusive growth. This lackluster performance in productivity growth is considered a major constraint in the sector’s development. Therefore, an examination of different scenarios for productivity growth was deemed essential to formulate an outlook on the overall state of Philippine agriculture.

The studies reported in this book examined the determinants of productivity change overtime and indentified policy and investment levers relevant in formulating strategies for agricultural growth by measuring and disaggregating its sources. Additionally, this book developed data collection systems and analytical approaches appropriate to Philippine conditions. Lastly, the project determined the indicators for past performance and how they can influence future sources of agricultural growth, as well as examine the determinants of productivity change over time, both at the aggregate and sub-sector/commodity levels.