Agricultural Diversification in Philippine Development Strategy

Abstract

This paper discusses the significant role of agricultural diversification in the Philippine recovery program. It tackles certain aspects which were not taken up in the Medium-Term Philippine Development Program, I987-I992. The urgent need for developing agricultural diversification in the Philippines is presented as a way of solving problems of growing rural underemployment particularly in the drier months, low peasant incomes, and poor nutrition among the low-income groups. Also, it examines the potentials for diversification as well as the obstacles confronting it. The Philippine experience is compared with those of other Southeast Asian countries to provide a broader perspective for policies and their implementation.