BIBLIOGRAPHY MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. ...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012. Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable
Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the Utilization of Chicken Dung. Benguet State
University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Constantino T. Sudaypan Sr. Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
The Study was conducted to: 1) determine the perception of the farmers on the
efficacy of chicken dung; 2) determine the perception of the farmers on the ill-effects of
chicken dung to human and environment; 3) to determine the attitude of the farmers on the
utilization of chicken dung in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet. The study was conducted by
actual visitation and personally one on one interview with the 75 respondents. The data
was undertaken in November 2011. The questionnaire was served as an interview guide to
the farmers. Prepared survey questionnaires were used to gather the data and information
imperative to the study on perceptions and attitudes of farmers on the efficacy of chicken
dung.
As to the demographic profile of the respondents, almost 80% of the respondents
were males. Of the 75 respondents, 57 were married. Furthermore, the youngest respondent
has age ranging under the bracket of 16 to 20 years old. Moreover, the greatest number of
respondents has ages ranging from 21 to 25 years old. It is worth mentioning that there
were five respondents who were more than 60 years old. The findings may imply that
farming has no age limit or restriction. As to the highest educational attainment, of the 75
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
respondents, eight were college graduate and there were at least four who were not able to
attend formal education. The greatest number of respondents graduated from high school.
According to the respondents who did not finish college, they were constrained by the lack
of financial resources. The number of years spent in farming varied among the respondents.
Fifty percent of the respondents have almost 10 years of experience in crop production.
Furthermore, there were few who produced vegetables for 41 to 50 years.
As to the farm profile of the respondents it is quite amazing that less than 50% of
the respondents owned the land that they were farming. There were thirty respondents
leasing their farm and at least 10 respondents farm the area for free. Findings show that a
great number of the farmers in Gambang, Bakun are not land owners. The Gambang
farmers are not as lucky as that in Nutubleng, Buguias. Furthermore, in farm area of the
respondents it ranges from .5 hectare to 2 hectares. Majority of the respondents have farm
area of .51 hectare to 1 hectare. Ten respondents have farms of more than 1 hectare. The
data, however, are based on estimates of the respondents and not from actual measurement.
The greatest number of respondents follows the rate of 100 sacks of chicken dung
per hectare on all the four major crops grown in the barangay namely: potato, cabbage,
carrots, and broccoli. Most of the respondents produce crops twice a year. As to the number
of times of chicken dung application per cropping, all the respondents revealed single
application, regardless of crop planted, According to the respondents, chicken dung was
used as basal fertilizer.
Most of the respondents claimed that chicken dung makes crops robust. According
to the farmers, this is the very reason why they insist on using chicken dung for crop
production. Furthermore, more than 50% of the respondents highly believed that chicken
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
dung boosts crop growth, hasten head formation of cabbage, and increases oil organic
content leading to improve soil texture and ability to hold moisture and nutrients. A great
majority of the respondents moderately believed that chicken dung improves the physical
qualities of crops as to size and color, and it supplies the most essential plant nutrients like
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Accordingly to majority of the respondents, chicken
dung shortened maturity of crops, prevented the occurrence of crop diseases, and controlled
crop diseases.
As to the perception of the farmers on ill-effect of chicken dung, many respondents
highly believed that chicken dung attracted flies and other disease-causing insect, and
applying chicken dung with bare hands is harmful to human health. Furthermore, more
than 50% of the respondents highly believe that continuous exposure to chicken dung can
cause human illness like headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems. Most of the
respondents moderately believe that excessive application of chicken dung increases
acidity of the soil thus making it not suitable for crop production. At least 60% of the
respondents moderately believe that chicken dung contains disease organism capable of
contaminating crops. The perception that chicken dung applied to the farm leaches can
pollutes rivers, streams, and ground water; and exposure of chicken dung pollutes the air
is moderately believed by more than 50% of the respondents.
Almost all of the respondents claimed that they used chicken dung for as long as
they producing vegetables. On the other hand, a great majority of the respondents are
willing to shift to other sources of organic matter if chicken dung will be totally banned
from the market. On the other hand, almost all of the respondents are willing to attend
seminars, trainings, and workshops on chicken dung if ever given a chance.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
As to the recommendations of the study, the farmers of Gambang, Bakun must
participate to avoid continues exposure of chicken dung in every farmland to minimize ill-
effects to human health and environment; As the farmers are all willing to attend any
seminar related to chicken dung, all concerned agencies must conduct any training to
minimize the ill-effects of chicken dung, also to train them on how use to reach the
recommended rate of chicken dung per hectare in every crop.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This section presents the findings of the study on “perceptions and attitudes of
vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the Utilization of chicken dung”.
Specifically, it reflects the demographic profile of the respondents as to gender, civil status,
age bracket, highest educational attainment, and number of years in farming. It also
includes the perceptions of the farmers on the efficacy of chicken dung for vegetable
production; perceptions of the farmers on the ill-effects of chicken dung; and the attitudes
of the vegetable farmers on the utilization of chicken dung.
Demographic Profile of Respondents
Table 1 presents the demographic profile of the respondents as to gender, civil
status, age bracket, highest educational attainment, and number of years in farming. As to
gender, almost 80% of the respondents were males.
The above findings may imply that vegetable production in Gambang, Bakun is
dominated by males. Nevertheless, there are still female farmers. Of the 75 respondents,
57 were married. The rest were single.
The youngest respondent had age ranging under the bracket of 16 to 20 years old.
Moreover, the greatest number of respondents had ages ranging from 21 to 25 years old. It
is worth mentioning that there were five respondents who are more than 60 years old. The
findings may imply that farming has no age limit or restriction.
The table also reflects the highest educational attainment of the respondents. Of the
75 respondents, eight were college graduates and there were at least four who were not able
to attend formal education. The greatest number of respondents graduated from
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Table 1. Demographic profile of the respondents
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENT
N=75
(%)
A. Gender
Male
59
78.70
Female
16
21.30
TOTAL
75
100.00
B. Civil status
Married
57
76.00
Single
18
24.00
TOTAL
75
100.00
C. Age bracket
16-20
1
1.30
21-25
24
32.00
26-30
9
12.00
31-35
9
12.00
36-40
11
14.70
41-45
6
8.00
46-50
6
8.00
51-55
2
2.70
56-60
2
2.70
More than 60 yrs. old
5
6.70
TOTAL
75
100.00
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Table 1. continued. . .
