Abstract
Person with disabilities (PWD) often have limited employment opportunities due to discrimination as well as the negative stigma from employers and society about their abilities. As a result, they usually live in poverty as they face unemployment and low pay, which subsequently leaves them struggling to cope with the ever-increasing living costs. Studies have shown the benefits of providing PWD with employment in the agricultural sector. It fosters self-sufficiency in food production and independence amidst increasing living costs. Based on the critical role of institutional support in enhancing PWD involvement in the agricultural sector, this study was conducted to examine issues and challenges regarding institutional support for the involvement of PWD in the agricultural sector. This study employed the quantitative research design, and purposive sampling was used to select 56 respondents from six Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR) centers in Selangor who were involved in agricultural projects. The study found that institutional support, including motivations and subsidies; helps encourage more PWDs’ involvement in the agricultural sector. On the other hand, the study found several issues and challenges related to the provision of credit and financing services, assistance and support, ineffective extension advisory services, and the lack of agricultural equipment and innovations tailored to PWD needs. The findings suggest that emphasizing policies, developing an inclusive system and adopting approaches tailored to PWDs’ needs in the agricultural sector will ensure that PWD can contribute optimally to the country’s economic development.
Keywords: Agricultural Sector, Institutional Support, Involvement, Extension Officers, Persons with Disabilities.