Withering Fields: Voices of Loss, Adaptation, and Hope among Banana Farmers

Banana farmers are succumbed to socio-economic problem. I explored the perceptions of banana farmers in preparing for market changes, sustaining income, adapting strategies, and restoring livelihood stability. I interviewed 12 banana farmers from Alejal, Carmen, Davao del Norte, whom I selected through purposive sampling. The results showed that the farmers' anticipations of opportunities and threats in the banana market were characterized by diversifying buyers and market channels, market fluctuations, environmental threats, banana diseases, and seeking government assistance. The findings on the farmers' absorptive capacity to avail opportunities and confront threats revealed the use of low-cost and innovative farming methods, leveraging social and institutional linkages, and practicing sound financial management to sustain banana production and cope with market and environmental challenges. The farmers' adaptive capacities while availing opportunities or confronting threats were reflected in adopting new technologies and crop diversification, enabling them to adjust their farming practices and reduce risks. Lastly, the farmers' restorative capacity to ensure stability amid opportunities and threats was characterized by rehabilitating damaged farms, reinvesting in production, and rebuilding market connections, allowing them to recover from setbacks, restore productivity, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of their livelihoods.