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENT
N=75
(%)
D. Highest Educational
attainment
4
5.30
No schooling
9
12.00
Elementary undergraduate
16
21.30
Elementary graduate
15
2.00
High school undergraduate
20
26.70
High school graduate
3
4.00
College undergraduate
8
10.70
College graduate
TOTAL
75
100.00
E. Number of years in farming
10 years and below
38
50.70
11-20 years
19
25.30
21-30 years
10
13.30
31-40 years
4
5.30
41-50 years
4
5.30
51-60 years
0
0.00
61-and above
0
0.00
TOTAL
75
100.00
high school. According to the respondents who did not finish college, they were
constrained by the lack of financial resources.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
The number of years spent in farming varied among the respondents. Fifty percent
of the respondents have outmost 10 years of experience in crop production. Furthermore,
there were few who produced vegetables for 41 to 50 years.
Farm Profile of the Respondents
Table 2 shows the farm profile of the respondents as to ownership status of the
respondents on the area they are farming; area of their farm; bulk of chicken dung applied
per area per crop; number of cropping seasons per year; and number of chicken dung
application per cropping season.
It is quite amazing that less than 50% of the respondents owned the land that they
were farming. Thirty respondents lease the farm and at least 10 respondents farm the area
for free. Findings show that a great number of the farmers in Gambang, Bakun are not land
owners. According to the respondents, the rent for the farm is an additional burden. It adds
much to the production inputs. The Gambang farmers are not as lucky as that in Nutubleng,
Buguias. A similar study conducted by Jose (2011) in Natubleng revealed that a great
majority of the farmers own the land they are tilling. Only few respondents lease the area.
The farm area of the respondents ranges from .5 hectare to 2 hectares. Majority of the
respondents had farm area of .51 hectare to 1 hectare. Ten respondents had farms of more
than 1 hectare. The data, however, are based on the estimates of the respondents and not
from actual measurement.
As to the rate chicken dung (sacks) used, the greatest number of respondents follows the
rate of 100 sacks of chicken dung per hectare on all the four major crops grown in the
barangay namely: potato, cabbage, carrots, and broccoli. According to the respondents, the
more chicken dung they applied the greater the yield and the higher the
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Table 2. Farm profile of the respondents
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENT
N=75
(%)
A. Ownership status
Owned
35
46.70
Leased
30
40.00
Farmed for free
10
13.30
B. Farm area(ha)
.5 and below
20
26.70
.51 - 1.0
45
60.00
1.01 – 1.50
4
5.30
1.51 and above
6
8.00
C. Rate of chicken dung applied
per crop (sacks per hectare)
Potato
100
32
42.70
200
2
2.70
300
2
2.70
400
1
1.30
500 and above
1
1.30
Cabbage
100
22
29.30
200
6
8.00
300
1
1.30
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Table 2. continued. . .
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENT
(N=75)
(%)
Carrots
100
15
20.00
200
1
1.30
Broccoli
100
11
14.70
200
3
4.00
D. Number of cropping seasons
per year
Once
2
2.70
Twice
48
64.00
Thrice
25
33.30
quality. Relatively, Mitchell et al. cited that using poultry manure as fertilizer can be done
successfully so as long as you apply it to match the nutrients needed by your crops.
However, he pointed out that in areas where poultry farming is common, the amount of
chicken manure produced can actually cause over-fertilization; thus he suggested having
the soil professionally tested to determine the nutrient content before applying manure for
fertilization. Moreover, he claimed that composting the manure before using is important
because of the high nitrogen content, which can be harmful to plants in high concentrations.
Furthermore, the findings support the claim of Buya-an as cited by Cariño (2009)
that farmers still prefer using raw chicken manure and they do not mine to understand
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
scientific explanations as to its ill-effects since the results of their harvest show otherwise.
Chicken manure makes the soil black and healthy and the plants robust. Figure 3 shows
sample of chicken dung used by the vegetable farmers.
Figure 3. Sample of chicken dung used by vegetable farmers for crop production
On the number of cropping seasons per year, a great majority of the respondents produced
crops twice a year. Moreover, there were 25 respondents who claimed to have been
producing crops three times a year. At least two respondents produced crops once a year.
According to the respondents, irrigation is one major factor to consider in crop production.
Those who own well-irrigation farms can produce vegetables the whole year round unlike
those rain fed areas that can only be farmed twice if not once.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Another factor cited by the respondents is financial resources. As such, the fate of
their second cropping relies on the performance of the first. In other words, if they gain
profit from their first cropping, they will use it for the second. However, the absence of
profit from the first cropping will hinder upcoming agricultural activities.
As to the number of times of chicken dung application per cropping, all the respondents
revealed single application, regardless of crop planted, According to the respondents,
chicken dung is used as basal fertilizer.
Perception of Farmers on the Efficacy of
Chicken Dung for Vegetable Production
Table 3 shows the perception of Gambang farmers on the efficacy of chicken dung
for vegetable production. As shown in the Table, most the respondents claimed that chicken
dung makes crops robust. According to the farmers, this is the very reason why they insist
on using chicken dung for crop production. This supports the claim of Mr. Jose Andiso, a
Buguias farmer and president of the Buguias Farmers Federation, as cited by Governor
Nestor B. Fongwan that his field often yield good harvest of potatoes because of chicken
dung. Similarly, Hogh-Jensen (2000) stated that manure can be one of the greatest assets
for a home gardener. Although chicken manure is too strong to be used row in Flowers or
vegetables, it can be composted or converted to “black gold”.
