Rabbit Growers and Meat Producers amidst COVID-19: A Phenomenological Study

Helen Grace R. Abarcar

Abstract: Major changes were brought about in many facets of people's lives worldwide by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study focused on the lived experiences of rabbit growers and meat producers, their source and motivation in pursuing rabbit production, and how these serve as their coping mechanism amidst COVID-19. Ten rabbit growers and meat producers were identified purposively from Tigaon and Goa, Camarines Sur. Combinations of internationally published qualitative research were utilized in this study including a survey and interview using a standardized questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed through descriptive phenomenology design. Findings revealed that the majority of the respondents engaged in rabbit production for personal reasons such as love for a pet, leisure, inspired by the different vloggers, and the potential and health benefits of rabbit meat as an alternative to pork especially when the ASF outbreak rises. The charm and joy brought by rabbits make them feel relaxed, relieves stress and anxiety, and reduces discouragement and depressing feeling at the height of the pandemic. Financially, it serves as a source of income and developed a sense of responsibility and teamwork among family members. However, since knowledge on rabbit production was merely derived through shared knowledge with other rabbit breeders as well as the internet. It was suggested in the study to conduct capacity training on rabbit production for rabbit growers and meat producers through extension services by SUCs in collaboration with the Local Government Units of Tigaon and Goa, Camarines Sur. As such future research on the marketability and acceptability of rabbit meat may be conducted to determine consumer preference, acceptability, and future market.

Keywords: COVID-19, coping mechanism, phenomenology, rabbit growers, meat producers

Edition: Volume 11 Issue 10, October 2022,

Pages: 800 - 808