Economic and environmental concerns in Philippine upland coconut farms: an analysis of policy, farming systems and socio-economic issues

The study provides an assessment of the farming and agroforestry systems in upland coconut-based farms and the policy and socio-economic issues in the cutting of coconut trees in the Philippines. In general, there is a lack of focus on the environmental and agro-ecological aspects of coconut-based farming and agroforestry systems (CBF/AFS) R and D [research and development] and program initiatives. Nevertheless, earlier works provide recommendations that include soil conservation and the planting of perennials and forest species in the upland and steeply sloping coconut farms. In practice, however, annual crops are planted even in steep slopes; intercropping of coconuts with forest species is uncommon. Generally, coconut intercropping provides higher returns than coconut mono crop. A few recent works provide some lessons on soil erosion in upland coconut farms, intercropping with forest species in limited sites, and environmental impacts of coconut logging; although these do not form part of the national coconut R and D program. Government programs emphasize rehabilitation of coconut farms but this is constrained by the indiscriminate cutting of coconut trees. A cutting regulatory policy is being implemented which requires obtaining a cutting permit. The topography of the coconut farm and possible environmental impact of cutting are not considered in evaluating permit applications even though around 30% of the coconut lands are in mountainous areas. Currently, there is a moratorium on the issuance of permits nationwide to address the continuing illegal cutting. Responses of key informants on the implementation of the moratorium are mixed; some believe it is effective in stopping illegal cutting, others think otherwise. There is more cutting in sloping than in relatively that areas in the study sites. The potential threat to the environment of not maintaining adequate vegetative cover was observed when the destructive 'Frank' hit the country in June 2008. There was evidence of some rill and gully forms of erosion in certain coconut farms that are predominantly sloping. Farmers obtain immediate financial benefits from the cutting of coconut trees; and they are more inclined to do so when coconut prices are unfavorable as is true in the past. Currently, farmers believe that cutting should not be done due to upward trends in coconut prices. The environmental threat is not apparent at least among the case farmers. This finding suggests a limited appreciation of the social benefits and costs of indiscriminate cutting of coconut trees vis-à-vis sustainable production and agroforestry systems in the upland coconut farms. Given the limited resources of the government and weak local institutions and law enforcement agencies, cutting is likely to continue as long as there are appreciable financial returns. A prudent course of action requires a thorough and in-depth assessment of CBF/AFS covering a wider study area in order to obtain more robust results and conclusions. This is to integrate in the analysis the great variability in the biophysical characteristics, socio-economic settings of farmers, and market conditions in different parts of the country. These differences will affect the choice, acceptability and adoptability of possible CBF/AFS that may be considered to address both economic and environmental concerns in upland coconut farms.