Furthermore, more than 50% of the respondents highly believed that chicken dung boosts
crop growth, hasten head formation of cabbage, and increases oil organic content leading
to improve soil texture and ability to hold moisture and nutrients.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Table 3. Perception of farmers on the efficacy of chicken dung for vegetable production
PERCEPTION
HIGHLY
MODERATELY
DO NOT
BELIEVE
BELIEVE
BELIEVE
n %
n %
n %
Chicken dung increases soil
organic content leading to
improve soil texture and ability to
hold moisture and nutrients
39 52.00
35 46.70
1 1.30
Chicken dung supplies the most
essential plant nutrient – NPK
26 34.70
49 65.30
0 0.00
Chicken dung improves the
chemical properties of the soil and
prevents possible effects of
31 41.30
37 49.30
7 9.30
erosion
Chicken dung boosts crop growth
46 61.30
29 38.70
0 0.00
Chicken dung makes crops robust
57 76.00
18 24.00
0 0.00
Chicken dung hasten head
formation of cabbage
43 57.30
32 42.70
0 0.00
Chicken dung shortens maturity of
the crops
31 41.30
44 58.70
0 0.00
Chicken dung improves physical
qualities of crops as to size and
color
24 32.00
51 68.00
0 0.00
Chicken dung prevents occurrence
of crop diseases
32 42.70
42 56.00
1 1.30
Chicken dung controls crop
diseases
34 45.30
39 52.00
2 2.70
*multiple responses
The table also reflects that a great majority of the respondents moderately believed that
chicken dung improves the physical qualities of crops as to size and color, and it supplies
the most essential plant nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Accordingly
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
to majority of the respondents, chicken dung shortens maturity of crops, prevents
occurrence of crop diseases, and controls crop diseases. Almost fifty percent of the
respondents moderately believed that chicken dung improves the chemical properties of
the soil and prevents possible effects of erosion. On the other hand, there were few
respondents who do not believed on the efficacy of chicken dung. Nevertheless, these
farmers were still using it for crop production. Figure 4 shows the closer look of chicken
dung used by vegetable farmers.
Figure 4. Closer look of chicken dung used by vegetable farmers
Perception of Farmers on the Ill-effects
of Chicken Dung
The perception of Gambang farmers on the ill-effects of chicken dung is reflected
in Table 4. As shown in the table, a great majority of the respondents highly believed that
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
chicken dung attracts flies and other disease-causing insect, and applying chicken dung
with bare hands is harmful to human health. Furthermore, more than 50% of the
respondents highly believe that continuous exposure to chicken dung can cause human
illness like headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems. Relatively, Cariño voiced the
claim of the residents of Shilan, La Trinidad that today’s campaign toward organic
agriculture has challenged the credibility of chicken dung as an organic farm input. It has
revived calls for its ban due to its obnoxious smell and health threat such as headaches,
dizziness, nausea, vomiting and other respiratory discomforts. Figure 5 shows the truckload
of chicken dung displayed in Shilan, Tublay, Benguet.
Figure 5. Truckload of chicken dung displayed in Shilan, Tublay, Benguet
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Table 4. Perception of farmers on the ill-effects of chicken dung
PERCEPTION
HIGHLY
MODERATELY
DO NOT
BELIEVE
BELIEVE
BELIEVE
n %
n %
n %
When applied fresh, chicken dung
can burn tender crop roots and
vegetation
16 21.30
58 77.30
1 1.30
Excessive application of chicken
dung increases acidity of the soil
thus making it not suitable for
crop production
11 14.70
63 84.00
1 1.30
Chicken dung contains disease
organisms capable of
contaminating crops
29 38.70
45 60.00
1 1.30
Continuous exposure of chicken
dung can cause human illness like
headaches, dizziness, and
respiratory problems
40 53.30
34 45.30
1 1.30
Applying chicken dung with bare
hands is harmful to human health
47
28 37.30
0 0.00
62.70
Chicken dung attracts flies and
others disease-causing insects
48
27 36.00
0 0.00
64.00
Chicken dung applied to the farm
leaches and pollutes rivers,
streams, and ground water
35
39 52.00
1 1.30
46.70
Exposure of chicken dung pollutes
the air
33 44.00 41 54.70
1 1.30
*Multiple responses
Most of the respondents moderately believed that excessive application of chicken dung
increases acidity of the soil thus making it not suitable for crop production. At least 60%
of the respondents moderately believed that chicken dung contains disease organism
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
capable of contaminating crops. The perception that chicken dung applied to the farm
leaches can pollutes rivers, streams, and ground water; and exposure of chicken dung
pollutes the air is moderately believed by more than 50% of the respondents. On the other
hand, there is one respondent who do not believe on the ill-effects of chicken dung neither
on human beings nor the environment.
The findings relate to the claim of Geneston as cited by Asio (2010) that fresh manure is
not desirable for garden use because its high level of nitrogen can burn the plants. An over
abundance of this gas could produce negative plant growth and possible destroy the plants.
It should the aged before using. Figure 6 shows the chicken dung exposed in Gambang,
Bakun, Benguet.
Figure 6. Exposed chicken dung at the farm land in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Attitude of Farmers on the Utilization
of Chicken Dung
Table 5 shows the attitude of the Gambang farmers on the utilization of chicken
dung for vegetable production. As reflected on the table, almost all of the respondents
claimed that they used chicken dung for as long as they producing vegetables. According
to the respondents, they had been using chicken dung since they engaged in vegetable
production and they could hardly find a substitute.
On the other hand, a great majority of the respondents were willing to shift to other
sources of organic matter if chicken dung will be totally banned from the market. At least
two respondents claimed that they used chicken dung for as long as supply last.
Besides, all the respondents were willing to attend seminars, trainings, and workshops on
chicken dung if ever given a chance. According to the respondents, one reason for their
continuous use of chicken dung is their ignorance on its ill-effects. Furthermore, they also
do not know other source of fertilizer that can help in their vegetable production.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Table 5. Attitudes of the farmers on the utilization of chicken dung
ATTITUDE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENT
(N=75)
(%)
Use chicken dung as long
as I am farming
73
97.30
Use chicken dung as long
as supply last
2
2.70
Willing to shift to other
organic matter sources if
chicken dung if totally
63
84.00
banned from the market
Willing to attend seminars,
training and workshops on
the ill-effects of chicken
75
100.00
dung
*Multiple responses
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study was on the perception and attitudes of vegetable farmers in Bakun,
Benguet. It was conduct purposely in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet to identify the
demographic profile of the respondents, farm profile of the respondents, perceptions of
farmers on the efficacy of chicken dung, their perceptions on the ill-effects of chicken dung,
and attitudes on the utilization of chicken dung. The study was actual visits and personally
one on one interview with the 75 respondents. The data was undertaken in November 2011.
The questionnaire was served as interview guide to the farmers. Prepared survey
questionnaires were used to gather the data and information imperative to the study on
perceptions and attitudes of farmers on the efficacy of chicken dung.
