Integrating Community Services and Research: A Livelihood Needs Assessment at the Countryside of the Philippines

Abstract

This study assessed the integration of community services and research through the livelihood needs assessment of a countryside in the Philippines particularly Sitio Malanas, Lettac Sur, Santol, La Union as basis of the actions in addressing the needs.  Specifically, the livelihood situation and needs were determined and proposed actions for the improvement of the livelihood situation of the community.  Thirty five members of the community participated in the research.  A focused group discussion was utilized in gathering the data.  The residents of the community were found to be engaged in farming, sold agricultural products, and had only three variety stores getting its supplies from other places. They encountered livelihood problems mostly related to marketing and transportation.  They wanted additional livelihood program, to improve sales, and be provided with seminar-workshops on business-related activities.  The findings show that there is a need for a program to improve their livelihood needs.  It is recommended that actions have to be taken for the improvement of the livelihood situation of the community in cooperation with the local government unit and the school extending relevant community services based on research.

Keywords: Integrating community services and research, livelihood situation, livelihood needs, proposed actions