Magtanim ay ‘di Biro: Lived Experiences of Tobacco and Corn Farmers



Magtanim ay ‘di Biro: Lived Experiences of Tobacco and Corn Farmers

Caleb B. Etrata, Ranec A. Azarias, Joana Mae S. Egar, Ces Margarette E. Escalona, Roden J. Guanzon, Princess Jazzmine A. Elizarde, and Aira Jhen T. Palacio
Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, Santiago Ilocos Sur, Philippines
ISSN: 2961-3035 I Volume 2 I Issue 1 I October 2022

Abstract

Tobacco and corn cultivation are both vital into the whole world due to its importance in the industry. This narrative study was conducted to describe the lived experiences of tobacco and corn farmers. The researchers formulated an aide-mémoire that was used to gather information or data. Through interviews with 10 farmers, the cool and warm analyses of the extended texts revealed the two foci of experiences: farmers' perspectives or views on farming and their difficulties in farming. Their views are dubbed as 3F’s: farming in a better perspective, farming as a sustainable livelihood, and farming as challenging. The difficulties are sustaining financial stability, crop infestation and combating climate change. These difficulties characterize the title ‘Magtanim ay ‘di biro’ which is translated as ‘Farming is not a joke’. With the findings of the study, it is clear that tobacco and corn farming post challenges or difficulties; however, farmers remain optimistic and resilient as they continue farming. As such, future studies should look into ways of helping the farmers in their pursuit for a better tomorrow.

Full Article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56901/FOPK2343

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