On this study almost 80% of the respondents are males. Nevertheless, there are still female
farmers. Of the 75 respondents, 57 are married. The rest are single. Furthermore, the
youngest respondent has age ranging under the bracket of 16 to 20 years old. Moreover,
the greatest number of respondents has ages ranging from 21 to 25 years old. It is worth
mentioning that there are five respondents who are more than 60 years old. The findings
may imply that farming has no age limit or restriction. As to the highest educational
attainment, of the 75 respondents, eight are college graduate and there are at least four who
are not able to attend formal education. The greatest number of respondents graduated from
high school. According to the respondents who did not finish college, they were
constrained by the lack of financial resources. The number of years spent in farming varied
among the respondents. Fifty percent of the respondents have outmost 10 years of
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
experience in crop production. Furthermore, there were few who produced vegetables for
41 to 50 years.
As to the farm profile of the respondents it is quite amazing that less than 50% of the
respondents own the land that they are farming. Thirty respondents lease the farm and at
least 10 respondents farm the area for free. Findings show that a great number of the
farmers in Gambang, Bakun are not land owners. According to the respondents, the rent
for the farm is an additional burden. It adds much to the production inputs. The Gambang
farmers are not as lucky as that in Nutubleng, Buguias. Furthermore, in farm area of the
respondents it ranges from .5 hectare to 2 hectares. Majority of the respondents have farm
area of .51 hectare to 1 hectare. Ten respondents have farms of more than 1 hectare.
The greatest number of respondents follows the rate of 100 sacks of chicken dung per
hectare on all the four major crops grown in the barangay namely: potato, cabbage, carrots,
and broccoli. According to the respondents, the more chicken dung they apply the greater
the yield and the higher the quality. Relatively, Mitchell et al. cited that using poultry
manure as fertilizer can be done successfully so as long as you apply it to match the
nutrients needed by your crops.
A great majority of the respondents produce crops twice a year. Moreover, there
are 25 respondents who claimed to have been producing crops three times a year. At least
two respondents produce crops once a year. According to the respondents, irrigation is one
major factor to consider in crop production. Those who own well-irrigation farms can
produce vegetables the whole year round unlike those rain fed areas that can only be famed
twice if not once. As to the number of times of chicken dung application per cropping, all
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
the respondents revealed single application, regardless of crop planted, According to the
respondents, chicken dung is used as basal fertilizer.
Most the respondents claimed that chicken dung makes crops robust. According to
the farmers, this is the very reason why they insist on using chicken dung for crop
production. Furthermore, more than 50% of the respondents highly believe that chicken
dung boosts crop growth, hasten head formation of cabbage, and increases oil organic
content leading to improve soil texture and ability to hold moisture and nutrients. A great
majority of the respondents moderately believe that chicken dung improves the physical
qualities of crops as to size and color, and it supplies the most essential plant nutrients like
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Accordingly to majority of the respondents, chicken
dung shortens maturity of crops, prevents occurrence of crop diseases, and controls crop
diseases. Almost fifty percent of the soil and prevents possible effects of erosion. On other
hand, there are few respondents who do not believe on the efficacy of chicken dung.
Nevertheless, it’s amazing that these farmers still use it for crop production.
Great majority of the respondents highly believed that chicken dung attracts flies
and other disease-causing insect, and applying chicken dung with bare hands is harmful to
human health. Furthermore, more than 50% of the respondents highly believed that
continuous exposure to chicken dung can cause human illness like headaches, dizziness,
and respiratory problems. Most of the respondents moderately believed that excessive
application of chicken dung increases acidity of the soil thus making it not suitable for crop
production. At least 60% of the respondents moderately believed that chicken dung
contains disease organism capable of contaminating crops. The perception that chicken
dung applied to the farm leaches can pollutes rivers, streams, and ground water; and
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
exposure of chicken dung pollutes the air is moderately believed by more than 50% of the
respondents. On the other hand, there is one respondent who do not believed on the ill-
effects of chicken dung neither on human beings nor the environment.
Almost all of the respondents claimed that they will use chicken dung for as long
as they producing vegetables. According to the respondents, they have been using chicken
dung since they engaged in vegetable production and they can hardly find a substitute. On
the other hand, a great majority of the respondents are willing to shift to other sources of
organic matter if chicken dung will be totally banned from the market. At least two
respondents claimed that they will use chicken dung for as long as supply last.
All the respondents are willing to attend seminars, trainings, and workshops on
chicken dung if ever given a chance. According to the respondents, one reason for their
continuous use of chicken dung is their ignorance on its ill-effects. Furthermore, they also
do not know other source of fertilizer that can help in their vegetable production.
Conclusions
Based on the findings, the following conclusions are made:
1. Vegetable production in Gamabang, Bakun is not only for males, females are also
engaged in farming.
2. Not all vegetable producers in Gambang, Bakun are land owners.
3. Chicken dung was always used by the Gambang farmers despite the ill-effects.
4. Chicken dung will always be used by the Gambang farmers for as long as supply exists
in the market.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Recommendations
Based on the conclusions, the following recommendations are forwarded:
1. The farmers of Gambang, Bakun must participate to avoid continues exposure of chicken
dung in every farm land to minimize ill-effects to human health and environment.
2. As the farmers are all willing to attend any seminar related to chicken dung, all concerned
agencies must conduct any training to minimize the ill-effects of chicken dung, also to train
them on how use to reach the recommended rate of chicken dung per hectare in every crop.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
LITERATURE CITED
ASIO, V. 2006. Response of corn to chicken dung and rice hull ash application and
mycorrhizal fungi inoculation. Annals of Tropical Research 26: 23-36. Retrieved Feb. 2011
from http://www.ehow.com/list_7519874_uses-chicken-dung.html.
CARIÑO, D. 2009. Chicken Manure Trade in Benguet areas. Retrieved Oct. 04, 2009 from
www.chickenmanure.com.
FONGWAN, N. 2009. Chicken dung Trade Stinks in Benguet areas. Retrieved May 15,
2009 from http://www.newsinfo.inquire,net/enguent-areas-97k.
HOGH-JENSEN, E. 2000. Chicken Manure and Increases. Retrieved Dec. 2010 from
http://www.ofrf.org/o3p12.pdf.
JOSE, R. 2011. Perceptions and attitudes of vegetable farmers in Natubleng, Buguias,
Benguet on the utilization of chicken dung. Unpublished undergraduate thesis. Benguet
State University, La Trinidad, Benguet. P. 32
LAMPKIN, N. H.1994. Methods of Manure Management. Retrieved Dec. 2010 from
http://www.kursusinfo.life.ku.methods.paf.ashx.
