Circular Economy in Action: A Systems Thinking Analysis of Chicken Production and Consumption in the Philippines

Authors

  • Qiarrah Syrah A. Chavez University of the Philippines Open University, Los Banos, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9851-6096
  • Van Olem E. Benitez University of the Philippines Open University, Los Banos, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7520-7137
  • Kyle Russelle P. Paredes University of the Philippines Open University, Los Banos, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6593-1079
  • Elijah Jeremiah C. Abad University of the Philippines Open University, Los Banos, Philippines
  • Cedrick John V. Alejandrino University of the Philippines Open University, Los Banos, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0009-0927-6904
  • Ernie C. Avila University of the Philippines Open University, Los Banos, Philippines
  • Rupert Jeremiah A. Bustamante University of the Philippines Open University, Los Banos, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5288-478X
  • Emerson G. Cabudol University of the Philippines Open University, Los Banos, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7191-9616
  • Merryrose R. Palma University of the Philippines Open University, Los Banos, Philippines
  • Margaret R. Tadeja University of the Philippines Open University, Los Banos, Philippines

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54536/ajebi.v4i3.5616

Keywords:

Circular Economy, Consumption, Production, Systems Thinking

Abstract

This research examines the sustainability of chicken production and consumption in the Philippines through a systems-thinking perspective with the integration of the circular economy principles. Chicken is a vital protein source in Filipino diets and with its growing demand, comes the intricate challenges within the environmental, economic, and social sustainability dimensions. The study utilized a qualitative analytical approach, employing the use of SWOT and Strategic Factor Analysis, to evaluate the current status of both the industrial and backyard poultry settings. Crucial findings emphasize the following factors: the level of dependency on imported feed, improper waste management, erratic animal welfare practices, and constrained support for organic production as major barriers to sustainability. The report prescribes multifaceted and systems-based solutions such as investing in sustainable feed alternatives like insect protein, upcycling chicken wastes into organic fertilizers, augmenting animal welfare situations, and empowering small farmers through financial, knowledge and, methodological support. The research proposes the mobilization of the community through educational campaign mechanisms and reinforcement of sound policy frameworks to uphold responsible consumption and improve stakeholder accountability. Highlighting the importance of an encompassing, collaborative and compelling stakeholder approach to address the challenges emerging from both the production and consumption dimensions, the study provided recommendations to synergistically implement initiatives that are crucial in creating a more resilient, equitable and sustainable Philippine chicken industry.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Alam, S. S., Ahmad, M., Ho, Y., Omar, N. A., & Lin, C. (2020). Applying an extended theory of planned behavior to sustainable food consumption. Sustainability, 12(20), 8394. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208394

Alibuyog, V. P. (2024). Fourth quarter 2023 livestock and poultry production in the Cordillera Administrative Region. Livestock and Poultry. Philippine Statistics Authority. https://rssocar.psa.gov.ph/livestock-poultry

Ang, A. A., & Anapi, G. R. (2024). Assessment of factors affecting Filipino consumers’ purchasing intent towards processed meat during COVID-19. Food and Humanity, 2, 100033. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foohum.2024.100033

Barroga, T. R. M., Morales, R. G., Benigno, C. C., Castro, S. J. M., Caniban, M. M., Cabullo, M. F. B., Agunos, A., De Balogh, K., & Dorado-Garcia, A. (2020). Antimicrobials used in backyard and commercial poultry and swine farms in the Philippines: A qualitative pilot study. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 7, 329. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00329

Bonnefous, C., Collin, A., Guilloteau, L. A., Guesdon, V., Filliat, C., Réhault-Godbert, S., Rodenburg, T. B., Tuyttens, F. A. M., Warin, L., Steenfeldt, S., Baldinger, L., Re, M., Ponzio, R., Zuliani, A., Venezia, P., Väre, M., Parrott, P., Walley, K., Niemi, J. K., & Leterrier, C. (2022). Welfare issues and potential solutions for laying hens in free range and organic production systems: A review based on literature and interviews. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 9, 952922. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.952922

