DIFFERENCES IN HEALTH STATUS BETWEEN FEMALE SEAWEED

FARMERS WITH AND WITHOUT ADDITIONAL LIVELIHOODS

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An Undergraduate Thesis
Presented to the Thesis Committee
North Central Mindanao College
Maranding, Lala, Lanaodel Norte

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In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

For the Degree of
Bachelor of Science in Social Work

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(PLS TYPE YOUR NAME HERE!)

2016-2017

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 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

There is an urgent need in tropical developing countries to create new

alternative livelihoods that are able to break poverty traps and promote local

development (e.g.Cinner et al., 2010; de la Torre-Castro and Lindström,

2010). Seaweed farming is one such activity and in the last decades it has

expanded rapidly from its original production in the Philippines to a wide

variety of locations practically covering most tropical areas. Commercial

production is found in China, French Antilles, Indonesia, Kiribati and Malaysia

(Ask and Azanza, 2002). Cambodia, Fiji, South Korea, the Solomon Islands

and Vietnam are other important production sites (McHugh, 2006). As the

demand for carrageenan (i.e. a polysaccharide used as stabilizing,

emulsifying and thickening agent in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals)

increases, new areas are continually explored for commercial production. For

example, research is undertaken in Brazil (Pellizzari and Reis, 2011), India

(Bindu, 2011), Kenya (Wakibia et al.,2006), Madagascar (Msuya, pers.

comm.), and Mexico (Muñoz et al.,2004).

Seaweed cultivation in the Philippines began in 1969 to 1970 using

material of Kappaphycusalvareziiand Eucheumadenticulatumknown as

“cottoni” and “spinosum”, respectively. Seaweed farming in the Philippines

accounted for 69% of the total aquaculture production (BAS 2008).

Interventions extended by the Department of Agriculture- Bureau of Fish and

Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) and LGUs in terms of seedling dispersal and

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other technical assistance, coupled with its observed profitability, are

generally perceived to be the primary reasons for the increase in production

such as in the case of Palawan. This province was the top producing province

where seaweed farmers harvested about 444,355.44 metric tons in 2008.

High price of seaweed and sure market significantly motivated farmers to

grow it (BAS 2008).

Health issues as an externality of seaweed farming have hitherto more

or less been overlooked locally, regionally, and globally. Although health

problems are mentioned in previous studies (de la Torre-Castro, 2006; Forss,

2010) an in depth systematic study has to our knowledge not been done.

Previously identified healthproblems include back pain, eye related problems,

headache, injuries caused by sharp shells (e.g. pen shells, Pinnidae) and

hazardous animals(e.g. stonefish and sea urchins), and the exposure to toxic

vapors released by the algae (hydrogen peroxide and halogenated

compounds)(e.g.de la Torre-Castro, 2006; Forss, 2010). These problems are

clearlyassociated with poor working conditions, intensive work and long

exposure to sun, wind and seawater.

The issue of health-related problems linked to environmental

sustainability has been prioritized in the research agenda globally (IHDP

UPDATE, 2011). Research about health-related problems in aquaculture is

scarce but recently it has been raised as a crucial part of the aquaculture

industry problems (Cole et al., 2009). For example, occupational hazards

were found to be higher in aquaculture than in agriculture and similar issues

as the above were identified, i.e. risk of drowning, musculoskeletal injuries,

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heavy lifts, repetitive motion tasks, long-term exposure to strong sun, wind,

water, etc. (Coleet al., 2009).

In this study, the researchers address the differences of health status

between the seaweed farmers with additional livelihoods and female seaweed

farmers involved in seaweed farming in Tabigue, Kolambugan, Lanaodel

Norte for the year 2016-2017. In the present research, a list ofhealth problems

was developed, and an analysis was done to identify to what extent these

health problems are present among seaweed farmers compared to non-

seaweed farmers.

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

In seaweed farming, farmers perform a wide range of tasks under

varying conditions in the course of a typical working day and across the

seasons. Men and women seaweed farmers may be exposed to changing

risks during the run of the day and the course of the year. Farming activities

involve tough physical work often performed alone. During activities such as

harvesting and drying, farmers use communal and family labour at their home

premises, which can also put family members and other workers at risk.

(Msuya, 2012)

Farmers find spending long hours in the strong sun harmful, especially

as salt water increases the intensity of light and sun. Unlike on land-based

farms, seaweed farmers do not have shade to protect them. As a result,

farmers experience a number of undesirable skin conditions including itching,

scarring and marking, darkening of colour, skin that shrinks and changes in its

firmness or condition. Farmers may be stung by stonefish, sea urchins and

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others harmful animals. Farmers’ eyes are subject to negative effects

including pain, blindness from prolonged exposure to strong sunlight, redness

from salt water and intensified reflections, and itching from salt and sand

particles. Seaweed farming can be heavy work, especially if farmers cannot

afford to employ extra help with lifting and carrying seaweed to and from the

farms, and to the selling points. Harvesting the seaweed is also hard work, as

well as carrying heavy farming implements for long distances. Farmers may

also have to move large stones long distances. These stones are used to hold

down the seaweed ropes. Near seaweed farms, the stones are often

depleted, so farmers may have to walk long distances to find them and

transport them back to their farms. (Msuya, 2012)

In this study, researchers would like to determine the difference in

health status between female seaweed farmers with and without additional

livelihood. Respondents’ profile in terms of their age, number of children,

number of years engaged in seaweed framing, number of hours spent in

water and in land per day and average daily income will be included. Figure 1

shows the conceptual framework of the study.

