From Challenges to Innovation: Technology Management for Sustainable Coconut Industry

Coconut agriculture is a key economic driver in Davao Oriental, contributing significantly to livelihoods and local industries. The province is among the top coconut-producing areas in the Philippines, yet farmers struggle with low yields, aging trees, and limited access to modern processing facilities. To enhance productivity and market competitiveness, investments in processing infrastructure, sustainable farming techniques, and value-adding innovations are crucial. Agrotourism, precision agriculture, and indigenous knowledge integration can boost profitability and resilience. Government policies play a vital role in sustaining the sector through financial aid, training, and technology adoption. Programs such as the Philippine Coconut Authority’s (PCA) replanting initiatives, mechanization support, and market linkages help modernize operations. Strengthening farmer cooperatives improves supply chains and international trade compliance. However, challenges persist due to bureaucratic delays and inadequate farmer awareness. Strengthened policy implementation, public-private collaboration, and transparent governance are essential to ensure a sustainable and competitive coconut industry.

Challenges, Coconut Industry, Indigenous Knowledge

1. Alzate, J. (2018). Agritourism: Its Potentials in Davao Oriental. Davao Research Journal, 12(1), 1-18. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Barroga, K. D., Rola, A. C., Depositario, D. P. T., & Digal, L. N. (2023). The extent of technological innovation adoption among micro, small and medium food processing enterprises and its effects on poverty reduction. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 50(1), 35-65. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Barroga, J., Santos, P., & Dela Cruz, R. (2023). Strengthening cooperative initiatives in coconut-based enterprises: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Agribusiness and Development, 12(2), 55-73. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Barroga, E. F., et al. (2023). Strengthening agricultural cooperatives for market linkages. Philippine Journal of Agribusiness and Management, 10(2), 112-128. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Boquet, Y., & Boquet, Y. (2017). Farm Productions and Rural Landscapes. The Philippine Archipelago, 213-258. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Briones, R. M. (2014). Agricultural infrastructure and supply chain development in the Philippines. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Briones, R. M., Navarro, A. M., Abrigo, M. R. M., Umlas, A. J. L., & Latigar, J. S. (2023). Rural Agro-Enterprise Partnership for Inclusive Development and Growth (RAPID-Growth) Project Baseline Survey (No. 2023-39). PIDS Discussion Paper Series. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Briones, R. M. (2014). Compilation and Synthesis of Major Agricultural Value Chain Analysis in the Philippines (No. 2014-35). PIDS Discussion Paper Series. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Curry, P., Nicetic, O., Palaniappan, G., & Hall, H. (2019). Project Developing vegetable and fruit value chains and integrating them with community development in the southern Philippines. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Curry, J., Williams, M., & Parker, S. (2019). Consumer behavior and branding in the food industry. Springer. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Dacudao, P. I. The socio-economic and cultural transformation of frontier Davao, 1898-1941. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Dacudao, M. (2018). Traditional agricultural practices and their role in modern farming. Agricultural Research Journal, 45(2), 120-135. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Dacudao, L. (2018). Indigenous agricultural practices and their role in sustainability. Journal of Indigenous Agriculture, 7(1), 45-62. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Dacudao, P. (2018). Abaca: The socio-economic and cultural transformation of frontier Davao, 1898-1941 (Doctoral dissertation, Murdoch University). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Davao Oriental Official Website. (n.d.). Coconut Industry. Retrieved from https://davaooriental.gov.ph/invest/industry-profile-and-investment-leads/coconut-industry/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Delgado, R., & Perez, H. (2017). Organic farming techniques and their impact on coconut production. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 12(3), 45-60. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Delgado, R., & Santos, M. (2020). Innovative approaches in coconut farming: The role of government support programs. Philippine Agricultural Review, 45(1), 112-129. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Dela Cruz, F., Ramirez, L., & Torres, G. (2021). Trade policies and market access in the coconut industry. International Journal of Agricultural Economics, 17(3), 88-104. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Department of Trade and Industry. (n.d.). DTI, PUM Netherlands partner up to develop coco fiber products. Retrieved from https://www.dti.gov.ph/news/dti-pum-netherlands-partner-up-develop-coco-fiber-products/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Dujali, I., et.al. (2025). Transforming Agricultural Extension in the Digital Age: A Review of ICT-Based Approaches and Innovations. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation. 12(3), 840-851. https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.12030064 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Eugenio, P., Santos, L., & Rivera, J. (2023). Consumer trends in coconut-based products: A market analysis. Food Industry Journal, 58(1), 78-95. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Eugenio, B., et al. (2023). Market trends and consumer preferences for coconut-based products. Agricultural Marketing Journal, 12(3), 78-95. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Felix Jr., J., Payos, E., & Lelis, M. (n.d.). Technology adoption in coconut farming: Policy implications and recommendations. Journal of Rural Development Studies, 8(1), 41-59. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Felix Jr, J., Payos, M., & Lelis, R. (n.d.). Policy interventions for agricultural modernization. Philippine Agricultural Policy Review. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Felix Jr, R., Payos, B., & Lelis, C. C. Estimation of Copra Industry Revenue Using Multiple Regression Analysis. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Fernandez, M., Jones, R., & Roberts, T. (2017). Nutritional benefits of coconut-based beverages. Journal of Food Science and Nutrition, 10(4), 312-325. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Fernandez, H., & Lopez, R. (2018). Advancing mechanization in the coconut industry: Policy considerations and technological innovations. Asian Journal of Agricultural Technology, 22(4), 67-89. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Garcia, P., & Reyes, D. (2019). Enhancing coconut farm productivity through research and development initiatives. Journal of Tropical Crop Science, 14(2), 98-120. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Garcia-Ellson, A., & Collaborator, I. E. Study on Fruit and Vegetable Industry and Responsible Business Conducts and Corporate Social Responsibility Toward Social and Economic Upgrading: The Cavendish Banana Industry in Davao Region. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Garcia, A., Harris, P., & White, S. (2019). The role of social media in food marketing. Marketing & Consumer Behavior, 15(2), 67-89. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Gupta, N., & Singh, R. (2020). Food labeling and consumer perception in organic products. Journal of Food Marketing, 7(1), 45-61. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Guzman, J., & Torres, R. (2022). Capacity-building programs for coconut farmers: A case study of government-led initiatives. International Journal of Agricultural Training and Development, 19(1), 77-95. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Herrera, A., Brul, B., Cadavid, R., & Chavarría, E. (2019). Building Resilience of Coconut Smallholder Farmers in the Philippines: Final Evaluation Report of the FarmerLink Program. Washington, DC, Grameen Foundation. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Herrera, J., et al. (2019). Sustainable coconut farming methods: A review. Environmental Sustainability Journal, 15(2), 209-230. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Huesca Jr., E. F. (2016). Plantation Economy, Indigenous People, and Precariousness in the Philippine Uplands: The Mindanao Experience. In Human Insecurities in Southeast Asia (pp. 173-192). Springer. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Macusi, E. S., Sales, A. C., Macusi, E. D., Bongas, H. P., Cayacay, M. A., Omandam, J. L., ... & Vidal, C. (2023). Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs), Livelihood Resources and Aspirations of the Matigsalog and Ata Tribes. Sustainability, 15(14), 11182. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Macusi, E., Torres, G., & Guzman, R. (2023). Integrating indigenous knowledge in sustainable farming practices. Agricultural Research, 34(3), 98-115. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Macusi, E., et al. (2023). Indigenous knowledge in Philippine agriculture. Asian Journal of Ethnobotany, 9(1), 120-138. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. Mendoza, A., & Aquino, R. (2018). Preserving coconut genetic diversity through traditional farming methods. Plant Sciences Review, 20(1), 66-81. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

40. Mendoza, A., & Ramos, P. (2020). The impact of financial assistance programs on coconut farm productivity. Philippine Journal of Agrarian Policy, 13(3), 56-72. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

