Evaluating Agricultural Wholesale Markets: A Comparative Study of Benguet and Daegu
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47941/jap.3311Keywords:
Agricultural Wholesale Market, La Trinidad Vegetables Trading Post, Maecheon Agricultural & Fisheries, Stakeholders’ Satisfaction, Market PerformanceAbstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare the La Trinidad Vegetable Trading Post (LTVTP) and the Macheon Agricultural and Fishery Wholesale Market (MAFWM) to generate insights for agricultural development planning.
Methodology: The study used mixed-methods design integrating the quantitative and qualitative techniques combining descriptive research with thematic analysis. The data were collected from 225 respondents (150 from LTVTP & 75 from MAFWM) from February to June 2025 using a face to face and online methods. The survey employed a 4-point likert scale across the nine key indicators which were verbally translated to Hangul and Iloco to ensure cultural appropriateness and full comprehension. Data were analyzed using t-tests and one-way ANOVA for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for qualitative feedback.
Findings: Analysis on the demographic profiles of stakeholders revealed no significant differences in satisfaction based on gender, age, education, experience and working hours in both markets. Systemic condition matter more than individual characteristics. LTVTP performed better in market location, infrastructure, and localized marketing promotion, reflecting its proximity to production zones and long-standing trading networks, while MAFWM excelled in product quality and technological integration through advanced cold-chain systems, digital innovations, and traceability mechanisms. These differences highlight the need for context-specific modernization, developing markets like LTVTP in Benguet, Philippines can learn from technological integration, while advanced markets like MAFWM in Daegu, South Korea can adopt participatory and inclusive approaches.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Creating sustainable wholesale markets demands a context-specific blend of innovation and participation. LTVTP in Benguet can adopt advanced tech while preserving community trust, and MAFWM in Daegu can learn from localized, human-centered practices. Prioritizing participatory governance, transparency, infrastructure, and sustainability enhances food security, fosters equitable agricultural growth, and offers replicable models for market modernization across diverse economies.
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