Research on World Agricultural Economy

Strengthening Agribusiness Sustainability through Civil Service Organizations: Key Factors, Challenges, and a Localized Action Plan

Kim Edward S. Santos

College of Management and Business Technology, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Cabanatuan 3100, The Philippines

Angelo R. Santos

College of Management and Business Technology, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology, Cabanatuan 3100, The Philippines

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i3.1824

Received: 7 March 2025 | Revised: 17 April 2025 | Accepted: 21 April 2025 | Published Online: 24 June 2025

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Abstract

By supporting community-based programs, pushing policy changes, and strengthening agricultural networks, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) are indispensable for agribusiness sustainability. Their participation improves technical acceptance, economic resilience, and food security. Examining important elements, challenges, and a localized action plan, this study evaluated how CSOs might help strengthen agribusiness sustainability in Nueva Ecija. It examined CSO members' demographic and business profiles, including age, gender, educational background, length of involvement, and type of agribusiness participation. The study looked at the relationships among important elements—social engagement, economic resources, technological adoption, and policy or institutional support—with regard to CSO impact. The study, using a descriptive quantitative correlational research design, discovered that institutional factors were highly interrelated while demographic factors had little effect. Especially networking, stakeholder cooperation, and community involvement, social elements had great a impact. While technological adoption remained low, economic factors—including funding availability and market opportunities—were only somewhat important. Policy and institutional backing greatly helped CSO-led agribusiness projects to last. Among the difficulties were limited market access, poor technological integration, financial restrictions, and regulatory compliance. Crucially, we must remove these obstacles through improved public-private cooperation, capacity-building initiatives, financial support systems, and technological acceptance. A comprehensive strategy encouraging cooperation among local communities, government agencies, corporate partners, and CSOs is complementing local agricultural priorities and policies. The suggested localized action plan emphasizes financial accessibility, institutional support, technological adoption, and sustainable agribusiness models.

Keywords: Agribusiness; Agricultural sustainability; Civil Society Organizations; Technological adoption

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