Abstract:
Agricultural extension services, such as providing farm machinery, are crucial for boosting
productivity and rural development. To improve farm efficiency, reduce costs, and post-harvest
losses, the Department of Agriculture (DA) grants farm machinery to rice farmer associations
through the PhilMech RCEF Mechanization Program. However, despite these potential benefits,
many rice farmers haven't fully used the machinery, limiting improvements in labor, yield, and
overall productivity. This study analyzes the factors influencing the adoption and utilization of
PhilMech-granted farm machinery among farmers. The researcher utilized qualitative methods
such as interviews, thematic, content, and discourse analysis methods guided by the Unified
Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) Model. The findings revealed that rice
farmers were more likely to adopt and utilize the machinery when they perceived it as useful,
beneficial, and capable of improving their work performance. The ease of use, influence of
extension workers and support services were also significant factors influencing adoption and
utilization. Conversely, the challenges limiting adoption and utilization included job
displacement of farmworkers, incompatibility of machinery with rice field environments,
financial burden tied to using machinery, insufficient training opportunities, and the lack of
readily available support services. These challenges ultimately impacted their labor efficiency,
crop yield, and overall farm productivity. Finally, the study highlighted the crucial role of
agricultural extension services, delivered by extension workers, in facilitating farm machinery
adoption and utilization. Yet, the study identified the need for increased efforts by PHilMech and
agricultural extension service providers to ensure equal access to training opportunities for
women farmers.
