Assessing the Relationship between Farmer’s Perception to Agricultural Practices, Risk Management and Sustainability

The study investigates the relationship between farmers' perceptions of agricultural practices, risk management strategies, and sustainability outcomes in Catublian Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. Utilizing a quantitative, correlational research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires from 50 farmers selected via purposive sampling. The results reveal that farmers predominantly rely on traditional knowledge (Mean = 4.0), with a positive perception towards modern agricultural practices and government support (both with Mean = 4.0). However, they generally disagree about using organic fertilizers (Mean = 2.0). Correlation analysis shows a negligible and insignificant relationship between agricultural practices and risk management (r = 0.035, p = 0.808), suggesting no direct influence. Conversely, there is a significant negative moderate relationship between agricultural practices and sustainability (r=-0.511, p = 0.001), indicating that increased agricultural practices may decrease sustainability, potentially due to the use of practices like chemical fertilizers that harm soil health. Additionally, there is a weak, non-significant negative correlation between risk management and sustainability (r=-0.100, p = 0.490). These findings imply that perceptions significantly influence adoption behaviors, but their direct impact on sustainability and risk management is limited. Farmers’ reliance on experience over scientific research impacts their adoption of modern technologies, with financial constraints posing barriers to implementation.