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Differences in Health Status between Female Seaweed Farmers
with Additional Livelihoods and Female Seaweed Farmers
involved in Seaweed Farming

Perception on the health status by the respondents

1. Respondents' Profile in terms of

1.1 Age,
1.2 No. of Children,
1.3 No. of Years Engaged in Seaweed Farming,
1.4 No. of Hours Spent in Water and Land per Day;
1.5Average Daily Income

2.Occupational Health Status of Seaweed Farmers in terms of:

2.1 Female Seaweed Farmers with Additional Livelihoods;

2.2 Female Seaweed Farmers without Additional
Livelihoods

Figure 1 Conceptual Framework of the Study

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Statement of the Problem

This study focused on the differences in health status between female

seaweed farmers with additional livelihoods and female seaweed farmers

involved in seaweed farming in Tabigue, Kolambugan, Lanaodel Norte for the

year 2016-2017.

Specifically, this study aimed to answer the following questions:

1. What is the respondents’ profile in terms of the following indicators:

1.1 Age,

1.2 No. of Children,

1.3 No. of Years Engaged in Seaweed Farming,

1.4 No. of Hours Spent in Water and Land per Day;

1.5 Average Daily Income?

2. What is the health status of female involved in seaweed farming in

terms of:

2.1 Female Seaweed Farmers with Additional Livelihoods;

2.2 Female Seaweed Farmers without Additional Livelihoods?

3. Is there a significant difference between health status of female

seaweed farmers with additional livelihoods and female seaweed

farmers involved in seaweed farming?

Hypotheses

The following hypothesis of the study is tested for the validity at 5%

level of significance.

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 1. There is no significant difference between health status of female

seaweed farmers with additional livelihoods and female seaweed

farmers involved in seaweed farming in Tabigue, Kolambugan,

Lanaodel Norte for the year 2016-2017.

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This research had dealt with the differences of health status between

female seaweed farmers with additional livelihoods and female seaweed

farmers involved in seaweed farming in Tabigue, Kolambugan, Lanaodel

Norte for the year 2016-2017. It also includes the respondents’ profile in terms

of age,no. of children,no. of years engaged in seaweed farming,no. of hours

spent in water and land per day, and average daily income.

This study used twenty (20) respondents. Ten (10) of which were the

female seaweed farmers with additional livelihoods and the other half were

and female seaweed farmers without additional livelihood. The respondents of

this study were selected randomly from the population. Questionnaires were

used to gather data. The cause and effect of the phenomenon were not

included in this study.

Significance of the Study

This study would be beneficial to the following:

Seaweed Farmers. This study will help the seaweed farmers to assess

themselves in terms of their health status.

Social Workers. This study will give them ideas on possible intervention

programs for the seaweed farmers.

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 Department of Health. This study will give them additional information

about the health status of seaweed farmers. This could also be their basis for

possible health-related assistance program for local seaweed farmers.

Local Government Unit. This study could be their basis for future

development of seaweed farmers livelihood program.

Future Researchers. This study could be a basis for future related

studies about seaweed farming.

Definition of Terms

The following were defined conceptually and operationally:

 Health Status – refers to a holistic concept that is determined by more

than the presence or absence of any disease.

 Livelihood – refers to a means of securing the necessities of life.

 Seaweed – refers to large algae growing in the sea or on rocks below

the high-water mark.

 Seaweed Farmers – refers to people who cultivated and harvesting

seaweeds

 Seaweed Farming – refers to the practice of cultivating and

harvesting seaweed.

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Seaweed farming has grown at much the same rapid rate as other

forms of aquaculture in the last twenty years, but seaweeds are produced in

far fewer countries than, for example, farmed fish. The Philippines and

Tanzania are among the top 8 countries. India is not yet on the list but, on the

Coromandel (southeast) Indian coast, the industry commenced in the early

2000s as a platform for women’s empowerment.

Seaweed farming has stimulated a wide socio-economic development,

especially a transformation of the social landscape through aspects such as

improved standards of living. Among other things it has enabled farmers to

afford new clothes for their children, pay school fees and buy books and

school uniforms. It has also contributed to a higher ownership of items such

as clothes, further helped to reduced malnutrition and in general provided a

surplus of cash (Eklund&Pettersson, 1992; F. E. Msuya, 2006b). Furthermore,

due to the possibility to earn their own income, seaweed farming enabled the

predominantly women farmers to earn cash for themselves and their

households. In this way, it made a large contribution towards a changed

gender role and empowerment of women (Bryceson, 2002;

Eklund&Pettersson, 1992; F. E. Msuya, 2006a, 2012, 2013).

Most of the farmers are women. As Msuya (2006; 2012) reported, low

prices, irregular income as well as time and labour intensity led men to leave

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the sector and switch to traditional or new activities, for example in the rising

tourism sector. On the contrary, Msuya (2006a) claimed that seaweed farming

induced a decline of less lucrative traditional livelihoods, such as subsistence

farming, petty trading and fishing. Moreover, Fröcklin et al. (2012) pointed out

negative health effects related to farming activities mostly due to poor working

conditions. Besides direct influences, such as fatigue, musculoskeletal pain,

eye related problems and injuries from hazardous marine animals, they report

a general increase in workload related to the need to engage in several

livelihoods. Subsequently, this has led to a lower work capacity of the farmers

in general.

