Impacts of an Agricultural Development Program for Poor Coconut Producers in the Philippines: An Approach Using Panel Data and Propensity Score Matching Techniques

Abstract

Using panel data econometric techniques and propensity score matching procedures, this study evaluates the impact of the MAUNLAD agricultural development program - a program designed to help alleviate poverty in Philippine coconut-producing communities. Our results indicate that the program had a significant positive mean effect on the recipients' total net farm income. Moreover, the probability of being in poverty is shown to decrease when a poor coconut producer participates in the program. The program's emphasis on training, intercropping, and livestock integration, as well as the more participatory approach taken, contributed to the strong positive impact of the program.