LAUREAN, C. 2010. Greg’s Theory on typhoid Fever, Chicken dung Manure Caused.
Retrieved December 10, 2010 from http://www.philstar.com/articleld=63774.
PARNES, R. 1990. Fertile Soil, A Grower’s Guide to Organic. Retrieved March 16,2009
from http://www.likinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/SO167880999991778.
PARNES, R. 1990. Soil Fertility, and Composting, Retrieved Feb. 2009 from
http://www.msucares.com/crops/comhort/orfanic-soil.html.
SATTLER AND WISTINGHAUSEN, 1992. Poultry Manure as a Fertilizer Source,
Retrieved Feb. 2009 from http://www.fao.org/poultry/environment_manure.pdf.
WUHAN, B. 1998. Chicken Dung Cleans up Soil Contaminated with oil. Retrieved Feb.
2009 from http://newshopper.sulekha.com/news_1045496.htm.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012. Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable
Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the Utilization of Chicken Dung. Benguet State
University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Constantino T. Sudaypan Sr. Ph. D.
ABSTRACT
The Study was conducted to: 1) determine the perception of the farmers on the
efficacy of chicken dung; 2) determine the perception of the farmers on the ill-effects of
chicken dung to human and environment; 3) to determine the attitude of the farmers on the
utilization of chicken dung in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet. The study was conducted by
actual visitation and personally one on one interview with the 75 respondents. The data
was undertaken in November 2011. The questionnaire was served as an interview guide to
the farmers. Prepared survey questionnaires were used to gather the data and information
imperative to the study on perceptions and attitudes of farmers on the efficacy of chicken
dung.
As to the demographic profile of the respondents, almost 80% of the respondents
were males. Of the 75 respondents, 57 were married. Furthermore, the youngest respondent
has age ranging under the bracket of 16 to 20 years old. Moreover, the greatest number of
respondents has ages ranging from 21 to 25 years old. It is worth mentioning that there
were five respondents who were more than 60 years old. The findings may imply that
farming has no age limit or restriction. As to the highest educational attainment, of the 75
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
respondents, eight were college graduate and there were at least four who were not able to
attend formal education. The greatest number of respondents graduated from high school.
According to the respondents who did not finish college, they were constrained by the lack
of financial resources. The number of years spent in farming varied among the respondents.
Fifty percent of the respondents have almost 10 years of experience in crop production.
Furthermore, there were few who produced vegetables for 41 to 50 years.
As to the farm profile of the respondents it is quite amazing that less than 50% of
the respondents owned the land that they were farming. There were thirty respondents
leasing their farm and at least 10 respondents farm the area for free. Findings show that a
great number of the farmers in Gambang, Bakun are not land owners. The Gambang
farmers are not as lucky as that in Nutubleng, Buguias. Furthermore, in farm area of the
respondents it ranges from .5 hectare to 2 hectares. Majority of the respondents have farm
area of .51 hectare to 1 hectare. Ten respondents have farms of more than 1 hectare. The
data, however, are based on estimates of the respondents and not from actual measurement.
The greatest number of respondents follows the rate of 100 sacks of chicken dung
per hectare on all the four major crops grown in the barangay namely: potato, cabbage,
carrots, and broccoli. Most of the respondents produce crops twice a year. As to the number
of times of chicken dung application per cropping, all the respondents revealed single
application, regardless of crop planted, According to the respondents, chicken dung was
used as basal fertilizer.
Most of the respondents claimed that chicken dung makes crops robust. According
to the farmers, this is the very reason why they insist on using chicken dung for crop
production. Furthermore, more than 50% of the respondents highly believed that chicken
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
dung boosts crop growth, hasten head formation of cabbage, and increases oil organic
content leading to improve soil texture and ability to hold moisture and nutrients. A great
majority of the respondents moderately believed that chicken dung improves the physical
qualities of crops as to size and color, and it supplies the most essential plant nutrients like
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Accordingly to majority of the respondents, chicken
dung shortened maturity of crops, prevented the occurrence of crop diseases, and controlled
crop diseases.
As to the perception of the farmers on ill-effect of chicken dung, many respondents
highly believed that chicken dung attracted flies and other disease-causing insect, and
applying chicken dung with bare hands is harmful to human health. Furthermore, more
than 50% of the respondents highly believe that continuous exposure to chicken dung can
cause human illness like headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems. Most of the
respondents moderately believe that excessive application of chicken dung increases
acidity of the soil thus making it not suitable for crop production. At least 60% of the
respondents moderately believe that chicken dung contains disease organism capable of
contaminating crops. The perception that chicken dung applied to the farm leaches can
pollutes rivers, streams, and ground water; and exposure of chicken dung pollutes the air
is moderately believed by more than 50% of the respondents.
Almost all of the respondents claimed that they used chicken dung for as long as
they producing vegetables. On the other hand, a great majority of the respondents are
willing to shift to other sources of organic matter if chicken dung will be totally banned
from the market. On the other hand, almost all of the respondents are willing to attend
seminars, trainings, and workshops on chicken dung if ever given a chance.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
As to the recommendations of the study, the farmers of Gambang, Bakun must
participate to avoid continues exposure of chicken dung in every farmland to minimize ill-
effects to human health and environment; As the farmers are all willing to attend any
seminar related to chicken dung, all concerned agencies must conduct any training to
minimize the ill-effects of chicken dung, also to train them on how use to reach the
recommended rate of chicken dung per hectare in every crop.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This section presents the findings of the study on “perceptions and attitudes of
vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the Utilization of chicken dung”.
Specifically, it reflects the demographic profile of the respondents as to gender, civil status,
age bracket, highest educational attainment, and number of years in farming. It also
includes the perceptions of the farmers on the efficacy of chicken dung for vegetable
production; perceptions of the farmers on the ill-effects of chicken dung; and the attitudes
of the vegetable farmers on the utilization of chicken dung.
Demographic Profile of Respondents
Table 1 presents the demographic profile of the respondents as to gender, civil
status, age bracket, highest educational attainment, and number of years in farming. As to
gender, almost 80% of the respondents were males.
The above findings may imply that vegetable production in Gambang, Bakun is
dominated by males. Nevertheless, there are still female farmers. Of the 75 respondents,
57 were married. The rest were single.
The youngest respondent had age ranging under the bracket of 16 to 20 years old.