Farming Methods

The most commonly usedfarming technique is the“off bottom” method,

carried out in shallow intertidal areas. The method is relatively simple:once a

cultivation area is selected seaweeds are tied to plasticstrings (locally known

as tie-ties) and further tied to nylon ropesstretched between mangrove or

land-based wooden sticks inserted into the sediment. A“plot” (farm) consists

of 25–50 lines; farmers can own many plots depending onthe farmer's

strength/assistance received. The seaweeds are grownforfive to six weeks

until they are harvested. During this periodthe farms need maintenance such

as retying lost seaweed and clearing of sediments and epiphytes. Thefarmers

normally work according to a rotational scheme so thatone part of the farm is

ready to harvest every fortnight (Forss,2010). At harvesting, seaweeds are

removed from the line andsome shoots are re-tied. The seaweeds are then

carried or draggedto the beach, or home, for drying and storage. The dry

seaweedsare packed in sacks of 25–50 kg and sold to local representativesof

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the transnational companies. Farming activities usually takeplace during

spring tide, which allows farmers to work efficientlywith harvesting activities

for up to 5 h per day. During neap tides they normally clean and sortthe dried

seaweeds and prepare nylon ropes (de la Torre-Castroand Rönnbäck, 2004).

After harvesting the seaweed, it is spread out to dry in the sun on mats

usually made of coconut-palm leaves, or it is hung to dry from wooden poles

for about 2 to 3 days until 80-85% of the water content is removed (Hayashi et

al., 2010; Richmond, 2011). In some cases drying machines are used to dry

the seaweed in a more effective way, as well as to reduce challenges induced

by unfavourable weather conditions or space limitations. After the seaweed is

dried and roughly cleaned, the farmers sell it to a local buying station.

Low tide occurs every 14 days for 5 to 7 days and an ebbing interval of

4 hours, during which activities on the farms, such as planting, harvesting and

maintaining take place. As maintenance, Neish (2008) includes daily attention

in form of replacing loose thalli, shaking off silt, removing drift material on the

crop, re-attaching loosening plants and repairing materials. Other activities

include post harvest cleaning, drying and packing of the seaweed, which can

be done off the farm.

Despite the relatively simple farming technique the amount ofwork is

substantial and puts a lot of physical stress on the body (dela Torre-Castro

and Lindström, 2010). During preparation of ropes,planting, maintenance and

harvesting activities farmers adopt unfavorable body postures, i.e. forward

bending for long hours, while exposed to sun, wind and seawater which result

in musculoskeletalpains, headache, general fatigue and eye injuries (de la

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Torre-Castro,2006; Forss, 2010). The transportation of heavy seaweeds from

thewater to the beach and household (ranging from a few hundred meters to

several kilometers, pers. observation) adds to the workload(Forss, 2010). In

addition, farmers and their families are exposed totoxic vapors when

seaweeds are stored at home (de la Torre-Castro,2006).

Figure 2 Health problems associated with seaweed farming.

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 Frocklin conducted a research in Zanzibar, Tanzania. His studies

provide a nuanced picture of the activity identifying serious health problems

among farmers. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with female

seaweed farmers (n=140) and non-seaweed farmers (n=140) in Zanzibar to

evaluate health and working conditions. In-depth interviews with additional 28

female seaweed farmers were performed to deepen the understanding of the

working conditions and related problems. The research was undertaken at

seven different locations to cover areas where seaweed is extensively

executed during August to September 2009 and May to June 2010. Seaweed

farmers considered their health significantly poorer than non-seaweed farmers

with fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, hunger, respiratory problems, eye related

problems, injuries from hazardous animals and sharp shells in the water and

allergies as the most serious issues (pb0.05). Income was further reported

below the extreme poverty line. Since seaweed farming affects thousands of

households in the tropics these results should encourage changes towards

better working conditions and sustainability (Frocklin S., et.at., 2012).

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 CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

This chapter presents the research design, locale of the study,

instrumentation, research subjects/respondents, gathering procedures and

statistical treatment used in this study.

Research Design

Descriptive survey research design was employed in this study. The

researchers describe the between health status of female seaweed farmers

with additional livelihoods and female seaweed farmers involved in seaweed

farming in Tabigue, Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte for the year 2016-2017.

Further, this study also determines the respondents’ profile in terms of age,no.

of children,no. of years engaged in seaweed farming,no. of hours spent in

water and land per day, and average daily income. Questionnaires were used

in one-on-one interview was done to gather data.

Locale of the Study

This study was conducted in Tabigue, Kolambugan, Lanaodel Norte for

the year 2016-2017. The location map of the study was shown in figure 3.

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 Figure 3 Location Map

Research Subjects/Respondents

The research subjects/respodents of this study will be the female

seaweed farmers with additional livelihoods and female seaweed farmers

involved in seaweed farming in Tabigue, Kolambugan, Lanaodel Norte for the

year 2016-2017. This study used twenty (20) respondents. Ten (10) of which

were the female seaweed farmers with additional livelihoods and the other

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half were and female seaweed farmers without additional livelihood. The

respondents of this study were selected randomly from the population.

Instrumentation

The researchers used an informed consent for approval to conduct a

survey at the selected location and respondents. Upon the approval of the

consent, the researchers used questionnaires for the interview and gathering

of data. It was divided into two (2) parts. Part I consisted the respondents’

profile in terms of age,no. of children,no. of years engaged in seaweed

farming,no. of hours spent in water and land per day, and average daily

income. Part II was conisted the health status checklist.

Data Gathering Techniques

The researchers asked for permission to conduct a survey in Tabigue

through the office of Municipal Office for Agriculture and were approved by the

Mayor. The aforementioned consent was then shown to the Barangay

Chairman of Tabigue. Upon the approval of the letter, the researchers

conducted an interview to selected females engaged in seaweed farming.

Self-constructed questionnaires were used to gather data. After gathering the

data, the results were then analyze and interpreted using the statistical tools.