Briones, R., & Espineli, I. (2022). Towards competitive livestock, poultry, and dairy industries: Consolidated benchmarking study. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. https://doi.org/10.62986/dp2022.20

Britton, D. (2020). Why most animals are insects. Australian Museum. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/insects/why-most-animals-are-insects/

Cha, R., Kumar, V., Singh, J., & Sharma, N. (2020). Poultry manure and poultry waste management: A review. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 9(6), 3483–3495. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2020.906.410

Chapot, L., Whatford, L., Compston, P., Tak, M., Cuevas, S., Garza, M., Bennani, H., Aslam, H. B., Hennessey, M., Limon, G., Queenan, K., Fournié, G., Dadios, N., & Häsler, B. (2021). A global media analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on chicken meat food systems: Key vulnerabilities and opportunities for building resilience. Sustainability, 13(16), 9435. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13169435

Chiarelotto, M., Restrepo, J. C. P. S., Lorin, H. E. F., & Damaceno, F. M. (2021). Composting organic waste from the broiler production chain: A perspective for the circular economy. Journal of Cleaner Production, 329, 129717. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.129717

Dayo, M. (2022, April 27). Artificial insemination. PCAARRD ISP Web. https://ispweb.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/artificial-insemination-as-a-tool-in-conservation-sustainable-breeding-and-utilization-of-philippine-native-chickens/

Department of Agriculture. (2020). The Philippine poultry layer industry roadmap 2020–2040. Department of Agriculture. https://www.da.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Philippine-Poultry-Layer-Industry-Roadmap.pdf

Dikinya, O., & Mufwanzala, N. (2010). Chicken manure–enhanced soil fertility and productivity: Effects of application rates. Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management, 1(3), 46–54. https://doi.org/10.5897/jssem.9000019

Dili, R. M., Kalaw, R. M. B., Miguel, A. D. L., & Ting, G. M. (2022). Analysis of environmental impact and waste management of egg poultry industry in the Philippines: A case of San Jose, Batangas. Journal of Sustainability and Environmental Management, 1(2), 188–196. https://doi.org/10.3126/josem.v1i2.45362

Domingo, S. N., & Olaguera, M. D. C. (2017). Review of high-value agriculture in the Philippines with comprehensive subsectoral focus: Livestock industries. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/PUBLICATIONS/pidsdps1711.pdf

Domingo, S. N., Rosellon, M. A., Lorenzo, P. J., & Manejar, A. J. (2022). Domestic benchmarking of the Philippine livestock, dairy, and poultry industries. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. https://doi.org/10.62986/dp2022.19

Dsouza, A., Price, G. W., Dixon, M., & Graham, T. (2021). A conceptual framework for incorporation of composting in closed-loop urban controlled environment agriculture. Sustainability, 13(5), 2471. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052471

European Food Safety Authority Scientific Committee. (2015). Risk profile related to production and consumption of insects as food and feed. EFSA Journal, 13(10), e04257. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.4257

Espino, M. T. M., & Bellotindos, L. M. (2020). A system dynamics modeling and computer-based simulation in forecasting long-term sufficiency: A Philippine chicken meat sector case study. Engineering Technology & Applied Science Research, 10(2), 5406–5411. https://doi.org/10.48084/etasr.3301

Fakkaew, K., Kongkratoke, S., Tantrakarnapa, K., Polprasert, C., & Sudsandee, S. (2022). Characteristics of gases emitted from chicken manure wastewater and potential effects on human health. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(42), 63227–63232. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-022-20357-0

Foreign Agricultural Service. (2024, October). Philippines: Poultry and products annual. United States Department of Agriculture. https://fas.usda.gov/data/philippines-poultry-and-products-annual

