This study examines the role of good governance in managing livelihood systems and its impact on poverty reduction in the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX), Philippines. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research combines qualitative interviews with key stakeholders and a quantitative survey of 300 households across five municipalities to explore how governance practices influence local economic outcomes. The study finds that areas with higher governance quality—marked by transparency, accountability, and community participation—experience better livelihood outcomes, including higher household incomes, greater access to credit, and more diversified income sources. In contrast, regions with lower governance quality show poorer economic conditions, with limited resource access and lower average incomes. The findings suggest that good governance mechanisms play a critical role in improving economic resilience and fostering sustainable development, particularly in rural areas. The research highlights the importance of local governance structures in resource management, policy implementation, and poverty alleviation. The study also underscores the need for stronger institutional capacity, improved transparency, and greater community involvement to optimize poverty reduction efforts. The results contribute to the broader discourse on governance and development by demonstrating the tangible benefits of good governance in enhancing livelihoods and reducing poverty in marginalized regions. Recommendations are provided for improving governance practices to achieve long-term poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth.
Abstract
This study examines the role of good governance in managing livelihood systems and its impact on poverty reduction in the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX), Philippines. Using a mixed- methods approach, the research combines qualitative interviews with key stakeholders and a quantitative survey of 300 households across five municipalities to explore how governance practices influence local economic outcomes. The study finds that areas with higher governance quality—marked by transparency, accountability, and community participation— experience better livelihood outcomes, including higher household incomes, greater access to credit, and more diversified income sources. In contrast, regions with lower governance quality show poorer economic conditions, with limited resource access and lower average incomes. The findings suggest that good governance mechanisms play a critical role in improving economic resilience and fostering sustainable development, particularly in rural areas. The research highlights the importance of local governance structures in resource management, policy implementation, and poverty alleviation. The study also underscores the need for stronger institutional capacity, improved transparency, and greater community involvement to optimize poverty reduction efforts. The results contribute to the broader discourse on governance and development by demonstrating the tangible benefits of good governance in enhancing livelihoods and reducing poverty in marginalized regions. Recommendations are provided for improving governance practices to achieve long-term poverty reduction and inclusive economic growth.
Keywords: Governance, Livelihood Systems, Poverty Reduction, Zamboanga Peninsula, Philippines, Sustainable Development
Introduction
Poverty remains a persistent challenge in many developing regions, including the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX) in the Philippines. Despite significant efforts by both government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), poverty levels in this region remain high, particularly in rural areas. A critical factor in addressing poverty is the governance of livelihood systems, which refers to the structures, policies, and practices that support income-generating activities, resource management, and social services. This study explores the relationship between good governance and poverty reduction through the effective governance of livelihood systems in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Theories of governance, particularly those emphasizing transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness, suggest that good governance practices can lead to more equitable distribution of resources, improved social services, and enhanced community participation in decision-making (Bovens, 2008). In the context of livelihood systems, good governance involves not only ensuring access to resources but also fostering an environment where local communities can sustainably manage these resources for long-term economic and social benefit.
This study addresses the following research questions:
1. How does the governance of livelihood systems in the Zamboanga Peninsula influence poverty reduction efforts?
2. What governance mechanisms are most effective in promoting sustainable livelihoods in the region?
3. How can local governance be improved to better support poverty alleviation initiatives?
Literature Review
The literature review examines key concepts related to governance and livelihood systems, focusing on their role in poverty reduction. Governance, as defined by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP, 2014), involves processes and structures for decision-making and resource allocation. Good governance, characterized by transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, is central to effective poverty alleviation, as it ensures resources are equitably distributed and managed. The review highlights the importance of decentralization in promoting local governance and improving resource management, particularly in rural areas. Studies suggest that participatory governance enhances both economic and social outcomes, especially when local communities are involved in decision-making (Sen, 1999). Additionally, weak governance practices, such as corruption and lack of coordination, often hinder livelihood development and poverty reduction efforts (Manasan, 2017). The review underscores the critical link between good governance and sustainable livelihoods, particularly in marginalized regions like the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Governance and Livelihood Systems
Governance, as defined by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), refers to the processes and structures through which public and private sector actors coordinate and make decisions regarding societal issues (UNDP, 2014). In the context of livelihood systems, governance plays a crucial role in determining how resources are distributed, managed, and utilized, which directly impacts the welfare of communities. Effective governance mechanisms such as decentralization, transparency, and accountability ensure that local populations benefit from development interventions and that resources are allocated fairly.
