IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON ABACA FARM HOUSEHOLDS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY

This research study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on abaca farming, a fiber crop in the Philippines. To accomplish the study's aims, both descriptive analysis and mean comparisons by paired t-test were performed. Based on the results, abaca farmers have seen a decrease in their farm incomes as transportation expenses and agricultural input prices have risen. To cope with the pandemic, various coping techniques such as borrowing money, selling of assets, and usage of savings are being practiced. To help revive the agricultural portion of the abaca industry, loans exclusive for abaca growers must be made accessible.