Local Government Initiatives and Prospects for Mango Farming Community Capital Enhancement in Guimaras Province, Philippines

Abstract

Agricultural communities often confront issues such as lack of support from various political actors. The local government units LGUs are responsible for initiating measures for improving community capitals towards fostering growth and development to mango farming communities. This descriptive qualitative study provides an understanding of the initiatives of the LGU in enhancing the community capitals in the Guimaras, Philippines mango farming community. The community capitals framework (CCF) served as a lens and guide. Semi-structured interview guides and participant observation are instrumental in data gathering from five key informants. Findings revealed that LGU provided various programs and initiatives to help enhance the community capitals of the mango sector; thus, LGU as a political actor and development enabler has significant roles in fostering community development. Recommendations in this study are essential to the LGU further to enhance the community capitals of the mango farming sector. In gist, there is a need to focus more on building social networks within the community, establish means for transporting the mango produce, and strengthen community education on agriculture among the youth for them to involve in the mango industry’s development.