Moreover, the greatest number of respondents had ages ranging from 21 to 25 years old. It
is worth mentioning that there were five respondents who are more than 60 years old. The
findings may imply that farming has no age limit or restriction.
The table also reflects the highest educational attainment of the respondents. Of the
75 respondents, eight were college graduates and there were at least four who were not able
to attend formal education. The greatest number of respondents graduated from
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Table 1. Demographic profile of the respondents
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENT
N=75
(%)
A. Gender
Male
59
78.70
Female
16
21.30
TOTAL
75
100.00
B. Civil status
Married
57
76.00
Single
18
24.00
TOTAL
75
100.00
C. Age bracket
16-20
1
1.30
21-25
24
32.00
26-30
9
12.00
31-35
9
12.00
36-40
11
14.70
41-45
6
8.00
46-50
6
8.00
51-55
2
2.70
56-60
2
2.70
More than 60 yrs. old
5
6.70
TOTAL
75
100.00
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Table 1. continued. . .
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENT
N=75
(%)
D. Highest Educational
attainment
4
5.30
No schooling
9
12.00
Elementary undergraduate
16
21.30
Elementary graduate
15
2.00
High school undergraduate
20
26.70
High school graduate
3
4.00
College undergraduate
8
10.70
College graduate
TOTAL
75
100.00
E. Number of years in farming
10 years and below
38
50.70
11-20 years
19
25.30
21-30 years
10
13.30
31-40 years
4
5.30
41-50 years
4
5.30
51-60 years
0
0.00
61-and above
0
0.00
TOTAL
75
100.00
high school. According to the respondents who did not finish college, they were
constrained by the lack of financial resources.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
The number of years spent in farming varied among the respondents. Fifty percent
of the respondents have outmost 10 years of experience in crop production. Furthermore,
there were few who produced vegetables for 41 to 50 years.
Farm Profile of the Respondents
Table 2 shows the farm profile of the respondents as to ownership status of the
respondents on the area they are farming; area of their farm; bulk of chicken dung applied
per area per crop; number of cropping seasons per year; and number of chicken dung
application per cropping season.
It is quite amazing that less than 50% of the respondents owned the land that they
were farming. Thirty respondents lease the farm and at least 10 respondents farm the area
for free. Findings show that a great number of the farmers in Gambang, Bakun are not land
owners. According to the respondents, the rent for the farm is an additional burden. It adds
much to the production inputs. The Gambang farmers are not as lucky as that in Nutubleng,
Buguias. A similar study conducted by Jose (2011) in Natubleng revealed that a great
majority of the farmers own the land they are tilling. Only few respondents lease the area.
The farm area of the respondents ranges from .5 hectare to 2 hectares. Majority of the
respondents had farm area of .51 hectare to 1 hectare. Ten respondents had farms of more
than 1 hectare. The data, however, are based on the estimates of the respondents and not
from actual measurement.
As to the rate chicken dung (sacks) used, the greatest number of respondents follows the
rate of 100 sacks of chicken dung per hectare on all the four major crops grown in the
barangay namely: potato, cabbage, carrots, and broccoli. According to the respondents, the
more chicken dung they applied the greater the yield and the higher the
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Table 2. Farm profile of the respondents
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENT
N=75
(%)
A. Ownership status
Owned
35
46.70
Leased
30
40.00
Farmed for free
10
13.30
B. Farm area(ha)
.5 and below
20
26.70
.51 - 1.0
45
60.00
1.01 – 1.50
4
5.30
1.51 and above
6
8.00
C. Rate of chicken dung applied
per crop (sacks per hectare)
Potato
100
32
42.70
200
2
2.70
300
2
2.70
400
1
1.30
500 and above
1
1.30
Cabbage
100
22
29.30
200
6
8.00
300
1
1.30
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Table 2. continued. . .
PROFILE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENT
(N=75)
(%)
Carrots
100
15
20.00
200
1
1.30
Broccoli
100
11
14.70
200
3
4.00
D. Number of cropping seasons
per year
Once
2
2.70
Twice
48
64.00
Thrice
25
33.30
quality. Relatively, Mitchell et al. cited that using poultry manure as fertilizer can be done
successfully so as long as you apply it to match the nutrients needed by your crops.
However, he pointed out that in areas where poultry farming is common, the amount of
chicken manure produced can actually cause over-fertilization; thus he suggested having
the soil professionally tested to determine the nutrient content before applying manure for
fertilization. Moreover, he claimed that composting the manure before using is important
because of the high nitrogen content, which can be harmful to plants in high concentrations.
Furthermore, the findings support the claim of Buya-an as cited by Cariño (2009)
that farmers still prefer using raw chicken manure and they do not mine to understand
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
scientific explanations as to its ill-effects since the results of their harvest show otherwise.
Chicken manure makes the soil black and healthy and the plants robust. Figure 3 shows
sample of chicken dung used by the vegetable farmers.
Figure 3. Sample of chicken dung used by vegetable farmers for crop production
On the number of cropping seasons per year, a great majority of the respondents produced
crops twice a year. Moreover, there were 25 respondents who claimed to have been
producing crops three times a year. At least two respondents produced crops once a year.
According to the respondents, irrigation is one major factor to consider in crop production.
Those who own well-irrigation farms can produce vegetables the whole year round unlike
those rain fed areas that can only be farmed twice if not once.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Another factor cited by the respondents is financial resources. As such, the fate of
their second cropping relies on the performance of the first. In other words, if they gain
profit from their first cropping, they will use it for the second. However, the absence of
profit from the first cropping will hinder upcoming agricultural activities.
As to the number of times of chicken dung application per cropping, all the respondents
revealed single application, regardless of crop planted, According to the respondents,
chicken dung is used as basal fertilizer.
Perception of Farmers on the Efficacy of
Chicken Dung for Vegetable Production
Table 3 shows the perception of Gambang farmers on the efficacy of chicken dung
for vegetable production. As shown in the Table, most the respondents claimed that chicken
dung makes crops robust. According to the farmers, this is the very reason why they insist
on using chicken dung for crop production. This supports the claim of Mr. Jose Andiso, a
Buguias farmer and president of the Buguias Farmers Federation, as cited by Governor
Nestor B. Fongwan that his field often yield good harvest of potatoes because of chicken
dung. Similarly, Hogh-Jensen (2000) stated that manure can be one of the greatest assets
for a home gardener. Although chicken manure is too strong to be used row in Flowers or
vegetables, it can be composted or converted to “black gold”.
