9 th International New York Academic Research Congress on Social, Humanities, Administrative, and Educational Sciences Proceedings Book ISBN: 978-625-6879-51-5 DOI: 10.5281/ZENODO.10808287 1062 AGING FILIPINO RICE FARMERS AND OTHER FARM MECHANIZATION BARRIERS A DEAD-END PATH TO FOOD SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT? Lorraine Faye C. Narvasa 1 , Joanna-Ilna D. Casser 2 , Ma. Lourdes P. Corpuz 3 , Rengoe A. Madohinog 4 , Clarence Jonil A. Salazar 5 1 Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Faculty, Department of Political Economy, College of Political Science and Public Administration, Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines. 2,3,4,5 Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Department of Political Economy, College of Political Science and Public Administration, Sta. Mesa, Manila, Philippines. ABSTRACT This study examined the socio-demographic profile of aging Filipino rice farmers, as well as their issues, challenges, concerns, and barriers hindering the adoption and utilization of farm mechanization in Penaranda, Nueva Ecija. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, through survey questionnaires and key informant interviews, were employed to gather data. The results revealed that farmers frequently encountered various problems, including insect pests and diseases, unpredictable weather patterns, limited access to irrigation water supply, high costs of farm inputs, and low prices of paddy rice. Furthermore, the study identified several barriers to farm mechanization, such as a reliance on traditional methods and resistance to change, a lack of information and training, small landholdings, financial constraints, and difficulties in registering farmer organizations. The study also explored the profile of farmers’ children, with the majority expressing a lack of willingness to pursue a career in agriculture and actively support their parent-farmers, which poses a threat to the sustainability of farming activities in the area. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, agricultural extension services, and farmer organizations in implementing effective interventions to support aging and smallholder rice farmers in Penaranda, Nueva Ecija, and similar communities across the Philippines. Keywords: Aging rice farmers, Farm mechanization, Farm mechanization barriers, Food security. INTRODUCTION In a predominantly agrarian nation like the Philippines, achieving rice self- sufficiency remains an elusive dream (Palis 2020). The country’s insufficient rice production is further exacerbated by the demographic changes in the agricultural workforce. According to Dr. Asterio Saliot, the former Director of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), the Philippines is expected to confront a critical shortage of farmers within a span of 15 years because they are already aging—57 years old on average, as also