More with Less in the Philippine Coconut Industry

In the Philippines, 50% of the 3.5 million coconut farmers live below the poverty line, earning less than USD 2 per day. As there are hardly any alternative sources of income, there is a very high poverty incidence. Poor farming practices and low yielding coconut varieties further enforces poverty amongst the coconut farmers. The “More with Less in the Philippine Coconut Industry” project by PBSP, Lionheart and Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), will improve productivity and generate jobs in the coconut industry. The project will develop the coconut sap value chain in the Philippines, by introducing innovative technologies and farming practices, and by integrating Good Agricultural Practices. Contributing to SDG 8, the project activities stimulate higher levels of economic activity in the coconut sector, through technological upgrading and innovation, and by focusing on safe and labour intensive production of high-value added products from coconut sap. By increasing the income of coconut farmer communities, the project will contribute to poverty alleviation.