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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,

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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XV, Issue III, March 2026

Harvest: A Mobile Platform for Direct Farmer to Buyer Transactions

Mike L. Carasco

, Myrick Noel B. Clemente

, Christian Paul O. Cruz

Information Technology, Pangasinan State University, Alaminos City Campus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.150300079

Received: 27 March 2026; Accepted: 02 April 2026; Published: 17 April 2026

ABSTRACT

This study presents HARVEST, a mobile-based platform designed to facilitate direct farmer-to-buyer

transactions and address inefficiencies in agricultural trading in Mabini, Pangasinan. Farmers in the area face

challenges such as dependence on intermediaries, limited market access, and unstable pricing, which reduce

income and increase costs for consumers. To address these issues, the system provides key features including

product listing, direct messaging, order processing, and transaction monitoring, enabling more transparent and

efficient trading. The platform was developed using a three-tier architecture and the Agile development

methodology, incorporating continuous feedback from farmers, cooperatives, and the Municipal Agricultural

Office to ensure usability and contextual relevance. System evaluation was conducted using the ISO/IEC 25010

Software Quality Model, with fourteen (14) respondents participating in the assessment. Results indicated an

overall weighted mean of 4.27, interpreted as Excellent, reflecting high acceptability in terms of usability,

performance efficiency, and reliability. The findings demonstrate that HARVEST improves market accessibility,

enhances transaction efficiency, and reduces dependence on intermediaries. While the sample size is limited, the

results provide initial evidence of the platform’s potential to support more transparent and sustainable

agricultural trade. The study contributes to digital agriculture by presenting a localized and user-centered mobile

solution tailored to rural farming communities.

Keywords: mobile agriculture, direct market access, digital marketplace

INTRODUCTION

Agriculture plays a critical role in the Philippine economy, particularly in rural communities where farming

serves as a primary source of livelihood. It contributes to food security, employment, and local economic

development [4], [13]. Despite its importance, many small-scale farmers continue to face challenges in achieving

stable income due to limited market access, unstable pricing, and low bargaining power [10]. These constraints

restrict their participation in more profitable segments of the agricultural value chain and contribute to income

instability.

Traditional agricultural trading practices remain dominant, with farmers relying heavily on intermediaries to

distribute their products. While middlemen provide convenience and immediate market access, they often control

pricing and distribution, resulting in lower farm-gate prices for farmers and higher costs for consumers [4], [12].

This system reduces transparency and limits farmers’ control over their products, creating inefficiencies within

the supply chain [9].

Farmers also face additional challenges such as unstable pricing, lack of up-to-date market information, and

post-harvest losses, which reduce overall profitability [6], [3]. Poor infrastructure, limited transportation options,

and inefficient logistics systems further affect farmers’ ability to deliver products to wider markets on time [2].

These challenges prevent farmers from participating in more profitable market opportunities and contribute to

income instability [3], [10].

Recent advancements in digital technology offer opportunities to improve agricultural trading systems. Digital

platforms and mobile marketplaces enable direct interaction between producers and buyers, enhancing

transparency, expanding market reach, and reducing transaction costs [7], [11], [13]. However, the adoption of

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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,

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ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XV, Issue III, March 2026

digital platforms in agriculture still faces challenges such as limited digital skills, connectivity issues, and

concerns related to system usability and reliability [5].

Existing digital agricultural platforms, such as AGROCART, demonstrate the potential of mobile applications in

connecting farmers directly with consumers [7]. However, many of these systems are designed for broader

market environments and do not fully address the localized needs of rural farming communities. In contrast,

HARVEST focuses on community-level implementation, integrating cooperative support while allowing farmers

to maintain control over pricing and transactions.

In Mabini, Pangasinan, farming remains a primary economic activity, yet farmers continue to depend on

traditional selling methods due to the absence of accessible digital trading platforms. Although cooperatives and

local government units provide support, there is still no centralized mobile system that enables direct and

transparent farmer-to-buyer transactions [2], [4].

To ensure that digital agricultural systems are effective and acceptable to users, evaluation using recognized

quality standards is necessary [8]. In response to these challenges, this study introduces HARVEST, a mobile-

based platform designed to facilitate direct farmer-to-buyer transactions. The system aims to improve market

access, promote fair pricing, and reduce reliance on intermediaries while maintaining cooperative support.

METHODOLOGY

This study utilized a descriptive and developmental research design to examine existing agricultural trading

practices and to develop a mobile-based solution tailored to local farmers and buyers. The descriptive component

identified current trading conditions and challenges, while the developmental component guided the design and

implementation of the HARVEST platform.

