Pros of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP)
This document, a policy brief from the Senate Economic Planning Office
(SEPO), provides a comprehensive analysis of the CARP, highlighting both
its successes and failures. While the document ultimately recommends
reforming and extending CARP, it acknowledges several positive aspects
of the program:
Land Distribution and Tenurial Improvement
CARP has been successful in distributing land to beneficiaries. By 2007,
6.758 million hectares (77% of target) were distributed to 4.2 million
beneficiaries.
Studies show an improvement in tenurial status, with more than two-
thirds of respondents owning the land they cultivate in 2006 compared to
one-third in 1990.
Increased Farm Income and Productivity
Studies indicate higher farm income and yield among CARP beneficiaries,
particularly in areas with improved irrigation systems and access to
modern technology.
The World Bank study (2007) found a 47% increase in copra yield among
coconut farmers after transitioning from share tenancy to owning their
land.
Enhanced Investment in Agriculture
CARP beneficiaries have shown increased investment in farm assets,
seeking credit to improve their land and production methods.
Studies suggest that ARBs invest significantly more per hectare compared
to non-ARBs.
Improved Market Access and Reduced Dependence on Middlemen
Direct selling of farm outputs to households has increased significantly for
both ARBs and non-ARBs, indicating a lower dependence on traders and
middlemen. This potentially allows farmers to command better prices for
their produce.
Poverty Reduction
While the document acknowledges that poverty in rural areas remains
high, it notes a slight decline in poverty incidence among ARBs from
47.6% in 1990 to 44.8% in 2006. This suggests that CARP has contributed
to transferring a portion of the economic return of land from landowners
to beneficiaries.
Empowerment of Rural Communities and Institutions
CARP has fostered the establishment of Agrarian Reform Communities
(ARCs), providing a platform for community organizing and capacity
building. The ARC approach has yielded a positive net present value,
indicating its effectiveness in rural development.
Raising Awareness of Agrarian Reform
CARP has raised awareness about the importance of land reform and its
potential to address poverty and inequality in the countryside, prompting
further discussions and reforms in the agricultural sector.
Providing a Framework for Future Reforms
Despite its limitations, CARP provides a framework for future land reform
programs, offering valuable lessons and insights for improving the
effectiveness and efficiency of land distribution and rural development
initiatives.
The document emphasizes that while CARP has achieved some positive
outcomes, it still faces challenges in terms of implementation, funding,
and achieving its full potential. However, it argues that extending and
reforming CARP can address these shortcomings and bring about more
significant benefits for farmers and the agricultural sector.