Impact of Research and Extension Services on the Livelihood Programs of Adopted Barangays of Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College

Abstract

While research and extension services are recognized as key drivers of rural development, existing literature in the BARMM region focuses mostly on activity reports rather than measurable outcomes, with limited evidence on how these services directly influence livelihood improvements (Acosta & Borres, 2023; MAFAR, 2024). This study assessed the impact of research and extension services provided by Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College (TRAC) on the livelihood programs of its adopted barangays from 2022 to 2025. Using a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, data were gathered from 120 randomly selected household beneficiaries, 26 key informants, and 8 focus groups. The survey instrument achieved Cronbach’s Alpha = 0.91, confirming high reliability. Quantitative analysis was performed using IBM SPSS v27, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results showed that TRAC primarily delivered technology demonstrations (M = 4.2) and on-site consultancy (M = 4.1), while linkage assistance was limited (M = 2.9). Services yielded high to very high impact, improving knowledge and skills (M = 4.6), product quality (M = 4.5), production volume (M = 4.4), and household income by an average of 22%. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.69, p < 0.01) was found between frequency of service exposure and livelihood gains. However, impact on market access (M = 3.2) and employment (M = 3.5) remained moderate due to geographic isolation, budget constraints, and weak inter-agency coordination. This study fills the gap by providing empirical evidence from a local context, offering baseline data for planning, and demonstrating that while technical support is effective, it must be complemented with business and market services to ensure sustainability