The system was developed using the Agile methodology, which supports iterative development and continuous

feedback. Features were implemented in phases and refined based on input from farmers, cooperatives, and the

Municipal Agricultural Office to ensure usability and relevance.

Figure 1. Agile Model

Source:https://medium.com/@chathmini96/agile-methodology-30ec4cdf3fc

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The system architecture followed a three-tier structure consisting of the user interface, application layer, and data

layer. The platform was developed using Flutter and Firebase to support real-time data processing, scalability,

and secure transactions. Firebase Authentication was used to manage secure user access, while cloud-based

storage ensured protected handling of user and transaction data. Real-time database capabilities enabled instant

synchronization of product listings, orders, and messages between users.

The study was conducted in Mabini, Pangasinan, involving farmers, cooperative members, and the Municipal

Agricultural Officer. A purposive sampling technique was used, with fourteen (14) respondents participating in

the evaluation. The sample size is appropriate for this localized study, as participants were directly involved in

agricultural trading, ensuring relevant and experience-based feedback. While limited in size, the sample provides

meaningful insights into system usability and acceptance.

Table 1. Respondents of the Study

Respondents

Number of Respondent

OIC of Agricultural Office

Cooperatives

Farmers

Total Respondents

Data were collected through interviews, observation, document analysis, and survey questionnaires. System

evaluation was conducted using the ISO/IEC 25010 Software Quality Model, covering functionality, usability,

performance efficiency, reliability, security, compatibility, maintainability, and portability. Responses were

measured using a five-point Likert scale, and weighted mean was used for analysis.

Table 2. Scale of Measurement

Scale

Statistical Limits

Rating

Descriptive Interpretation

1.00 – 1.80

Poor

Needs improvement; not functioning properly

1.81 – 2.60

Fair

Functioning is fair; needs some changes

2.61 – 3.40

Good

Works as intended but has minor issues

3.41 – 4.20

Very Good

Functioning properly and effectively

4.21 – 5.00

Excellent

Functioning very well and fully accepted

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The findings indicate that farmers in Mabini primarily rely on traditional trading practices such as farm-gate

selling, wet markets, and intermediary-based transactions. While these methods provide convenience, they

significantly limit market reach and reduce income potential. The reliance on middlemen restricts farmers’

control over pricing, leading to lower profitability and reduced bargaining power. These findings reflect

persistent inefficiencies in agricultural supply chains.

Farmers also face challenges such as lack of up-to-date market information, logistical constraints, and post-

harvest losses, which affect their ability to maximize income. Buyers experience inconsistent product availability

and limited transparency, indicating an imbalanced trading system that affects both producers and consumers.

The HARVEST platform was developed to address these challenges by enabling direct interaction between

farmers and buyers. Through features such as product listing, messaging, and order processing, the system

reduces dependence on intermediaries and improves transaction transparency. The integration of cooperative

support ensures coordination without interfering in pricing decisions.

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Figure 2. Three-Tier Architecture

Evaluation results based on the ISO/IEC 25010 Software Quality Model indicate high acceptability across all

quality attributes. Usability and performance efficiency received the highest ratings, indicating that users found

the system easy to use and responsive. Reliability and security ratings suggest user confidence in the system’s

ability to process transactions accurately and protect user data. These findings support the growing role of

mobile-based platforms in improving agricultural supply chain efficiency.

The overall weighted mean of 4.27, interpreted as Excellent, confirms that the HARVEST platform meets user

expectations in terms of functionality and performance. Compared to existing platforms, the system offers a

localized and user-centered approach that better aligns with the needs of rural farming communities. However,

the results should be interpreted within the context of the study’s limited sample size. Future research may

include larger populations and broader implementation to further validate system effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that traditional agricultural trading practices in Mabini, Pangasinan limit farmers’

income and market access due to reliance on intermediaries and lack of pricing transparency. The HARVEST

mobile platform addresses these challenges by enabling direct farmer-to-buyer transactions through a user-

friendly and accessible digital system. Evaluation results indicate high system acceptability, highlighting its

effectiveness in improving transaction efficiency, market accessibility, and transparency. Although limited by a

small sample size, the findings suggest that HARVEST is a viable solution for enhancing agricultural trading in

rural communities. The study contributes to the field of digital agriculture by presenting a localized, scalable,

and user-centered platform that supports more efficient and sustainable agricultural trade.

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