Research on World Agricultural Economy

A Socio-Technical Systems Analysis of Small-Scale Quail Farming: Innovation Barriers and Readiness for Agri-Enterprise Growth

Jayson Garcia Juan

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

Philippines

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v7i1.2453

Received: 12 July 2025 | Revised: 30 July 2025 | Accepted: 5 September 2025 | Published Online: 30 December 2025

---

Abstract

This study conducts a socio-technical systems analysis of small-scale quail farming enterprises in Nueva Ecija, Philippines, through the lens of the Socio-Technical Business Systems (STBS) framework. Integrating both quantitative and qualitative approaches, it investigates how interactions among social, technical, business, and interface subsystems affect enterprise productivity, innovation readiness, and growth potential. Data were collected from structured surveys and thematic analysis of open-ended responses from quail farmers in major producing municipalities. Findings reveal that while the farmers demonstrate operational competence, adherence to work routines, and infrastructure adequacy, significant constraints persist in financial record-keeping, market access, and external institutional linkages. High ratings in inventory management and process stability suggest a mature operational base; however, weaknesses in cost monitoring, ergonomic tool use, and knowledge transfer limit enterprise scalability. Thematic analysis reinforces these insights, revealing recurring needs for manure valorization, packaging improvement, accessible financing, and targeted capacity-building. The study concludes that while local raisers are intrinsically motivated and practically equipped, the absence of robust interface mechanisms such as cooperative networks, innovation hubs, and policy bridges hinders their transition from subsistence to scalable agribusiness models. To address these challenges, a localized support model is proposed featuring a farmer-centered innovation readiness tool, co-designed operational aids, and inclusive training frameworks. These interventions aim to bridge capability gaps, inform policymaking, and align with the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting inclusive innovation and resilient rural livelihoods.

Keywords: Quail Farming; Socio‑Technical Systems; Small‑Scale Livestock Enterprise; Innovation Readiness; Inclu‑ sive Agri‑Enterprise Development

---

References

[1] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2022. Quail egg production in the Philippines. Available from: https://www.tridge.com/intelligences/quail-eggs/PH/production (cited 12 July 2025).

[2] Philippine Statistics Authority, 2022. Livestock and Poultry Situation Report: Central Luzon—Quail Production (Semi-commercial). Available from: https://rsso03.psa.gov.ph/sites/default/files/content/IG_Q4%202022%20Livestock%20and%20Poultry%20Production.pdf (cited 12 July 2025).

[3] Valdez, M.F.S., Magpantay, V.A., Adiova, C.B., et al., 2024. QUAIL-itative Insights: Analyzing Japanese Quail Production Systems in Central Luzon, Philippines. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.17853.88808

[4] Redoy, M., Shuvo, A., Al-Mamun, M., 2017. A review on present status, problems and prospects of quail farming in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science. 46(2), 109–120. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v46i2.34439

[5] M. Ali, H., Deivasigamani, A., Lal Karn, A., et al., 2025. The Influence of Direct Market Access on Profit Margins, Supply Chain Efficiency, and Economic Resilience for Small-Scale Dairy Farmers of Asian Country. Research on World Agricultural Economy. 6(1), 541–555. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i1.1530

[6] Sheikh Ali, A.Y., Ali Farow, M.A., Abdirahman Mohamud, Z., 2025. Enhancing Agribusiness Performance and Livelihood Outcomes in Fragile Contexts: A Case Study of Somalia’s Agricultural Value Chains. Research on World Agricultural Economy. 6(3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i3.1853

[7] Trist, E.L., Bamforth, K.W., 1951. Some Social and Psychological Consequences of the Longwall Method of Coal-Getting: An Examination of the Psychological Situation and Defences of a Work Group in Relation to the Social Structure and Technological Content of the Work System. Human Relations. 4(1), 3–38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/001872675100400101

[8] Manning, L., 2024. Innovating in an Uncertain World: Understanding the Social, Technical and Systemic Barriers to Farmers Adopting New Technologies. Challenges. 15(2), 32. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/challe15020032

[9] Roa-Ortiz, S.A., Cala-Vitery, F., 2025. The Current Agricultural Technology Transfer Policy in Colombia Modeled through Dynamic Performance Governance. Research on World Agricultural Economy. 6(1), 319–337. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i1.1263

[10] Republic of the Philippines, 2019. Republic Act No. 11337: Innovative Startup Act. Available from: https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2019/04/26/republic-act-no-11337/ (cited 12 July 2025).

