Thesis (BS Agribusiness Economics) -- University of the Philippines Mindanao, May 2019

Seaweed farming in the Philippines, specifically in Zamboanga Sibugay, is one of the country?s emerging livelihood opportunities especially for those local producers who have suffered under the negative development of fisheries. However, the development of seaweeds is found to be lagging, with the production and value slowly declining, compared to other countries which have flourished with their rapid seaweed growth. Hence, this study was conducted in order to assess the production efficiency of the Ipil seaweed producers. This assessment of Technical Efficiency was solved through the use of the Data Envelopment Analysis Approach (DEA); while the determinants of efficiency will be explained using the Tobit Regression method. DEA results showed that 80% of the respondents are considered as technically efficient. It was also discovered that deep sea cultivation is more efficient and profitable than the near shore cultivation method. Results also showed that dried seaweeds were also more efficient than other product types. It is also the only product type that can earn positive net revenue. Under Tobit Regression, the study was able to identify four determinants that have significant impact of bad weather conditions. The positive significant determinants of efficiency were gender, specifically women producers, and cultivating in deep sea areas; while producing dried seaweeds only, and both product types, and bad weather conditions were found out to have negative impact on efficiency. First of all, it is highly recommended that extension services should be able to reach every seaweed farmer, male or female, conducting proper training sessions about disease management and drying techniques. With that, it is highly recommended to produce in deep sea waters and sell dry type seaweeds to increase production efficiency and profitability.