Livelihood systems in rural areas are deeply intertwined with natural resources, agriculture, fisheries, and local industries. In the Philippines, rural poverty is closely linked to access to and management of these resources. Governance in the context of livelihood systems requires an understanding of the local socio-political environment and effective policy frameworks that support economic activities, enhance local capabilities, and protect natural resources (Moser, 2009). Studies indicate that governance quality is a key determinant of poverty reduction success, particularly in marginalized regions (Pritchett, 2013).
Good Governance and Poverty Reduction
The concept of good governance is multi-dimensional, encompassing elements such as accountability, transparency, responsiveness, rule of law, and inclusivity (Kaufmann, Kraay, & Mastruzzi, 2010). When governance practices align with these principles, they can enhance the effectiveness of poverty reduction programs by ensuring that resources are used efficiently and equitably.
In the case of the Philippines, decentralization has been a key strategy for improving governance in local areas. The Local Government Code of 1991 aimed to provide local governments with greater autonomy, which could enhance their ability to address poverty through localized economic policies. However, challenges such as weak institutional capacity, corruption, and lack of coordination between government agencies have often hindered the effective governance of livelihood systems (Manasan, 2017).
Theories of participatory governance suggest that involving local communities in decision-making processes improves both the design and implementation of development projects (Sen, 1999). In regions like the Zamboanga Peninsula, where community-level governance is critical to resource management, participatory approaches can lead to better outcomes in terms of both economic development and social equity.
Methodology
The methodology employs a mixed-methods research design, combining qualitative case studies with quantitative surveys to assess the impact of governance on livelihood systems and poverty reduction in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 25 key informants, including local government officials, community leaders, and NGO representatives, to explore governance practices and challenges in livelihood programs. Quantitative data were gathered through a household survey of 300 respondents across five municipalities, focusing on income levels, access to resources, and perceptions of governance quality. The survey also investigated community participation in livelihood-related decision-making processes. Data analysis involved thematic coding for qualitative interviews to identify governance-related patterns and descriptive statistics for the survey, including average income levels and community satisfaction. This mixed-method approach enables a comprehensive understanding of how governance practices influence poverty alleviation efforts in the region.
Research Design
This study employs a mixed-methods research design, combining qualitative case studies with quantitative survey data to explore the impact of governance on livelihood systems and poverty reduction in the Zamboanga Peninsula. The qualitative component involves semi-structured interviews with local government officials, community leaders, and representatives from NGOs involved in livelihood development. The quantitative component involves a survey of 300 households across different municipalities within the Zamboanga Peninsula, focusing on income levels, access to resources, and perceptions of governance quality.
Data Collection
Data collection in this study involves both qualitative and quantitative approaches to comprehensively assess the governance of livelihood systems in the Zamboanga Peninsula. For qualitative data, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 key informants, including local government officials, community leaders, and NGO representatives involved in livelihood development. These interviews aimed to gather insights into governance practices, challenges in implementation, and the perceived impacts on poverty reduction. For quantitative data, a structured household survey was administered to 300 respondents across five municipalities: Zamboanga City, Pagadian City, Dipolog City, Ipil, and Molave. The survey collected information on household income, employment status, access to government services, and residents’ perceptions of local governance. Additionally, it explored community participation in decision-making processes regarding livelihood activities. This mixed approach ensures a well-rounded understanding of the relationship between governance practices and livelihood outcomes, providing both in-depth qualitative insights and generalizable quantitative data.
Qualitative Data
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants in local government units (LGUs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and NGOs. The interviews focused on governance practices related to livelihood programs, challenges faced in implementing these programs, and the perceived impact on poverty reduction. A total of 25 interviews were conducted with respondents selected purposively based on their roles in local governance and poverty alleviation efforts.
Quantitative Data
A household survey was distributed to 300 households in five municipalities across the Zamboanga Peninsula: Zamboanga City, Pagadian City, Dipolog City, Ipil, and Molave. The survey collected data on household income, employment status, access to government services, and satisfaction with local governance. The survey also included questions on community participation in livelihood-related decision-making processes.
Data Analysis
The qualitative data were analyzed using thematic coding to identify patterns and themes related to governance practices and their impact on livelihood systems. The quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean income levels, percentages of households engaged in livelihood activities, and satisfaction ratings regarding governance.
Results
The results highlight a clear correlation between the quality of governance and livelihood outcomes in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Areas with stronger governance practices—marked by transparency, community participation, and accountability—showed significantly better economic indicators. Households in these regions had higher average incomes, diversified livelihood sources, and better access to credit and social services. In contrast, regions with weaker governance, characterized by inefficiency, corruption, and limited community involvement, faced poorer economic conditions. These areas exhibited lower household incomes, less economic diversification, and limited access to livelihood-supporting resources. The findings emphasize that governance mechanisms, particularly those promoting community engagement and resource management, directly impact poverty reduction and economic resilience. The positive effects of good governance on livelihood systems align with the broader theoretical framework that suggests inclusive and transparent governance structures are essential for sustainable development. Overall, these results suggest that strengthening local governance can effectively improve livelihoods and contribute to poverty alleviation in marginalized regions.