Statistical Treatment

The statistical tools that were used to analyze and interpret the data

garnered were as follows:

1. Frequency – this was used to determine the number of responds in

each item indicators

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2. Percentage – this was used to determine the ratio of respondents’

profile distribution

3. Mean – this was used to determine the average of respondents’ profile

distribution

4. Kruskal-wallis test- this was used to determine the significant difference

between the health status of female seaweed farmers with additional

livelihoods and female seaweed farmers involved in seaweed farming

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 CHAPTER IV

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

This chapter presents the analyses and interpretation of data from the

survey. Table 1to 5 shows the respondents’ profile in terms of age, number of

children, number of years engaged in seaweed farming, number of hours

spent in water and land per day and average daily income. Table 6 shows the

occupational health status of seaweed farmers with and without additional

livelihood. Table 7 shows the test of hypothesis.

Respondents' Profile

This variable refers to the personal information of the respondents.

This is further measured in terms of their age, number of children, number of

years engaged in seaweed farming, number of hours spent in water and land

per day and average daily income.

Age

This indicator refers to the respondents’ number of years of living.

Table 1 presents the frequency-percentage distribution of female with and

without additional livelihood according to age.

Table 1 Frequency-Percentage Distribution According to Age

Seaweed Farmers Seaweed Farmers

with additional without additional
Age livelihood % livelihood %
18-25 3 30% 1 10%
26-33 5 50% 4 40%
34-41 2 20% 3 30%
42 and above 0 0% 2 20%
Total 10 100% 10 100%
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 As shown in table 1, female seaweed farmers with additional livelihood

age brackets has a total of 3 (30%) in ages 18-25 yrs. old and 5 (50%) in ages

25-33 yrs. old while 2 (20%) in ages 34-41 yrs. old. On the other hand, female

seaweed farmers without additional livelihood age brackets has a total of 1

(10%) in ages 18-25 yrs. old and 4 (40%) in ages 25-33 yrs. old while 3 (30%)

in ages 34-41 yrs. old. Moreover, there were 2 (20%) in ages 42 yrs. old and

above female seaweed farmers without additional livelihood. This is possible

since seaweed farmers with family living engaged in seaweed farming pass

this culture to generations. With this, female seaweed farmers engaged in

seaweed farming at young age.

No. of Children

This indicator refers to the number of live children of the respondents.

Table 2 shows the frequency-percentage distribution of female with and

without additional livelihood according to number of children.

Table 2 Frequency-Percentage Distribution According to No. of Children

Seaweed Farmers Seaweed Farmers

No. of with additional without additional
Children livelihood % livelihood %
1 to 3 3 30% 1 10%
4 to 6 5 50% 5 50%
7 to 9 2 20% 3 30%
10 and above 0 0% 1 10%
Total 10 100% 10 100%

As presented in table 2, the number of children of female seaweed

farmers with additional livelihood has 3 or 30% in 1 to 3 children, 5 or 50% in

4 to 6 children, 2 or 20% in 7 to 9 children and 0 or 0% in 10 and above

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children. On the hand, the number of children of female seaweed farmers

without additional livelihood has 1 or 10% in 1 to 3 children, 5 or 50% in 4 to 6

children, 3 or30% in 7 to 9 children and 1 or 10% in 10 and above children.

Hence, the results show that female seaweed farmers without additional

livelihood have more children than the female seaweed farmers with

additional livelihood. This could be possible since additional workload will take

additional time for work which will lessen time for their family.

No. of Years Engaged in Seaweed Farming

This indicator refers to the number of years the respondents engaged

in seaweed farming. Table 3 shows the frequency-percentage distribution of

female with and without additional livelihood according to number of years

engaged in seaweed farming.

Table 3 Frequency-Percentage Distribution According to No. of Years

Engaged in Seaweed Farming

No. of Years in Seaweed Farmers Seaweed Farmers

Seaweed with additional without additional
Farming livelihood % livelihood %
1 to 3 1 10% 0 0%
4 to 6 3 30% 2 20%
7 to 9 2 20% 3 30%
10 and above 4 40% 5 50%
Total 10 100% 10 100%

Female seaweed farmers with additional livelihood have 1 or 10% in 1

to 3 yrs. in seaweed farming and 3 or 30% in 4 to 6 yrs. in seaweed farming.

Moreover, there were 2 or 20% in 7 to 9 yrs. in seaweed farming and 4 or

40% in 10 and above yrs. in seaweed farming. Female seaweed farmers

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without additional livelihood have 0 or 0% in 1 to 3 yrs. in seaweed farming

and 2 or 20% in 4 to 6 yrs. in seaweed farming. Moreover, there were 3 or

30% in 7 to 9 yrs. in seaweed farming and 5 or 50% in 10 and above yrs. in

seaweed farming.

The results show that both respondents (female seaweed farmers with

and without additional livelihood) have engaged in seaweed farming for long

years. This could mean that female seaweed farmers have exposed in

seaweed farming environment for long years resulting to high immunity.

No. of Hours Spent in Water and Land per Day

This indicator refers to the estimated number of hours that the

respondents spent in water and in land per day. Table 4 shows the frequency-

percentage distribution of female with and without additional livelihood

according to number of hours spent in water and land per day.

