Beneficiary Engagement Practices in Agrarian Reform Fieldwork

Abstract

This study investigated beneficiary engagement practices in agrarian reform fieldwork within the Department of Agrarian Reform-Isabela, with attention to how field personnel communicated, consulted, responded, documented concerns, coordinated with organizations, and sustained follow-through with agrarian reform beneficiaries. Using a practice-focused sequential explanatory assessment design, the study gathered survey data from beneficiaries and representatives of agrarian reform beneficiary organizations who had direct experience with DAR-Isabela field services. A validated researcher-developed instrument was used, supported by pilot testing and excellent internal consistency. Data were analyzed through weighted mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, normalized practice index, Relative Engagement Priority Index, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance, Spearman’s rho, and field-based verification. Results showed that beneficiary engagement was generally high, particularly in field communication, responsiveness to beneficiary needs, consultation, and coordination with agrarian reform beneficiary organizations. Field personnel were perceived as visible, respectful, and helpful during meetings, field visits, validation activities, and service-related transactions. However, documentation and feedback handling received the lowest rating, while continuity of follow-through emerged as a priority concern. The findings indicated that engagement was strongest during direct field interaction but weakened when concerns required referral, tracking, or updates after the initial encounter. The study concluded that DAR-Isabela maintained an active beneficiary engagement system, yet needed a more consistent feedback and concern-tracking mechanism to strengthen trust, service continuity, and beneficiary-centered agrarian reform implementation.