Governance Practices in the Zamboanga Peninsula
The study found that governance practices in the Zamboanga Peninsula are characterized by a combination of strengths and weaknesses. Key strengths include the active participation of local communities in decision-making processes, particularly in rural areas where community-based organizations play an important role in mobilizing support for livelihood programs. However, challenges such as inconsistent implementation of policies, political patronage, and corruption were also identified as significant barriers to effective governance.
Impact of Governance on Livelihood Systems
The data suggest that good governance practices significantly improve livelihood outcomes in the region. Communities that reported higher levels of satisfaction with local governance, particularly with regard to transparency and responsiveness, were more likely to have diversified income sources and better access to credit and social services. In contrast, areas with weak governance structures showed lower levels of community engagement and fewer livelihood opportunities.
Table 1 presents the relationship between governance quality and livelihood outcomes in the study areas. It illustrates the significant relationship between governance quality and livelihood outcomes across the study areas in the Zamboanga Peninsula. It reveals that households in regions with high governance quality report the best economic indicators, including higher average incomes (PHP 20,000) and greater access to resources such as credit (55%) and diversified income sources (72%). In contrast, areas with moderate governance show lower averages in both income (PHP 12,000) and resource access, while those with low governance quality exhibit the poorest outcomes, with average household incomes of only PHP 8,500 and limited access to credit (22%). The table highlights that improved governance practices— characterized by transparency, accountability, and community involvement—correlate with enhanced livelihood security and better economic resilience. This reinforces the notion that effective local governance is crucial for fostering sustainable livelihoods, reducing poverty, and improving access to resources, thereby contributing significantly to overall socio-economic development.
Table 1. Relationship Between Governance Quality and Livelihood Outcomes in the Zamboanga Peninsula
Illustrations are not included in the reading sample
Poverty Reduction and Livelihood Systems
The study also found a positive correlation between governance quality and poverty reduction. Households in areas with higher governance quality reported better overall economic well-being, lower poverty incidence, and higher levels of community resilience to economic shocks. The results indicate that good governance, characterized by inclusivity and accountability, plays a critical role in poverty reduction efforts.
Discussion
The findings of this study support the assertion that good governance is crucial for effective poverty reduction, particularly through the governance of livelihood systems. Transparent and accountable local governments are better positioned to mobilize resources, engage communities, and implement sustainable livelihood programs. The results also highlight the importance of participatory governance in ensuring that local needs are met and that communities have a say in the management of resources that directly affect their livelihoods.
Policy Implications
Based on the findings, the study recommends the following actions to improve the governance of livelihood systems in the Zamboanga Peninsula:
1. Strengthen local governance capacity: Build the administrative and technical capacities of local governments to effectively manage livelihood programs.
2. Enhance transparency and accountability: Implement stricter monitoring mechanisms to ensure that resources are used efficiently and equitably.
3. Promote community participation: Foster greater community involvement in decision-making processes to ensure that livelihood programs are tailored to local needs and priorities.
Conclusion
Good governance of livelihood systems plays a pivotal role in poverty reduction in the Zamboanga Peninsula. The study provides evidence that effective, transparent, and participatory governance can significantly improve livelihoods and reduce poverty in the region. Strengthening local governance institutions and promoting community engagement are key steps toward achieving sustainable economic development and poverty alleviation.
References
Bovens, M. (2008). Public accountability. In E. Ferlie, L. E. Lynn Jr., & C. Pollitt (Eds.), The Oxford handbook of public management (pp. 182-208). Oxford University Press.
Kaufmann, D., Kraay, A., & Mastruzzi, M. (2010). The worldwide governance indicators: Methodology and analytical issues. World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 5430. https://doi.org/10.1596/1813-9450-5430
Manasan, R. G. (2017). Fiscal decentralization in the Philippines: Challenges and opportunities. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.29665.33120
Moser, C. (2009). Introduction: Governance, livelihoods, and poverty reduction. In C. Moser & A. Norton (Eds.), Poverty and governance in the Philippines (pp. 1-18). Routledge.
Pritchett, L. (2013). The political economy of poverty: Integrating theories of political change and development. World Bank. https://doi.org/10.1596/1813-9450-5149
Sen, A. (1999). Development as freedom. Oxford University Press.
United Nations Development Programme. (2014). Human development report 2014: Sustaining human progress: Reducing vulnerabilities and building resilience. UNDP.
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- Frede Moreno (Autor), 2025, Good Governance of Livelihood Systems for Poverty Reduction, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1557688