[11] F, F.Z., Shedeed, S.I., 2020. Subsistence Farming Towards Sustainable Economic Agriculture of Small Farmers in the Developing Countries. NASS Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 2(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/njas.v2i1.16

[12] Ting, H., Memon, M.A., Thurasamy, R., et al., 2025. Snowball Sampling: A Review and Guidelines for Survey Research. Asian Journal of Business Research. 15(1), 1–15. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14707/ajbr.250186

[13] Braun, V., Clarke, V., 2006. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology. 3(2), 77–101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa

[14] DeJonckheere, M., Vaughn, L.M., James, T.G., et al., 2024. Qualitative Thematic Analysis in a Mixed Methods Study: Guidelines and Considerations for Integration. Journal of Mixed Methods Research. 18(3), 258–269. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/15586898241257546

[15] Tsikada, C., 2025. Influence of Value Networks on Operational Efficiency in Smallholder Farming: A Systematic Literature Review. Research on World Agricultural Economy. 6(2), 526–543. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i2.1466

[16] Malik, S., Kajale, D., 2024. Empowering Small and Marginal Farmers: Unveiling the Potential and Addressing Obstacles of Farmer Producer Organizations in India. Research on World Agricultural Economy. 5(1), 32–47. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v5i1.994

[17] Boakye, K., Akaba, S., Awuye, S., et al., 2025. Sustainability in Agricultural Value Chains: Evidence from the Pineapple Sector in Ghana. Research on World Agricultural Economy. 6(2), 681–699. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i2.1641

[18] Mumah, E., Chen, Y., Hong, Y., et al., 2024. Machinery Adoption and Its Effect on Maize Productivity among Smallholder Farmers in Western Kenya: Evidence from the Chisel Harrow Tillage Practice. Research on World Agricultural Economy. 5(1), 1–18. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v5i1.983

[19] Bandason, W., Parwada, C., Mushunje, A., 2022. Macadamia Nuts (Macadamia integrifolia) Value Chain and Technical Efficiency among the Small-scale Farmers in Zimbabwe. Research on World Agricultural Economy. 3(4), 25–35. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v3i4.700

[20] Kumar, K.N.R., Reddy, M.J.M., Shafiwu, A.B., et al., 2023. Impact of Farmer Producer Organizations on Price and Poverty Alleviation of Smallholder Dry Chillies Farmers in India. Research on World Agricultural Economy. 4(3), 46–62. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v4i3.880

[21] Yusuf, S., Bora, A., Irwan, I., et al., 2025. The Role of Financial Inclusion and Technology on Farmers’ Attitude and Income. Research on World Agricultural Economy. 6(3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i3.2118

[22] Ding, Y., Ai, Y., Zuo, F., et al., 2025. Does the Digital Divide Affect Farmers’ Motivation for Agricultural Practices? Evidence from China. Research on World Agricultural Economy. 6(3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i3.1869

[23] Mohammad, A.A.S., Mohammad, S., Al Daoud, K.I., et al., 2025. Building Resilience in Jordan’s Agriculture: Harnessing Climate Smart Practices and Predictive Models to Combat Climatic Variability. Research on World Agricultural Economy. 6(2), 171–191. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i2.1628

[24] Chavan, P.P., Alam, M.S., 2020. Opportunities of Doubling Farmers Income by Post Harvest Value Addition to Agricultural Produce. NASS Journal of Agricultural Sciences. 2(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/njas.v2i1.78

[25] Yu, Z., Huang, F., 2025. Research on the Innovation of Supply Chain Financial Management Model for Agricultural Enterprises in the Context of Smart Finance. Research on World Agricultural Economy. 6(2), 652–665. DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i2.1525

[26] Deluna Jr., R.S., 2023. Role of Decision-Making Dynamics and Farm Participation in Succession: The Case of Philippine Coffee Farming Households. Asia Pacific Journal of Social and Behavioral Sciences. 21, 1–14. DOI: https://doi.org/10.57200/apjsbs.v21i0.357

[27] Candra, S., Wiratama, I.N.A.D., Rahmadi, M.A., et al., 2022. Innovation process of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in greater Jakarta area (perspective from foodpreneurs). Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management. 13(3), 542–560. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JSTPM-10-2020-0153

[28] Manasoe, B., Mmbengwa, V., Lekunze, J., 2024. The Influence of Capacity Building on Small-Scale Agro-Processors in South Africa: Lessons for Agricultural Extension Advisory Services. South African Journal of Agricultural Extension (SAJAE). 52(3). DOI: https://doi.org/10.17159/2413-3221/2024/v52n3a15543

[29] Cobbold, R. N., Nampanya, S., Takeuchi, M., 2021. Backyard farming and slaughtering—Keeping tradition safe. In: Lipp, M., Apruzzese, I., Dharmapuri, S., et al. (eds.). Food safety technical toolkit for Asia and the Pacific No. 2. Bangkok. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351080474 (cited 12 July 2025).

