More with Less in the Philippine Coconut Industry

The More with Less in the Philippine Coconut Industry (MWL) project is a collaborative initiative led by a consortium comprising of Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) as the administrative partner, Lionheart Farms Philippines as the commercial partner, supported by the Bai-Ani Foundation as the implementing partner, and the Philippine Coconut Authority as the governmental partner. This five-year endeavor aims to foster sustainable growth within the Philippine coconut sector by advancing the market development of processed coconut products, specifically syrup and sugar, and establishing long-term partnerships between local farmers and inclusive international enterprises.

Its major objective is to improve capacity-building initiatives and extension services aimed at increasing farmer production. Employing a Training of Trainers methodology, the project focuses on empowering key farmers with specialized knowledge to provide advisory and technical support, thereby cascading essential skills to their peers.

MWL works closely with cooperatives and farmer associations to promote green enterprises as supplementary income sources, aligning with best agricultural practices such as biochar production, eco-friendly irrigation systems, and the establishment of high-quality seedling nurseries.

To date, the initiative has successfully trained over a thousand farmers in agricultural best practices, organizational management, and enterprise operations. Notably, the project has also inaugurated a coconut seedling nursery in the municipality of Brooke’s Point, Palawan, aimed at alleviating the scarcity of quality seedlings available to local farmers.

Beyond its direct interventions, MWL plays an active role in governmental initiatives supporting the coconut industry, contributing significantly to strategy discussions and forums. The project also engages youth and aspiring farmers through partnerships with academic institutions, fostering their involvement in agricultural pursuits. It also collaborates with civil society organizations to advocate for farmer welfare and promote decent working conditions across the sector.

Through strategic partnerships and comprehensive interventions, the MWL project is committed to catalyzing sustainable development within the Philippine coconut industry, paving the way for enhanced productivity, economic resilience, and equitable prosperity among coconut farming communities.