Determinants of Farmers' Willingness to Cultivate Moringa Oleifera: The Case of Dipaculao, Aurora, Philippines

Moringa oleifera, commonly known as “malunggay” or “marunggay” in the Philippines, is a native tree considered a miracle plant due to its multipurpose uses, especially in traditional medicine. However, despite its proven uses and adaptability to different climates, the species is still underutilized. This paper aims to provide evidence regarding the dominant perceptions of and willingness to cultivate moringa, especially among those working in the agriculture sector. This study employed a descriptive research design. Data were gathered from farmers in Dipaculao, Aurora, using a self-made questionnaire and were processed and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23. The results showed that the majority of the farmers had positive perceptions of moringa and a willingness to cultivate it. Moreover, the farmers’ age, sex, farm size, years engaged in farming, and number of household members did not affect their willingness to cultivate moringa. Furthermore, farmers highlighted factors that might affect their decision to cultivate moringa, including the knowledge and skills for moringa cultivation and management, necessary capital for planting materials, and equipment and facilities for cultivation and processing. Therefore, this study recommends that the concerned agencies provide the farmers with training and seminars, financial loans, machinery/tools, and farm inputs.