Solar Powered Pump Utilization as Mitigation Measure against El Niño Phenomenon: Basis for Action Plan

This study is entitled, “Solar Powered Pump Utilization as Mitigation Measure against El Niño Phenomenon: Basis for Action Plan”. Utilizing a descriptive research design, a validated survey questionnaire was administered to 261 smallholder farmers. Profile characteristics indicate that the farm operators are predominantly in mid-to-late adulthood (ages 53–61) and manage small-to-medium landholdings (0.6427–1.1427 hectares), with the highest concentration in the Municipality of Oton. Perceived operational performance was evaluated as highly effective, whereas sustainability output and system efficiency were rated as moderately effective. Non-parametric analysis (Kruskal-Wallis H) revealed significant variations in perceived effectiveness across age groups, geographic locations, and landholding scales (p < 0.05). Post hoc pairwise comparisons confirmed specific perception gaps between middle-aged and elderly cohorts, distinct municipal clusters, and transitional farm sizes. These disparities underscore critical socio-technical barriers, such as technological anxiety among older farmers, varying groundwater availability across topography, and financial constraints in micro-plots. The findings provide the empirical foundation for a comprehensive strategic action plan designed to accelerate deployment, optimize regional asset management, and improve long-term system sustainability.

Solar-powered pump, El Niño phenomenon, Climate adaptation, Technology diffusion, Smallholder farmers

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