Giotis, T., & Drichoutis, A. C. (2021). Consumer acceptance and willingness to pay for direct and indirect entomophagy. Q Open, 1(2), qoab015. https://doi.org/10.1093/qopen/qoab015

Global poultry industry: A market analysis. (2023). SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/pixelsutra/global-poultry-industry-a-market-analysis

Gomez, C. J. (2024). Philippine chicken industry update: Market trends, projected shortages, rising imports, price surges, and DOST-PCAARRD innovations for stability. PCAARRD Industry Strategic Science and Technology Programs. https://ispweb.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/philippine-chicken-industry-update-market-trends-projected-shortages-rising-imports-price-surges-and-dost-pcaarrd-innovations-for-stability/

Hernandez, C., Dominguez-Hernandez, E., & Hernadez, M. E. D. (2022). Sustainability in home garden interventions to improve food security: Results, challenges, and future directions. Transdisciplinary Journal of Engineering & Science, 13, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.22545/2022/00168

Iheanacho, G. C., Ajayi, E. A., Sholademi, E. L., Abu, O. A., Akindoyin, M. O., Abolude, A. T., Judo, O., Dahunsi, P. O., & Odoemene, E. C. (2024). Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Broiler Chickens on Dietary Supplementation of Garlic and Ginger Powder. American Journal of Agricultural Science, Engineering, and Technology, 8(3), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajaset.v8i3.3335

Kelbrick, M., Hesse, E., & O’ Brien, S. (2023). Cultivating antimicrobial resistance: how intensive agriculture ploughs the way for antibiotic resistance. Microbiology, 169(8). https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.001384

Kpomasse, C. C., Kouame, Y. a. E., N’nanle, O., Houndonougbo, F. M., Tona, K., & Oke, O. E. (2023). The productivity and resilience of the indigenous chickens in the tropical environments: improvement and future perspectives. Journal of Applied Animal Research, 51(1), 456–469. https://doi.org/10.1080/09712119.2023.2228374

Lucas, A. J., De Oliveira, L. M., Da Rocha, M., & Prentice, C. (2019). Edible insects: An alternative of nutritional, functional and bioactive compounds. Food Chemistry, 311, 126022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.126022

Malenica, D., Kass, M., & Bhat, R. (2022). Sustainable management and valorization of Agri-Food industrial wastes and By-Products as animal feed: for Ruminants, Non-Ruminants and as poultry feed. Sustainability, 15(1), 117. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15010117

Markos, S., Belay, B., & Dessie, T. (2024). Characterization of Village Chicken Production Systems in Three Agro-climatic Zones of Western Tigray, Northern, Ethiopia. American Journal of Aquaculture and Animal Science, 3(1), 9–24. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajaas.v3i1.2192

Medina, B. O., De Torres, E. M., & Dela Peña, A.K. R.(2019). Waste Disposal Practices Of Backyard Poultry Owners In San Jose, Batangas, Philippines. International Journal of Advanced Research and Publications. https://www.ijarp.org/published-research-papers/mar2019/Waste-Disposal-Practices-Of-Backyard-Poultry-Owners-In-San-Jose-Batangas-Philippines.pdf

Neethirajan, S. (2023). Digital Phenotyping: A Game Changer for the Broiler Industry [Review of Digital Phenotyping: A Game Changer for the Broiler Industry]. Animals, 13(16), 2585. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13162585

Palese, A. M., Persiani, A., D’Adamo, C., Pergola, M., Pastore, V., Sileo, R., Ippolito, G., Lombardi, M. A., & Celano, G. (2020). Composting as Manure Disposal Strategy in Small/Medium-Size Livestock Farms: Some Demonstrations with Operative Indications. Sustainability, 12(8), 3315. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083315

Orrico, A. C. A., Schwingel, A. W., De Mendonça Costa, M. S. S., Orrico, M. a. P., Junior, Borquis, R. R. A., Alves, G. P., De Oliveira, J. D., Leite, B. K. V., Garcia, R. G., & Da Silva Vilela, R. N. (2020). Characterization and valuing of hatchery waste from the broiler chicken productive chain. Waste Management, 105, 520–530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2020.02.029

