Effects of Agricultural Commercialization on Land Tenure, Household Resource Allocation, and Nutrition in the Philippines

This paper reports findings of research conducted by IFPRI in the Philippines on the effects of production consumption and nutrition of agricultural commercialization. Aware of the differential adaptation of rural population groups to commercialization approximately 500 corn- and sugar-producing households were surveyed 4 times during 1984 and 1985. Households included those of small landowners tenant farmers and landless laborers. Data were obtained on income sources landholdings expenditure patterns caloric intake and nutritional status and used to develop conclusions and recommendations. Research suggests the need for attention to boosting smallholder corn productivity and smallholder export cropping. Access to land for landless households is also expected to improve preschooler nutritional status. Education and improved community-level health and sanitary conditions may also be needed to reduce morbidity levels.