Table 4 Frequency-Percentage Distribution According to No. of Hours Spent

in Water and Land per Day

No. of Seaweed Farmers Seaweed Farmers

Hours with additional without additional
Spend livelihood % livelihood %
Water
1 to 3 7 70% 2 20%
4 to 6 3 30% 5 50%
7 to 9 0 0% 3 30%
Total 10 100% 10 100%
Mean 3 5
Seaweed Farmers Seaweed Farmers
with additional without additional
Land livelihood % livelihood %
1 to 3 3 30% 6 60%
4 to 6 7 70% 4 40%
7 to 9 0 0% 0 0%

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Total 10 100% 10 100%
Mean 4 3

Based in table 4, female seaweed farmers with additional livelihood

number of hours spent in water has a mean of 3 hours while the number of

hours spent in land has a mean of 4 hours. On the other hand, female

seaweed farmers without additional livelihood number of hours spent in water

has a mean of 5 hours and 3 hours in land. Hence, the results show that

female seaweed farmers without additional livelihood spent more hours in

water than in land compared to female seaweed farmers with additional

livelihood.

Average Daily Income

This indicator refers to the current estimated average daily income of

the respondents in peso. Table 5 shows the frequency-percentage distribution

of female with and without additional livelihood according to average daily

income.

Table 5 Frequency-Percentage Distribution According to Average Daily

Income

Seaweed Farmers Seaweed Farmers

with additional without additional
Average Daily Income livelihood % livelihood %
PHP0.00 to PHP 121.00 3 30% 5 50%
PHP122 to PHP 244 5 50% 4 40%
PHP245 to PHP367 2 20% 1 10%
PHP368 and above 0 0% 0 0%
100
Total 10 100% 10 %

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 The average daily income of female seaweed farmers without

additional livelihood has 3 or 30% in below and PHP121.00 and 5 or 50% in

PHP122.00 to PHP244.00 and 2 or 20% in PHP245.00 to PHP367.00. The

average daily income of female seaweed farmers without additional livelihood

has 5 or 50% in below and PHP121.00 and 4 or 40% in PHP 122.00 to PHP

244.00 while there was 1 or 10% in PHP245.00 to PHP367.00 average daily

income. Hence, the results show that there was more daily income in

seaweed farmers with additional livelihood then those female seaweed

farmers without additional livelihood.

Occupational Health Status of Seaweed Farmers

This variable refers to the health status of the female seaweed farmers

with and without additional livelihood. Table 6 presents the frequency-

percentage distribution of female with and without additional livelihood

according to their occupational health status.

Table 6 Occupational Health Status of Seaweed Farmers

Seaweed Seaweed
Farmers with Farmers without
Item additional additional
No. Health Problems livelihood % livelihood %
1 Allergies 1 10% 1 10%
2 Asthma 1 10% 1 10%
Respiratory
3 problems 2 20% 4 40%
4 Parasites 0 0% 0 0%
5 Bladder Infections 1 10% 3 30%
6 Skin Problems 3 30% 5 50%
7 Ear Infections 2 20% 6 60%
General Eye
8 Problems 4 40% 7 70%
9 Hunger 0 0% 0 0%
10 Headache 1 10% 2 20%

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 11 General Fatigue 5 50% 7 70%
12 Back Pain 6 60% 10 100%
Other Pains (hips,
13 legs, neck, waist) 10 100% 10 100%
Hazardous
animals/ sharp
14 shells 3 30% 2 20%
Other Problems
(diabetes, high
15 blood pressure) 10 100% 10 100%

The occupational health status of female seaweed farmers with

additional livelihood shows that there we 10 or 100% who has other pains

such as in hips, legs, neck and waist as well as other problems such as

(diabetes, and high blood pressures). There were 6 or 60% who has back

pain and 5 or 50% has general fatigue. Moreover, there were 4 or 40% who

has general eye problem and 3 or 30% has skin problems and injuries from

hazardous animals/sharp shells. Additionally, there were 2 or 20% who has

respiratory problems and ear infections while there was 1 or 10% who has

allergies, asthma, bladder infections, and headache. However, there were

zero statistical records from the survey that experienced parasites and

hunger.

Female seaweed farmers without additional livelihood occupational

health status shows that there were 10 or 100% who’s experiencing back

pains, other Pains (hips, legs, neck, waist) and other Problems (diabetes, high

blood pressure) while 7 or 70% experiencing general eye problem and

general fatigue. Moreover, there were 6 or 60% who has ear infections and 5

or 50% has skin problems. Additionally, there were 4 or 40% has respiratory

problems, 3 or 30% has bladder infections, 2 or 20% has headache and

25
injuries from hazardous animals/sharp shells, and 1 or 10% has allergies and

asthma. There were zero statistical records from the survey that experienced

parasites and hunger.

The low number of affected women could further be a result of the

difficulty to distinguish between asthma as a chronic condition and respiratory

problems, including a wide range of health problems from colds to permanent

lung damage such as Farmer's lung (Grisso et al., 2009). In terms of skin

problems general climate features, such as hot and humid weather, may

explain the small differences between the two groups. However, hot and

humid weather in combination with the exposure to wet working conditions

may contribute to the risk (Belsito, 2005). Apparently, bladder infections

affected women of all occupations to a similar degree which is probably a

result of poor sanitation and crowded conditions at housing sites, which

increase the risk for infectious diseases and bacterial growth (National Center

for Farm worker Health (NCFH), 2009).

