Ornamental Garden Profiles, Income Variability, and Determinants in Valladolid, Philippines
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20230283Keywords:
Ornamental horticulture, plant genetic resources, spatial distribution, socio-economic profile, smallholder enterprises, productivity determinants, and sustainable livelihoods.Abstract
Ornamental horticulture is an emerging and promising industry in the Philippines, providing livelihood opportunities, income security, socio-economic benefits, and personal well-being for growers. This study mapped the spatial distribution, assessed the socio-economic profile, and identified key determinants affecting the productivity of ornamental garden enterprises in Valladolid, Negros Island Region. A total of 28 ornamental gardens were surveyed using a structured instrument with integrated selection criteria. Results revealed a predominantly clustered distribution of ornamental shops in lowland and peri-urban barangays with high road and market accessibility. The majority of garden owners were female (67.86%), middle-aged (31–60 years), married, and had completed secondary education. Households were generally moderate in size, with low income levels, indicating that ornamental gardening primarily serves as a supplementary livelihood. Operational patterns showed small- to medium-scale gardens, long-term experience among owners, and shared household decision-making. Key productivity constraints included limited capital, high input costs, labor shortages, pest and disease incidence, climate-related challenges, and lack of government support. The study underscores the interplay of financial, environmental, institutional, and genetic factors in shaping ornamental horticulture, emphasizing the importance of conserving and utilizing plant genetic resources to enhance crop diversity, resilience, and market potential. Integrated support mechanisms from financial and training can help growers optimize production under variable environmental conditions. These findings provide valuable insights for policy-makers, local authorities, and stakeholders to develop ornamental horticulture as a sustainable socio-economic and ecological livelihood strategy, ensuring both the effective use of plant genetic resources and the long-term viability of small-scale growers.
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