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

The 21st century forbodes a more volatile and unpredictable means of food production, threatening food security all throughout the world. Home gardens are slowly getting recognized for their potential of addressing food security issues while doing it in a sustainable manner. The study aims to determine whether gardens contribute towards food security. It intends to identify attributes associated with gardens and why would Filipinos engage in gardening. The research is conducted in Kapatagan, Digos City. Primary data were gathered through interviews which are then subjected to descriptive and statistical analysis such as binomial logit and probit regression. The results yielded that gardens in Kapatagan are generally smaller than 25 square meters and mostly cultivates 1 to 3 years types of crops. The most common crops that are being cultivated are alugbati, sibuyas, talong, sayote, okra and gabi respectively. Majority of the garden owners strongly agree that gardens provide additional food, enjoyment, work, and livelihood while promoting health, unity, tradition and culture. However, the regression analysis found gardens to be statistically insignificant and even exhibits a negative relationship with food security. This implies that garden owners are more likely to be less food secure than their counterparts. Income is the most significant factor in determining food security, with higher incomes generally translating to higher food security. Taking all of these into consideration, financial subsidies and income increases through job creation and employment would prove effective in addressing food insecurity. Likewise, identifying the more vulnerable garden owners and offering them assistance could increase food security.