It was further demonstrated that back pain was caused not only by

heavy physical work but also by lighter workloads. In addition, dizziness,

headache, general fatigue and a greater tendency to catch colds were

identified as closely related to the work environment. Apparently, health

hazards are present in a short time perspective but what are the long-term

consequences of poor health? Seaweed farming shows similar features to

agriculture and numerous studies on occupational health problems among

land farmers show that constant bending, twisting, carrying and handling of

heavy objects, and repetitive motions during long hours, result in

musculoskeletal injuries (Earl-Richardson et.al., 2003). Furthermore,

26
intensified work in combination with hot weather may cause body heat to rise,

which could lead to dehydration, electrophyte imbalance, multi-organ failure

and even death (Belsito, 2005). Also, waiting too long to urinate promotes

chronic urine retention and increases the risk for bladder infections. Urinary

retention in turn promotes bacterial growth and stretches and weakens the

bladder wall, which promotes chronic infections (NCFH, 2009). Eye problems

caused by wind, sun, water and allergenic agents may result in eye infections

such as cataracts, which could eventually lead to blindness (Luque et al.,

2007). As the narratives of women are alarming and illustrate the negative

health effects, and since comparable problems have been found in other

forms of aquaculture, and in similar sectors such as agriculture, this study

suggests that there are enough reasons to acknowledge health problems

among seaweed farmers. Thus, they must be seriously considered and

evaluated in order to prevent negative situations in a short and long term

perspective. Cole et al. (2009) further argue that occupational health and

workplace safety programs need to be better organized and extended around

the world in order to improve the situation for workers and reduce the number

of injuries within the aquaculture sector.

The graphical presentations of occupational health problems of female

seaweed farmers with and without additional livelihood were shown in figures

4 and 5.

27
Figure 4 Female Seaweed Farmers with Additional Livelihood

Other Problems (diabetes, high blood… 100%

30%
Other Pains (hips, legs, neck, waist) 100%
60%
General Fatigue 50%
10%
Hunger 0%
40%
Ear Infections 20%
30%
Bladder Infections 10%
0%
Respiratory problems 20%
10%
Allergies 10%

Figure 5 Female Seaweed Farmers without Additional Livelihood

Other Problems (diabetes, high blood… 100%

20%
Other Pains (hips, legs, neck, waist) 100%
100%
General Fatigue 70%
20%
Hunger 0%
70%
Ear Infections 60%
50%
Bladder Infections 30%
0%
Respiratory problems 40%
10%
Allergies 10%

Test of Hypothesis

Hypothesis 1: There is no significant difference between health status

of female seaweed farmers with additional livelihoods and female seaweed

farmers involved in seaweed farming in Tabigue, Kolambugan, Lanaodel

Norte for the year 2016-2017.

28
Table 7 Significant Difference between the Health Status of Female Seaweed

Farmers with and without Additional Livelihood

LEVEL OF CRITICAL
VARIABLE SIGNIFICANCE DF VALUE P-VALUE REMARKS
Health Status of
Female
Seaweed
Farmers with
and without
additional No
livelihood 0.05 1 3.84 0.91 Significant

To isolate the effects of seaweed farming, the differences between

women working with seaweed only and women involved in seaweed farming

and other livelihood activities were analyzed. Using the kruskal-wallis test, the

health status of female seaweed farmers with and without additional livelihood

p-value 0.91 is less than its critical value of 3.84 when tested at level of

significance of 5%. Thus, there is no significant difference between health

status of female seaweed farmers with additional livelihoods and female

seaweed farmers involved in seaweed farming in Tabigue, Kolambugan,

Lanaodel Norte for the year 2016-2017.

These results were surprising as it was expected that the engagement

in several livelihood activities would significantly affect the health status as the

workload increases. Apparently, seaweed farming alone, regardless of

additional activities, has serious negative effects on farmer's health. The main

conclusion from this analysis is that adding more activities increases the

burden, but it seems that the major burden is already set by the heavy work

associated with seaweed farming.

29
 CHAPTER V

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter shows the summary of results, conclusions and

recommendations of the research study.

Summary of Findings

This study has focused on the differences of health status between

female seaweed farmers with additional livelihoods and female seaweed

farmers involved in seaweed farming in Tabigue, Kolambugan, Lanaodel

Norte for the year 2016-2017. Specifically, this study has aimed to answer the

following questions: 1.) What is the respondents’ profile in terms of the

following indicators: age, no. of children, no. of years engaged in seaweed

farming, no. of hours spent in water and land per day; average daily income?,

2.) What is the health status of female involved in seaweed farming in terms

of: female seaweed farmers with additional livelihoods; female seaweed

farmers without additional livelihoods?; 3.) Is there a significant difference

between health status of female seaweed farmers with additional livelihoods

and female seaweed farmers involved in seaweed farming?

This study used twenty (20) respondents. Ten (10) of which were the

female seaweed farmers with additional livelihoods and the other half were

and female seaweed farmers without additional livelihood. The respondents of

this study were selected randomly from the population. Questionnaires were

used to gather data. After gathering the data, statistical tools were used to

30
analyze and interpret the results. These statistical tools were frequency-

percentage, mean and kruskal-wallis test.

Female seaweed farmers with additional livelihood age brackets has a

total of 3 (30%) in ages 18-25 yrs. old and 5 (50%) in ages 25-33 yrs. old

while 2 (20%) in ages 34-41 yrs. old. On the other hand, female seaweed

farmers without additional livelihood age brackets has a total of 1 (10%) in

ages 18-25 yrs. old and 4 (40%) in ages 25-33 yrs. old while 3 (30%) in ages

34-41 yrs. old. Moreover, there were 2 (20%) in ages 42 yrs. old and above

female seaweed farmers without additional livelihood. Female seaweed

farmers with additional livelihood have 1 or 10% in 1 to 3 yrs. in seaweed

farming and 3 or 30% in 4 to 6 yrs. in seaweed farming. Moreover, there were

2 or 20% in 7 to 9 yrs. in seaweed farming and 4 or 40% in 10 and above yrs.

