Lived experiences of financial difficulties: A panama journey of banana growers

Abstract

The study examined the actual experiences of financial difficulty among Panabo City's banana growers in Barangay Kasilak, with an emphasis on third-year college students. The research revealed a variety of difficulties these farmers encountered in maintaining their livelihoods through in-depth interviews and participant observations. Their ability to maintain a stable financial position was severely hampered by agricultural losses brought on by erratic weather patterns, pest infestations, and degraded soil. Their problems were made worse by limited production, which was caused by variables in the market and the availability of land. Participants shared their experiences navigating shifting market prices and production uncertainty, and balancing financial stability emerged as a recurrent subject.In order to manage, they reduced household spending, looked for alternative sources of income outside of banana farming, and put expenditure reduction plans into action. Participants also talked about ways to mitigate disease, emphasizing the value of taking preventative action to protect their crops and earnings. These results highlight the necessity of focused measures to lessen banana growers' financial vulnerabilities and support sustainable livelihoods. Their findings are highly helpful for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders that aim to tackle the distinct difficulties encountered by agricultural communities and promote resilience in the face of economic hardship.