Furthermore, more than 50% of the respondents highly believed that chicken dung boosts
crop growth, hasten head formation of cabbage, and increases oil organic content leading
to improve soil texture and ability to hold moisture and nutrients.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Table 3. Perception of farmers on the efficacy of chicken dung for vegetable production
PERCEPTION
HIGHLY
MODERATELY
DO NOT
BELIEVE
BELIEVE
BELIEVE
n %
n %
n %
Chicken dung increases soil
organic content leading to
improve soil texture and ability to
hold moisture and nutrients
39 52.00
35 46.70
1 1.30
Chicken dung supplies the most
essential plant nutrient – NPK
26 34.70
49 65.30
0 0.00
Chicken dung improves the
chemical properties of the soil and
prevents possible effects of
31 41.30
37 49.30
7 9.30
erosion
Chicken dung boosts crop growth
46 61.30
29 38.70
0 0.00
Chicken dung makes crops robust
57 76.00
18 24.00
0 0.00
Chicken dung hasten head
formation of cabbage
43 57.30
32 42.70
0 0.00
Chicken dung shortens maturity of
the crops
31 41.30
44 58.70
0 0.00
Chicken dung improves physical
qualities of crops as to size and
color
24 32.00
51 68.00
0 0.00
Chicken dung prevents occurrence
of crop diseases
32 42.70
42 56.00
1 1.30
Chicken dung controls crop
diseases
34 45.30
39 52.00
2 2.70
*multiple responses
The table also reflects that a great majority of the respondents moderately believed that
chicken dung improves the physical qualities of crops as to size and color, and it supplies
the most essential plant nutrients like Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Accordingly
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
to majority of the respondents, chicken dung shortens maturity of crops, prevents
occurrence of crop diseases, and controls crop diseases. Almost fifty percent of the
respondents moderately believed that chicken dung improves the chemical properties of
the soil and prevents possible effects of erosion. On the other hand, there were few
respondents who do not believed on the efficacy of chicken dung. Nevertheless, these
farmers were still using it for crop production. Figure 4 shows the closer look of chicken
dung used by vegetable farmers.
Figure 4. Closer look of chicken dung used by vegetable farmers
Perception of Farmers on the Ill-effects
of Chicken Dung
The perception of Gambang farmers on the ill-effects of chicken dung is reflected
in Table 4. As shown in the table, a great majority of the respondents highly believed that
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
chicken dung attracts flies and other disease-causing insect, and applying chicken dung
with bare hands is harmful to human health. Furthermore, more than 50% of the
respondents highly believe that continuous exposure to chicken dung can cause human
illness like headaches, dizziness, and respiratory problems. Relatively, Cariño voiced the
claim of the residents of Shilan, La Trinidad that today’s campaign toward organic
agriculture has challenged the credibility of chicken dung as an organic farm input. It has
revived calls for its ban due to its obnoxious smell and health threat such as headaches,
dizziness, nausea, vomiting and other respiratory discomforts. Figure 5 shows the truckload
of chicken dung displayed in Shilan, Tublay, Benguet.
Figure 5. Truckload of chicken dung displayed in Shilan, Tublay, Benguet
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Table 4. Perception of farmers on the ill-effects of chicken dung
PERCEPTION
HIGHLY
MODERATELY
DO NOT
BELIEVE
BELIEVE
BELIEVE
n %
n %
n %
When applied fresh, chicken dung
can burn tender crop roots and
vegetation
16 21.30
58 77.30
1 1.30
Excessive application of chicken
dung increases acidity of the soil
thus making it not suitable for
crop production
11 14.70
63 84.00
1 1.30
Chicken dung contains disease
organisms capable of
contaminating crops
29 38.70
45 60.00
1 1.30
Continuous exposure of chicken
dung can cause human illness like
headaches, dizziness, and
respiratory problems
40 53.30
34 45.30
1 1.30
Applying chicken dung with bare
hands is harmful to human health
47
28 37.30
0 0.00
62.70
Chicken dung attracts flies and
others disease-causing insects
48
27 36.00
0 0.00
64.00
Chicken dung applied to the farm
leaches and pollutes rivers,
streams, and ground water
35
39 52.00
1 1.30
46.70
Exposure of chicken dung pollutes
the air
33 44.00 41 54.70
1 1.30
*Multiple responses
Most of the respondents moderately believed that excessive application of chicken dung
increases acidity of the soil thus making it not suitable for crop production. At least 60%
of the respondents moderately believed that chicken dung contains disease organism
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
capable of contaminating crops. The perception that chicken dung applied to the farm
leaches can pollutes rivers, streams, and ground water; and exposure of chicken dung
pollutes the air is moderately believed by more than 50% of the respondents. On the other
hand, there is one respondent who do not believe on the ill-effects of chicken dung neither
on human beings nor the environment.
The findings relate to the claim of Geneston as cited by Asio (2010) that fresh manure is
not desirable for garden use because its high level of nitrogen can burn the plants. An over
abundance of this gas could produce negative plant growth and possible destroy the plants.
It should the aged before using. Figure 6 shows the chicken dung exposed in Gambang,
Bakun, Benguet.
Figure 6. Exposed chicken dung at the farm land in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Attitude of Farmers on the Utilization
of Chicken Dung
Table 5 shows the attitude of the Gambang farmers on the utilization of chicken
dung for vegetable production. As reflected on the table, almost all of the respondents
claimed that they used chicken dung for as long as they producing vegetables. According
to the respondents, they had been using chicken dung since they engaged in vegetable
production and they could hardly find a substitute.
On the other hand, a great majority of the respondents were willing to shift to other
sources of organic matter if chicken dung will be totally banned from the market. At least
two respondents claimed that they used chicken dung for as long as supply last.
Besides, all the respondents were willing to attend seminars, trainings, and workshops on
chicken dung if ever given a chance. According to the respondents, one reason for their
continuous use of chicken dung is their ignorance on its ill-effects. Furthermore, they also
do not know other source of fertilizer that can help in their vegetable production.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Table 5. Attitudes of the farmers on the utilization of chicken dung
ATTITUDE
NO. OF RESPONDENTS
PERCENT
(N=75)
(%)
Use chicken dung as long
as I am farming
73
97.30
Use chicken dung as long
as supply last
2
2.70
Willing to shift to other
organic matter sources if
chicken dung if totally
63
84.00
banned from the market
Willing to attend seminars,
training and workshops on
the ill-effects of chicken
75
100.00
dung
*Multiple responses
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study was on the perception and attitudes of vegetable farmers in Bakun,
Benguet. It was conduct purposely in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet to identify the
demographic profile of the respondents, farm profile of the respondents, perceptions of
farmers on the efficacy of chicken dung, their perceptions on the ill-effects of chicken dung,
and attitudes on the utilization of chicken dung. The study was actual visits and personally
one on one interview with the 75 respondents. The data was undertaken in November 2011.