in seaweed farming. Female seaweed farmers without additional livelihood

have 0 or 0% in 1 to 3 yrs. in seaweed farming and 2 or 20% in 4 to 6 yrs. in

seaweed farming. Moreover, there were 3 or 30% in 7 to 9 yrs. in seaweed

farming and 5 or 50% in 10 and above yrs. in seaweed farming. Female

seaweed farmers with additional livelihood number of hours spent in water

has a mean of 3 hours while the number of hours spent in land has a mean of

4 hours. On the other hand, female seaweed farmers without additional

livelihood number of hours spent in water has a mean of 5 hours and 3 hours

in land. Hence, the results show that female seaweed farmers without

additional livelihood spent more hours in water than in land compared to

female seaweed farmers with additional livelihood. The average daily income

of female seaweed farmers without additional livelihood has 3 or 30% in

below and PHP121.00 and 5 or 50% in PHP122.00 to PHP244.00 and 2 or

31
20% in PHP245.00 to PHP367.00. The average daily income of female

seaweed farmers without additional livelihood has 5 or 50% in below and

PHP121.00 and 4 or 40% in PHP 122.00 to PHP 244.00 while there was 1 or

10% in PHP245.00 to PHP367.00 average daily income. Hence, the results

show that there was more daily income in seaweed farmers with additional

livelihood then those female seaweed farmers without additional livelihood.

The occupational health status of female seaweed farmers with

additional livelihood shows that there we 10 or 100% who has other pains

such as in hips, legs, neck and waist as well as other problems such as

(diabetes, and high blood pressures. There were 6 or 60% who has back pain

and 5 or 50% has general fatigue. Moreover, there were 4 or 40% who has

general eye problem and 3 or 30% has skin problems and injuries from

hazardous animals/sharp shells. Additionally, there were 2 or 20% who has

respiratory problems and ear infections while there was 1 or 10% who has

allergies, asthma, bladder infections, and headache. However, there were

zero statistical records from the survey that experienced parasites and

hunger. Female seaweed farmers without additional livelihood occupational

health status shows that there were 10 or 100% who’s experiencing back

pains, other Pains (hips, legs, neck, waist) and other Problems (diabetes, high

blood pressure) while 7 or 70% experiencing general eye problem and

general fatigue. Moreover, there were 6 or 60% who has ear infections and 5

or 50% has skin problems. Additionally, there were 4 or 40% has respiratory

problems, 3 or 30% has bladder infections, 2 or 20% has headache and

injuries from hazardous animals/sharp shells, and 1 or 10% has allergies and

32
asthma. There were zero statistical records from the survey that experienced

parasites and hunger.

Using the kruskal-wallis test, the health status of female seaweed

farmers with and without additional livelihood p-value 0.91 is less than its

critical value of 3.84 when tested at level of significance of 5%. Thus, there is

no significant difference between health status of female seaweed farmers

with additional livelihoods and female seaweed farmers involved in seaweed

farming in Tabigue, Kolambugan, Lanaodel Norte for the year 2016-2017.

In this brief, the results from the analysis of the data garnered is that

adding more activities increases the burden, but it seems that the major

burden is already set by the heavy work associated with seaweed farming.

Conclusions

The following conclusions were made based on the results of the

study.

This study shows that there is an obvious need to include health issues

in the seaweed research, discourse and consideration as a development

alternative. In terms of direct effects on communities, and more specifically

the farmers themselves, this study points out a number of negative

externalities related to farming activities. There is no significant difference in

health between seaweed farmers and women involved in other activities,

which is the result of poor working conditions such as handling of heavy

objects, intensive work, limited access to drinking water for long hours in

combination with the exposure to strong sun, wind, seawater and toxic

33
vapors. These health hazards are found in e.g. agriculture as well (e.g.

Belsito, 2005; Grisso et al., 2009; NCFH, 2009), but apparently the risks

associated with seaweed mariculture, compared to other livelihoods, might be

even higher. The most prominent health problems include general fatigue,

back pains, other pains such as in hips, legs, neck and waist as well as other

problems such as (diabetes, and high blood pressures). The major burden to

women's health seems to be already set when women engage in seaweed

farming; further activities do not significantly add to the already poor health

but increase the general workload. It is important to improve the

understanding of the effects of seaweed farming activities on women's lives

and this research thus recommends comprehensive medical studies,

management considerations and a thoroughly revision of the activity as a tool

for development in tropical areas.

Recommendation

The following were the recommendations of the researchers to the

following group or individuals:

Seaweed Farmers. They should have a regular health check up and

take nessecary minerals for body strength.

Social Workers. They should assist the farmers needs and provide

interventions for better livelihood program.

Department of Health. They should conduct medical research for the

seaweed farmers and other mariculture workers.

34
 Local Government Unit. They should assist possible high-technology to

minimize workforce time in seaweed farming. This could help the seaweed

farmers to have less exposure to sunlight, humid air and water.

Future Researchers. Conduct more study on related mariculture work

impact to the society and the environment.

