Assessment Of Community-Based Vegetable Gardens and Impact of Livelihood Education Programs On Household Food Security and Income In Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, Philippines

Abstract

Community-based initiatives such as the cultivation of vegetable gardens in the Philippines have proved to be effective ways of increasing local food production and promoting healthier dietary choices. Nevertheless, the effectiveness and the broader impact of vegetable gardens could be enhanced by integrating them into an overall livelihood education program. Through this program, participants not only acquire garden skills but also develop entrepreneurship skills allowing them to sell vegetables to earn extra money. The current study aims to explore the combined impact of Community-Based Vegetable Gardens (CBVGs) and Livelihood Education Programs (LEPs) on household food security and income generation in a vulnerable community in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Food insecurity is a major concern globally and is common even in agricultural countries such as the Philippines where healthy food production and sustainable livelihoods pose a challenge. This research uses a mixed-method design to collect quantitative information such as households' income level, dietary diversity score (DDS), production yield, and amount spent on buying food. In addition, qualitative information was collected on participants' perception of the program, its challenges, and benefits. The main variables of interest include the food security status of participating households, changes in their income due to the selling of produce, and their engagement in sustainable gardening practices. Also, the LEPs were evaluated in terms of their relevance, effectiveness, and impact on participants' skills acquisition. The findings show that the integration of the two interventions is an effective way of improving food security, income generation, and dietary diversity. Participants acquired relevant skills and engaged in entrepreneurial activities. The present study proves the effectiveness of integrated CBVGs and LEPs in a certain Philippine context.