Fisheries Extension Workers’ Competence, Challenges and Fisherfolk’s Farming Technology Practices in Zamboanga City: Basis for Intervention

Abstract

The study is an investigation of the level of competence and challenges of Fisheries Extension Workers and its relationship to the fisherfolks?s farming technology practices in Zamboanga City. The study secured the responses of 12 Fisheries Extension Workers (FEWs) from the Office of the City Agriculturist and 145 fisherfolk from Tumaga, Ayala and Culianan Agricultural Districts. The study employed a descriptive-correlational-quantitative research design. The results of the study revealed that FEWs are highly competent in seaweed production and are challenged in the implementation of fisheries extension programs. Furthermore, the fisherfolk highly practiced the farming technologies imparted to them by the FEWs. However, the competence of FEWs has no significant relationship to the farming technology practices of fisherfolk. Likewise, there is no significant difference in the competence of FEWs when data are categorized to profile. The study recommends continuous trainings and retooling of FEWs to further improve the level of competency. It also encourages the validation of the challenges encountered to improve the fisheries extension programs in the ground. Finally, it calls for the conduct of Technology Demonstration Projects in major seaweed-producing barangays for the fisherfolk to develop and apply the right farming technologies wherein actual seaweed farming activities can be applied, tested, modified and improved.