Assessing the Effectiveness of Selected Farmers’ Information and Technology Services Centers in Delivering Information to Local Farmers

Assessing the effectiveness of selected Farmers’ Information and Technology Services (FITS) Centers in delivering technology-based information services to local farmers. Pursuant to Executive Order No. 801, s. 2009, local government units that are predominantly agricultural are encouraged to adopt the Techno Gabay Program (TGP) as part of their agricultural extension programs. The TGP is a banner program on technology dissemination and utilization which brings science- or technology-based information services closer to end-users in the agriculture and fisheries sector. Formerly managed by PCARRD and now under the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), the program has been evaluated by the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) through a mixed methods study covering 40 FITS Centers across North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. The evaluation was guided by a theory of change aiming to describe the FITS Centers’ general profile, determine whether the target beneficiaries are reached as intended, evaluate how IEC activities improve farmers’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes, assess the extent of technology application, and recommend policy options for enhancing the centers’ services.

The study found that most FITS Centers remain operational, with a significant number hosted by municipalities and cities, and many have been in service for over ten years as a result of institutionalized interventions. These centers primarily cater to farmers, fisherfolks, and poultry and livestock raisers, with services that farmers highly value as they contribute to improved livelihoods through enhanced competencies in planting techniques, fertilizer and pest management, and organic farming practices. Despite challenges in financial, human, and physical resources, the centers continue to expand their reach by adopting alternative service delivery modalities such as field activities, FITS kiosks, and FITS on Wheels. The report ultimately recommends improving the policy environment, tailoring ATI support to local needs, adopting evidence-based approaches, enhancing technology adoption through complementary interventions, and pursuing ongoing research to further strengthen the FITS Centers’ impact on local agriculture.