The Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) MIMAROPA, through its Social Preparation and Program Management (SPPM) Sub-Unit, conducted Social Preparation Assessments (SPA) for the Camili Vegetable Growers Association in Alcantara on January 30, and the Tubigon Vegetable Growers Association in Ferrol on February 5.
Both associations are among the pioneer beneficiaries of SAAD Phase 2, which started in 2023.
The SPA is a crucial activity under the Social Preparation component of the SAAD Program. It is conducted to assess the overall organizational condition and readiness of farmer associations prior to the provision of additional livelihood interventions and enterprise expansion. The activity helps the program determine whether associations have the basic systems, leadership, and internal processes in place to manage support effectively and sustainably.
Specifically, the assessments look into how associations are organized and managed, how decisions are made, and how members participate in and understand the goals of their organization. It also identifies existing gaps, challenges, and areas that require further guidance, mentoring, or capacity-building support from the program.
Led by SPPM Sub-Unit Lead Jea Anne Yase, the assessment team was composed of personnel from the SMMP, Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED), Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) sub-units, and the Public Relations and Development Communication (PRDC) unit. The team conducted Focus Group Discussions (FGD) and Key Informant Interviews (KII) with association officers and members to gather both individual and collective insights on the associations’ operations.
Through one-on-one interviews and group discussions, the team assessed key organizational aspects such as leadership structure, decision-making processes, members’ understanding of the association’s vision and mission, clarity of roles and responsibilities, record-keeping practices, coordination among members, and overall management and operations. The assessment also covered issues and concerns affecting the associations, including internal challenges, operational limitations, and areas where members feel they need more support.
The activity served as a platform for association members to openly express their experiences, observations, and recommendations. Members were encouraged to share their honest feedback on what is working well in their association and what needs improvement, helping the program gain a clearer and more accurate picture of their actual situation on the ground.
After the conduct of the FGDs and KIIs, the assessment team will analyze the data and feedback gathered based on established indicators under the Social Preparation framework. The findings will be consolidated and translated into specific recommendations that will guide the next steps of program support.
Together with other key considerations, the results of the SPA will serve as one of the bases in determining whether the associations are ready for additional livelihood expansion or require further organizational strengthening and capacity-building interventions. This ensures that program resources are provided at the right time and matched with the actual capacity of the associations.
The Social Preparation Assessment is set to be conducted across all farmer associations under SAAD Phase 2 in MIMAROPA. Through this activity, the program aims to ensure that beneficiaries are prepared, organized, and capable of sustaining their livelihoods and enterprises in the long term.
