By Kenneth Marcos 
At sunrise in coconut farms across Southern Leyte and Mindanao, many farmers now begin their day with renewed hope. Where earnings were once barely enough, better harvests and higher income are finally changing daily life for thousands of coconut-growing families.
More than 10,000 coconut farmers have recorded higher yields and bigger earnings following the completion of the four-year Coconut Alliance Project, which was formally turned over to the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). The project was led by the German development agency GIZ in partnership with seven global companies and implemented in Southern Leyte, South Cotabato, and Sarangani.
According to project results, farmers in Southern Leyte posted a 218 percent increase in income, while those in Mindanao recorded a 194 percent rise in coconut yield. These gains came from improved farming practices, better access to training, and stronger links to markets and supply chains.
The Coconut Alliance Project focused on building farmers’ skills and resilience. A total of 10,700 coconut farmers were trained in Good Agricultural Practices, Farmer Business School, and LandScale, a tool that helps measure sustainability and community impact. These trainings helped farmers understand not only how to grow more coconuts, but also how to manage farms as small businesses.
To ensure long-term impact, 237 local trainers were also trained under the project. This created a pool of experts who can continue teaching modern and climate-smart coconut farming techniques in their communities. In addition, 11 demonstration farms were developed and later accredited by the Agricultural Training Institute as official Learning Sites for Agriculture. These farms now serve as hands-on classrooms for farmers from nearby areas.
Learning materials were made more accessible through e-learning modules, radio programs, and farmer workbooks written in simple language. These tools helped reach farmers even in remote areas, ensuring that knowledge was shared beyond formal training sessions.
Another key outcome of the project was the promotion of more sustainable coconut oil production. By improving quality and traceability, farmers were able to connect to better markets and meet higher standards demanded by buyers. This reduced waste, increased value, and helped protect the environment.
The project addressed a long-standing problem in the coconut industry. While the Philippines is one of the world’s top coconut producers, many coconut farmers remain among the poorest in the agriculture sector. Low productivity, aging trees, climate risks, and weak market access have long kept incomes low.
The Coconut Alliance Project helped change this by strengthening supply chains and promoting sustainable and climate-resilient farming practices. Farmers learned how to improve soil health, manage pests properly, and prepare for extreme weather, all while keeping costs under control.
PCA Administrator Dexter R. Buted said the end of the project marks a new beginning for the coconut industry. He assured farmers that the lessons and successful models from the project will be adopted and expanded nationwide.
“This day marks the start of a stronger, smarter, and more sustainable future for the coconut industry,” Buted said.
The PCA said it will work to scale up the approaches used in the project so that more coconut farmers across the country can benefit. By combining farmer education, sustainability, and market access, the agency aims to raise incomes and improve living conditions in coconut-growing communities.
For thousands of families who depend on coconuts for their livelihood, the results show that with the right support, better harvests and a more secure future are within reach.
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