[30] Oakeshott, J.A., 2018. Sustainable smallholder farming clusters in the Philippines. Acta Horticulturae. (1205), 109–116. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2018.1205.12

[31] Yuan, M., Hu, H., Xue, M., et al., 2024. Framework for resilience strategies in agricultural supply chain: assessment in the era of climate change. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 8, 1444910. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1444910

[32] Gabriel, A., Gandorfer, M., 2023. Adoption of digital technologies in agriculture—an inventory in a european small-scale farming region. Precision Agriculture. 24(1), 68–91. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11119-022-09931-1

[33] Kamal, M., Bablu, T.A., 2023. Mobile applications empowering smallholder farmers: An analysis of the impact on agricultural development. International Journal of Social Analytics. 8(1), 36–50. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374164307_Mobile_Applications_Empowering_Smallholder_Farmers_An_Analysis_of_the_Impact_on_Agricultural_Development (cited 12 July 2025).

[34] Tray, B., Garnevska, E., Shadbolt, N., 2021. Linking smallholder producers to high-value markets through vegetable producer cooperatives in Cambodia. International Food and Agribusiness Management Review. 24(6), 905–920. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22434/IFAMR2020.0135

[35] Department of Agriculture—Bureau of Animal Industry, 2022. Philippine Poultry (Broiler) Industry Roadmap 2022–2040. Available from: https://www.scribd.com/document/632626976/Philippine-Poultry-Broiler-Industry-Roadmap (cited 12 July 2025).

[36] Kvartiuk, V., Curtiss, J., 2019. Participatory rural development without participation: Insights from Ukraine. Journal of Rural Studies. 69, 76–86. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2019.04.002

[37] Shrimpton, E.A., Balta-Ozkan, N., 2024. A Systematic Review of Socio-Technical Systems in the Water-Energy-Food Nexus: Building a Framework for Infrastructure Justice. Sustainability. 16(14), 5962. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145962

[38] Simamora, T., Tahuk, P.K., Rofiq, M.N., et al., 2025. Adoption model of eco-friendly livestock innovation for beef cattle sustainability in dry climate regions. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators. 26, 100658. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2025.100658

[39] Lasdun, V., Harou, A., Magomba, C., et al., 2025. How peer learning improved agricultural technology adoption in Tanzania. Available from: https://voxdev.org/topic/agriculture/how-peer-learning-improved-agricultural-technology-adoption-tanzania (cited 12 July 2025).

[40] Agricultural Credit Policy Council, 2023. DA ACPC Credit & Institutional Capacity Building Program Monitoring Report. Available from: https://acpc.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/March-2023-Monthly-Report.pdf (cited 12 July 2025).

[41] Sebald, C., Treiber, M., Eryilmaz, E., et al., 2024. Usability Testing of Novel IoT-Infused Digital Services on Farm Equipment Reveals Farmer’s Requirements towards Future Human-Machine Interface Design Guidelines. AgriEngineering. 6(2), 1660–1673. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/agriengineering6020095

[42] Tripathi, G., Kandpal, A.S., Bhatt, R., 2023. Entrepreneurial marketing behavior of agripreneurs: Challenges and opportunities. Advances in AgriTech Plant Science. 6(1). 180102. Available from: https://academicstrive.com/AATPS/AATPS180102.pdf (cited 12 July 2025).

[43] Government of the Philippines, Department of Trade and Industry, 2018. Measuring Progress On Women’s Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship in the Philippines: Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Development Plan 2017–2022. Available from: https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/917111/women-financial-inclusion-entrepreneurship-philippines.pdf (cited 12 July 2025).

[44] United Nations, 2015. The 17 Goals. Available from: https://sdgs.un.org/goals (cited 12 July 2025).

[45] Vitug, E.G., 2025. A data-driven analysis of consumer segmentation and market positioning strategy. Corporate and Business Strategy Review. 6(3), 182–192. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22495/cbsrv6i3art17

[46] Lukwago, M.M., Micheal Okello, D., Mugonola, B., 2025. Institutional and technical drivers of intra-household marketing decisions for smallholder farmers in Uganda: evidence from Northern Uganda. Cogent Food & Agriculture. 11(1), 2498775. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2025.2498775