Productivity Growth in Philippine Agriculture
Recent studies suggest that despite performing relatively well in the 1960’s and 1970’s, Philippine agriculture faltered in the succeeding decades. Sector growth decelerated and public investments for agriculture declined, and 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 overall state of Philippine agriculture.
The PGPA project aimed to examine the determinants of productivity change over time and identify policy and investment levers relevant in formulating strategies for agricultural growth by measuring and disaggregating its sources. Additionally, a data collection systems and analytical approaches appropriate to Philippine conditions were developed. 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.
The PGPA project has produced a 12-volume monograph series and a PGPA book that highlights the results and recommendations of the research—promoting competitiveness of domestic agriculture based on improved productivity provides a more significant growth than expanding production based on increased inputs. The book has three main sections namely, theory and methods; commodity studies; and cross-cutting issues. The book was launched last 12 November 2014, during the 2nd International Conference on Agricultural and Rural Development in Southeast Asia (ARD2014) at Makati Shangri-La Manila.
Partners:
- Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Agricultural Research
- Philippine Rice Research Institute