35
 REFERENCES

Ask, E.I., Azanza, R.V., 2002. Advances in cultivation technology of

commercial eucheumatoid species: a review with suggestions for future

research. Aquaculture 206, 257–277

Bindu, M.S., 2011. Empowerment of coastal communities in cultivation and

processing of Kappaphycus alvarezii —a case study at Vizhinjam

village, Kerala, India. Journal of Applied Phycology 23, 157–163

Cinner, J., McClanahan, T.R., Wamukota, A., 2010. Differences in livelihoods,

socioeconomic characteristics, and knowledge about the sea between

fishers and non-fishers living near and far from marine parks on the

Kenyan coast. Marine Policy3, 22–28

Cole, D.W., Cole, R., Gaydos, S.J., Gray, J., Hyland, G., Jacques, M.L.,

Powell-Dunford, N., Sawhney, C., Au, W.W., 2009. Aquaculture:

environmental, toxicological, and health issues. International Journal of

Hygiene and Environmental Health 212, 369–377

Costa-Pierce, B.A., 2010. Sustainable ecological aquaculture systems: the

need for a new social contract for aquaculture development. Marine

Technology Society Journal 44, 88–112

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de la Torre-Castro, M., 2006. Humans and Sea grasses in East Africa—A

Social–Ecological Systems Approach. PhD Thesis. Stockholm,

Sweden: Department of Systems Ecology,Stockholm University

de la Torre-Castro, M., Lindström, L., 2010. Fishing institutions: addressing

regulative, normative and cultural-cognitive elements to enhance

fisheries management. Marine Policy 34, 77–84

de la Torre-Castro, M., Rönnbäck, P., 2004. Links between humans and

seagrasses—an example from tropical East Africa. Ocean and Coastal

Management 47, 361–387

Forss Å., 2010. Aid and the Global Value Chain of Seaweed from Zanzibar.

Licentiate Thesis. Södertörn, Sweden: Södertörn University College,

Sweden

Jiddawi, N.S., Khatib, H., 2007. Zanzibar fisheries frame survey 2007. Census

Report. Department of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Ministry of

Agriculture Livestock and Environment 2008, p. 61

Msuya, F.E., 2006. The impact of seaweed farming on the social and

economic structure of seaweed farming communities in Zanzibar,

Tanzania. In: Critchley, A.T., Ohno, M., Largo, D.B. (Eds.), World

Seaweed Resources. ETI Information Services, Wokingham, UK, p. 27

(www.etiis.org.uk)

Pellizzari, F., Reis, R.P., 2011. Seaweed cultivation on the Southern and

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 Southeastern Brazilian Coast. Brazilian Journal of Pharmacognosy 21,

305-312

Wakibia, J.G., Bolton, J.J., Keats, D.W., Raitt, L.M., 2006. Factors influencing

the growth rates of three commercial eucheumoids at coastal sites in

southern Kenya. Journal of Applied Phycology 18, 565–573.

38
APPENDICES

APPENDIX A

39
40
 APPENDIX B

NORTH CENTRAL MINDANAO COLLEGE

Maranding, Lala, Lanaodel Norte

August 24, 2016

Hon. Mayor LorenzoManegos

Municipality of Kulambugan,
Province of Lanao del Norte

Thru: Mr. Nestor Denore

Municipal Agricultural Officer

Hon. Mayor,

God bless you.

We, the undersignedfourth year students of BS in Social Work at North Central

Mindanao College (NCMC)would like to conduct a survey in connection to our
research thesis entitled:Differences in Health Status Between Female Seaweed
Farmers with Additional Livelihoods and Female Seaweed Farmers Involved in
Seaweeed Farmingin Tabiguea barangay in your municipality. This above research is
a part of our academic requirement upon graduation this coming March 2017. And
being a future Social Worker we were trained and nurtured to gather genuine data
with actual ocular research. With the highest level of confidentiality, yes of course, no
unnecessary revelation of data.

Yet, if our research manuscript will qualify for publication it is always upon your
approval and that is our proper courtesy.

We are still in the process of learning, a student.We know that our research is part of
your concern. With this regards we may request in your good office for us to access
your assigned Bantay- bayan pump boat with fuel and operator during our research
days. The schedule will be upon in your office approved date and convenience.

Your favorable approval and support could give us the needed breath for the
accomplishment in our thesis manuscript.If approved we may furnished to your end
the necessary document for office files and records purposes.

41
Thank you very much and God bless you.

Very respectfully,

__________________________
The Researcher (1)

__________________________
The Researcher (2) Noted by:

Helen A. Tesoro, RSW

Adviser

Approved

Riclen T. Molano, RSW

DEAN, Social Work Department

CC: VPAA/Punong Barangay/Mayoroffice/file

42
 APPENDIX C

QUESTIONNAIRE

DIFFERENCES IN HEALTH STATUS BETWEEN FEMALE SEAWEED

FARMERS WITH ADDITIONAL LIVELIHOODS AND FEMALE SEAWEED
FARMERS INVOLVED IN SEAWEEED FARMING

Respondents No.:

Name: (Optional)_____________________________

Part I: Respondent’s Profile

Directions: Check or provide your answers in each item.

1.

Age 18-25
26-33
34-41
42 and above

2. How many numbers of children do you have? _________________

3. How many years have you been in seaweed farming?

4. How many hours do you spend in water and land per day?
a. Water: _____________ b. Land: _______________

5. Do you have any involvement in any additional livelihood activities? If

yes, please specify.

6. What is your average monthly income?

____ PHP 121.00 and Below

____ PHP 122.00 – PHP 244.00
____ PHP 255.00 – PHP 372.00
____ PHP 378.00 and Above

43
 Part II Health Problems

Directions: Answer the following items by checking the box of your

choice.

1. Do you suffer from any of these health problems?

Item No. Health Problems

1 Allergies

2 Asthma

3 Respiratory problems

4 Parasites

5 Bladder Infections

6 Skin Problems

7 Ear Infections

8 General Eye Problems

9 Hunger

10 Headache

11 General Fatigue

12 Back Pain

13 Other Pains (hips, legs, neck, waist)

14 Hazardous animals/sharpshells

Other Problems (diabetes, high blood

15 pressure)

44