Coping Mechanisms and Determinants of Perceived Status of Men and Women Farmer Beneficiaries of the Yolanda Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (YRRP) in Region VIII

The Yolanda Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (YRRP) is a comprehensive program spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture in Region VIII, Philippines aiming to restore the livelihood farmers and households affected by the super typhoon incident. The program aims to help the farming communities build back better from damages brought by the super typhoon Yolanda in 2013. Anchored on the general objective of the YRRP program, this study aims to document the differences in the coping mechanism between men and women farmers affected by the super typhoon. Specifically, it seeks to describe the socio-demographic and farm characteristics of the YRRP beneficiaries; assess whether men and women farmers have differences in coping mechanisms; and determine the perceived status of the farmers about their current conditions. The study provides a general picture of how men and women handled the disruptions and damages brought by the super typhoon. The determinants of coping better were investigated using different regression models. Results show that income, education, relationship status and farm ownership significantly influence the status of the farmer beneficiaries. Findings show that majority of men and women established farmer’s organizations after the typhoon. Meanwhile, the study revealed that farmers in both sexes need additional financial assistance to purchase farm inputs such as fertilizers and gardening tools which will be used in carrying out their agricultural activities. Based on the results, the YRRP beneficiaries are encouraged to continue strengthening farmers associations as one of the mechanisms to reduce vulnerability and risks to disasters like super typhoons.