Pakseresht, A., Kaliji, S. A., & Canavari, M. (2021). Review of factors affecting consumer acceptance of cultured meat. Appetite, 170, 105829. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2021.105829

Pantoja, B. R., Chupungco, A. R., Nguyen, M. R., Reyes, J. C., Umali, M. G., Olviga, T. R., & Cosep, J. P. (n.d.). Outlook for the organic chicken industry in the Philippines. University Knowledge Digital Repository. https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/cspps_policy_brief/9

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2023). Protein sources for the animal feed industry. https://www.fao.org/3/y5019e/y5019e00

Rodenburg, T. B., Tuyttens, F. A., Sonck, B., De Reu, K., Herman, L., & Zoons, J. (2005). Welfare, health, and hygiene of laying hens housed in furnished cages and in alternative housing systems. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 8(3), 211–226. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327604jaws0803_.htm

Robertson, G. P., Paul, E. A., & Harwood, R. R. (2000). Greenhouse gases in intensive agriculture: Contributions of individual gases to the radiative forcing of the atmosphere. Science, 289(5486), 1922–1925. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.289.5486.1922

Romana, S., & Leonardo, L. (2015). Country case study—Sustainable consumption and production (SCP) in the Philippines. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3047579

Royal Entomological Society. (n.d.). Understanding insects: Facts and figures. https://www.royensoc.co.uk/understanding-insects/facts-and-figures/

Sharma, R., Nguyen, T. T., & Grote, U. (2018). Changing Consumption Patterns—Drivers and the Environmental impact. Sustainability, 10(11), 4190. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10114190

Sharmin, R., Ali, K., Karim, M. R., & Mallik, S. K. (2025). Adoption of Circular Economy Developed: A Comparative Analysis between Developed and Developing Countries for Sustainable Waste Management. American Journal of Environmental Economics, 4(1), 104–117. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajee.v4i1.5384

Siddiqui, Z., Hagare, D., Jayasena, V., Swick, R., Rahman, M. M., Boyle, N., & Ghodrat, M. (2021). Recycling of food waste to produce chicken feed and liquid fertiliser. Waste Management, 131, 386–393. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2021.06.016

Silva, F. O. C. E., Jardim, J. G., & Lopes, P. R. (2024). Agroecological yards, food sovereignty and production of ecosystem services in South Bahia, Brazil. Revista De Gestão Social E Ambiental, 18(4), e07709. https://doi.org/10.24857/rgsa.v18n4-165

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2022). Small-scale producers in sustainable agrifood systems transformation. FAO eBooks. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc0821en

Future of Food. (2023). Systems thinking. https://futureoffood.org/our-approach/systems-thinking/

Tilman, D., & Clark, M. (2014). Global diets link environmental sustainability and human health. Nature, 515(7528), 518–522. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature13959

Tariga, J. N., Nolasco, D. P., & Barayuga, S. J. R. (2021). Food consumption habits of consumers in the Philippines: Changes amidst the pandemic. International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS), 10(3), 662. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijphs.v10i3.20823

Verma, R., Kumar, V., Singh, J., Sharma, N. (2020). Poultry Manure and Poultry Waste Management: A Review. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences, 9(6), 3483-3495. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2020.906.410

Downloads

Published

2025-09-26

How to Cite

Chavez, Q. S. A., Benitez, V. O. E., Paredes, K. R. P., Abad, E. J. C., Alejandrino, C. J. V., Avila, E. C., Bustamante IV, R. J. A., Cabudol, E. G., Palma, M. R., & Tadeja, M. R. (2025). Circular Economy in Action: A Systems Thinking Analysis of Chicken Production and Consumption in the Philippines. American Journal of Economics and Business Innovation, 4(3), 69–79. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajebi.v4i3.5616