An Evaluation of the Sustainability and Role of the Kadiwa Center in Enhancing Urban Food Access and Farmer Empowerment in Tagaytay City

(Introduction)This study evaluated the sustainability and role of the KADIWA ng Pangulo (KNP) Center in enhancing urban food access and farmer empowerment in Tagaytay City, Philippines. Rapid urbanization has transformed food systems in developing economies, creating challenges in affordability, accessibility, and producer inclusion. Anchored on the Push–Pull–Policy (PPP) framework of the World Vegetable Center (2021), this research examined how the KADIWA model addresses gaps between food supply and consumer demand through governance and market interventions. (Methodology) Using a convergent mixed-methods design, data were collected from 144 participants—including consumers, vendors, smallholder farmers, and program implementers—through surveys, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative narratives were thematically coded and triangulated to ensure analytic convergence. (Results) Results revealed that the KADIWA Center effectively improves food affordability and accessibility, with 73% of consumers finding the market very accessible and 90% showing strong loyalty due to freshness and price advantage. On the supply side, farmer-vendors gained steady but modest income (₱10,000–₱15,000 monthly) and increased market visibility, though constrained by high transportation costs and seasonal production losses. Policy-wise, 64.5% rated government support as excellent, yet coordination, promotion, and capacity-building gaps remain. The findings illustrate that while the program successfully operationalizes the Push (supply) and Pull (demand) dimensions, its long-term sustainability depends on stronger Policy mechanisms, including logistics support, farmer training, and institutionalized governance. (Discussion) Overall, the study contributes new knowledge on localized food system resilience, demonstrating that KADIWA functions as a transitional hybrid model that bridges community-based agriculture and urban consumer demand. Its implications reinforce the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 8, 11, and 17, promoting inclusive, equitable, and sustainable urban food systems.

KADIWA ng Pangulo, food access, farmer empowerment, Push–Pull–Policy framework

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