ELECTRICITY FOR GROWTH: INVESTIGATING THE INFLUENCE OF RURAL ELECTRIFICATION ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY IN MIMAROPAREGION 4B

Abstract

Rural electrification has been a critical factor in improving the socio-economic condition of remote and underdeveloped communities. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of rural electrification on agricultural productivity in the Philippines, particularly in the MIMAROPA-Region 4B. It utilized multiple regression analysis to examine the relationship between rural electrification, cost of electricity, period of democracy, and agricultural productivity. Data were obtained from various government agencies, including the Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Agriculture MIMAROPA, and Philippine Statistics Authority MIMAROPA. The results of the study showed that rural electrification had a positive effect on agricultural productivity. The study provided recommendations for policymakers to strengthen the institutional frameworks for rural development planning and stimulate alternative plans for the agricultural sector. The findings contribute to a growing literature on rural electrification in developing countries