Youth Perceptions and Economic Viability of Farming: Ethnicity and Gender Differences Among Farmers’ Children

Abstract

Agriculture remains the backbone of the rural economy in the Philippines, yet its sustainability is threatened by an aging farmer population and declining youth engagement. This study examined youth perceptions and the perceived economic viability of farming among farmers’ children across ethnicity and gender, including its relationship with parents’ income. A descriptive-comparative design was employed, involving 300 randomly selected senior high school students. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using percentage, mean, and Chi-square. Results revealed significant differences among ethnic groups, particularly in their willingness to engage in farming and its associated manual work, while no significant differences were found across gender. Despite generally positive perceptions, respondents expressed skepticism regarding the economic viability of farming. Moreover, parents’ income was not significantly related to these economic perceptions, suggesting that shared rural conditions shape youth attitudes toward farming.