The questionnaire was served as interview guide to the farmers. Prepared survey
questionnaires were used to gather the data and information imperative to the study on
perceptions and attitudes of farmers on the efficacy of chicken dung.
On this study almost 80% of the respondents are males. Nevertheless, there are still female
farmers. Of the 75 respondents, 57 are married. The rest are single. Furthermore, the
youngest respondent has age ranging under the bracket of 16 to 20 years old. Moreover,
the greatest number of respondents has ages ranging from 21 to 25 years old. It is worth
mentioning that there are five respondents who are more than 60 years old. The findings
may imply that farming has no age limit or restriction. As to the highest educational
attainment, of the 75 respondents, eight are college graduate and there are at least four who
are not able to attend formal education. The greatest number of respondents graduated from
high school. According to the respondents who did not finish college, they were
constrained by the lack of financial resources. The number of years spent in farming varied
among the respondents. Fifty percent of the respondents have outmost 10 years of
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
experience in crop production. Furthermore, there were few who produced vegetables for
41 to 50 years.
As to the farm profile of the respondents it is quite amazing that less than 50% of the
respondents own the land that they are farming. Thirty respondents lease the farm and at
least 10 respondents farm the area for free. Findings show that a great number of the
farmers in Gambang, Bakun are not land owners. According to the respondents, the rent
for the farm is an additional burden. It adds much to the production inputs. The Gambang
farmers are not as lucky as that in Nutubleng, Buguias. Furthermore, in farm area of the
respondents it ranges from .5 hectare to 2 hectares. Majority of the respondents have farm
area of .51 hectare to 1 hectare. Ten respondents have farms of more than 1 hectare.
The greatest number of respondents follows the rate of 100 sacks of chicken dung per
hectare on all the four major crops grown in the barangay namely: potato, cabbage, carrots,
and broccoli. According to the respondents, the more chicken dung they apply the greater
the yield and the higher the quality. Relatively, Mitchell et al. cited that using poultry
manure as fertilizer can be done successfully so as long as you apply it to match the
nutrients needed by your crops.
A great majority of the respondents produce crops twice a year. Moreover, there
are 25 respondents who claimed to have been producing crops three times a year. At least
two respondents produce crops once a year. According to the respondents, irrigation is one
major factor to consider in crop production. Those who own well-irrigation farms can
produce vegetables the whole year round unlike those rain fed areas that can only be famed
twice if not once. As to the number of times of chicken dung application per cropping, all
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
the respondents revealed single application, regardless of crop planted, According to the
respondents, chicken dung is used as basal fertilizer.
Most the respondents claimed that chicken dung makes crops robust. According to
the farmers, this is the very reason why they insist on using chicken dung for crop
production. Furthermore, more than 50% of the respondents highly believe that chicken
dung boosts crop growth, hasten head formation of cabbage, and increases oil organic
content leading to improve soil texture and ability to hold moisture and nutrients. A great
majority of the respondents moderately believe that chicken dung improves the physical
qualities of crops as to size and color, and it supplies the most essential plant nutrients like
Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium. Accordingly to majority of the respondents, chicken
dung shortens maturity of crops, prevents occurrence of crop diseases, and controls crop
diseases. Almost fifty percent of the soil and prevents possible effects of erosion. On other
hand, there are few respondents who do not believe on the efficacy of chicken dung.
Nevertheless, it’s amazing that these farmers still use it for crop production.
Great majority of the respondents highly believed that chicken dung attracts flies
and other disease-causing insect, and applying chicken dung with bare hands is harmful to
human health. Furthermore, more than 50% of the respondents highly believed that
continuous exposure to chicken dung can cause human illness like headaches, dizziness,
and respiratory problems. Most of the respondents moderately believed that excessive
application of chicken dung increases acidity of the soil thus making it not suitable for crop
production. At least 60% of the respondents moderately believed that chicken dung
contains disease organism capable of contaminating crops. The perception that chicken
dung applied to the farm leaches can pollutes rivers, streams, and ground water; and
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
exposure of chicken dung pollutes the air is moderately believed by more than 50% of the
respondents. On the other hand, there is one respondent who do not believed on the ill-
effects of chicken dung neither on human beings nor the environment.
Almost all of the respondents claimed that they will use chicken dung for as long
as they producing vegetables. According to the respondents, they have been using chicken
dung since they engaged in vegetable production and they can hardly find a substitute. On
the other hand, a great majority of the respondents are willing to shift to other sources of
organic matter if chicken dung will be totally banned from the market. At least two
respondents claimed that they will use chicken dung for as long as supply last.
All the respondents are willing to attend seminars, trainings, and workshops on
chicken dung if ever given a chance. According to the respondents, one reason for their
continuous use of chicken dung is their ignorance on its ill-effects. Furthermore, they also
do not know other source of fertilizer that can help in their vegetable production.
Conclusions
Based on the findings, the following conclusions are made:
1. Vegetable production in Gamabang, Bakun is not only for males, females are also
engaged in farming.
2. Not all vegetable producers in Gambang, Bakun are land owners.
3. Chicken dung was always used by the Gambang farmers despite the ill-effects.
4. Chicken dung will always be used by the Gambang farmers for as long as supply exists
in the market.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
Recommendations
Based on the conclusions, the following recommendations are forwarded:
1. The farmers of Gambang, Bakun must participate to avoid continues exposure of chicken
dung in every farm land to minimize ill-effects to human health and environment.
2. As the farmers are all willing to attend any seminar related to chicken dung, all concerned
agencies must conduct any training to minimize the ill-effects of chicken dung, also to train
them on how use to reach the recommended rate of chicken dung per hectare in every crop.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012
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Perceptions and Attitudes of Vegetable Farmers in Gambang, Bakun, Benguet on the
Utilization of Chicken Dung | MOC-EG, MARIO Jr. J. April 2012