Promoting inclusive economic growth through valorisation of coconut husks

“Promoting Inclusive Economic Growth through the Valorization of Coconut Husks” is a project that aims at creating sustainable jobs and raising incomes of 3000 farmers and farmworkers living in poverty, 1,156 women and 300 young people  in Mindanao, the Philippines. This will be done by building a viable business partnership between coconut smallholder farmers and BIOGROW, a substrate European company.  The extension focuses on linking cocohusk processing to climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.

At present, a total of 10 organizations have participated in the project serving as coco husk suppliers,  coco chips processors, transport providers and organic fertilizer producers. Out of the 10, only three  (3) coops are regularly supplying coco chips to BIOGROW. The project’s Coco Training Center (COCO-TRACE) demonstrates the viability of the cocohusk business and provides trainings on cocohusk processing, coco chips drying and moisture management, business planning, organizational management and leadership formation, enterprise management, and skills training on coco twining and peat-based organic fertilizer production. The business model envisions a thriving local cocohusk processing business operated by a network of cooperatives and assisted by the COCO Training/Demo Center that provides a stable supply to BIOGROW.

As of 2023, the BIOGROW-IRDF consortium produced a total of 294 jobs, of which 123  are accounted for by women and 37 are by young people. Moreover, 801 male farmers increased income from husks at an average of PhP1,700 – P3,600.00/farmer, 450 women gained increased income opportunities from coco fiber, geo-net, organic fertilizer, anthurium growing and banana chips making and 312 young people realized additional income opportunities from selling seedlings and coco chips drying. Additionally, 522 farmers adopted madre de cacao (gliricidia) on their farms, as part of practicing climate smart agriculture strategies and promoting renewable energy sources in cocohusk processing.

The project also has significant environmental impacts by reducing husk waste and increasing awareness on waste management. Awareness efforts included three local events, raising visibility among stakeholders. The project promotes responsible business conduct and highlights the importance of promoting social and economic rights of workers especially women.

Overall, the project significantly impacted local communities by providing economic opportunities, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing social and gender equity.

To learn more about the project, visit the project website here.