Policy imperatives for coconut-based communities in the Philippines: the market, poverty and environment nexus
2007
Pabuayon, I.M., Philippines Univ. Los Banos, College, Laguna (Philippines). Dept. of Agricultural Ecomics | Medina, C.M., Philippines Univ. Los Banos, College, Laguna (Philippines). Farming Systems and Soil Resources Inst.
The relationships among poverty, market and environmental issues crucial for determining a holistic framework for the Philippine coconut industry are not adequately addressed in current policy measures. As a result, government programs are unable to fully resolve the social, economic and sustainability concerns of the industry and the coconut farming communities. Thus, coconut farmers remain poor, markets are inefficient, and coconut logging poses threat to the environment and to the sustainability of the industry. This paper investigated the interrelated poverty, market and environmental policy issues affecting the Philippine coconut industry. Analysis of the market, poverty and environmental nexus is based on the premise that by improving the socio-economic situation in coconut communities through improved markets and marketing, farmers are expected to reduce indiscriminate cutting of coconut trees. Higher farm income arising from efficient markets also brings about incentives for improved farm management practices that raise farm productivity. This in turn provides a sustainable supply of raw materials for more competitive coconut-based enterprise in both domestic and international markets. Hence, the policy framework must take into account the sustainability of the coconut resource base and provide adequate price and market incentives to ensure favorable income for farmers and alleviate poverty in coconut communities. The strategies and action agenda include: 1) effective implementation of Republic Act 8048; 2) strengthening and refocusing of PCA's extension program, with appropriate organizational and budgetary support, toward addressing the marketing, financial, entrepreneureal skills, and information needs of coconut farmers; and 2) institutionalization, with impact assessment component, of PCA's marketing, livelihood and poverty alleviation programs.
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