41. Mendoza, T. C., Teves, M. R. G., & Miciano, M. N. R. (2018). Value Chain Assessment of Coconut-Intercropping Systems of Smallholders in Southern Mindanao, Philippines: Options for Improvement. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

42. NEDA Region XI. (n.d.). Davao Oriental. Retrieved from https://nro11.neda.gov.ph/davao-region/davao-oriental/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

43. Nemenzo-Calica, P., Pateño-Bongas, H., Magallones, M. O. G., & Clapano, M. B. (2024). Sustainability in Small-Scale Coffee Farming: Agricultural Practices, Women's Role and Climate Change Adaptation along the Buffer Zone of Mt. Hamiguitan, Davao Oriental, Philippines. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

44. Peras, R. J., Pulhin, J., Inoue, M., Mohammed, A. J., Harada, K., & Sasaoka, M. (2016). The Sustainable Livelihood Challenge of REDD+ Implementation in the Philippines. Environment and Natural Resources Research, 6(3), 91-106. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

45. Philippine Statistics Authority. (2021, July 8). Region XI (Davao Region). Retrieved from https://psa.gov.ph/content/region-xi-davao-region [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

46. Pogosa, J., Asio, V., Bande, M., Bianchi, S., Grenz, J., & Pichelin, F. (2018). Productivity and sustainability of coconut production and husk utilization in the Philippines: coconut husk availability and utilization. International Journal of Environmental and Rural Development, 9(1), 31-36. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

47. Posso, C., et al. (2018). Post-harvest processing technologies for coconut-based products. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 25(4), 300-315. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

48. Ramirez, C., & Aquino, J. (2017). The role of farmer cooperatives in enhancing coconut market access and profitability. Agricultural Economics Review, 11(2), 45-60. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

49. Rodriguez, L., & Cruz, F. (2019). Climate resilience strategies for coconut farming: A policy perspective. Journal of Environmental and Agricultural Policy, 10(3), 121-140. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

50. Sagena, U. (2021). Coconut industry in the Philippines: Actors, interactions and innovation. Nusantara Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 1(1), 91-99. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

51. Santos, M., & Garcia, T. (2021). The role of the Philippine Coconut Authority in promoting sustainable coconut farming. Philippine Journal of Agricultural Governance, 9(2), 33-51. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

52. Santos, R., & Morales, D. (2019). Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in coconut farming communities. Environmental Science and Policy, 16(4), 88-109. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

53. Sarita, V., Bautista, C. (2025). LUWAS: An Assessment on the Occupational Safety Practices among Motorcycle Repair Shops in the City of Mati, Davao Oriental,Philippines. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science. 9(1), 3608-3612. DOI: 10.47772/IJRISS.2025.9010288 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

54. Sarita, V., Dujali, I. (2025). Functionality, Usability, and Acceptability Assessment of the Manual Coconut Charcoal Briquette Molder. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation. 12(2), 142-147. DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI.2025.12020014 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

55. Sarita, V., Inutan, S.M. (2025). Technology transfer management practices among selected state universities and colleges in Davao Region, Philippines. Journal of Interdisciplinary Perspectives, 3(4), 114–130. https://doi.org/10.69569/jip.2025.070 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

56. Sarita, V., Monton, K. Functionality, Usability, and Acceptability Assessment of Dual Blade Coconut Dehusker. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science. 10(2), 10-15. DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS.2025.1002002 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

57. Sarita, V., Bohol, J. (2025). Performance Efficiency of Binding Agents in Coconut Charcoal Briquettes. International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation. 12(3), 852-857. https://doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.12030065 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

58. Secretaria, M. I., & Adon Sr, T. A. Commercial Production and Chemical/Physical Characterization of Natural and Nutritious Coconut Sap Food Products (Cocosap Juice and Cocosap Concentrate) at Tawan-tawan, Baguio District, Davao City, Southern Mindanao, Philippines. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

59. Simo, W. F., & Gamboa, R. S. (2021). A fuzzy logic approach on selecting crop and identifying planting methodology using environment and spatial factors. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

60. Smith, D., & Allen, K. (2021). Trends in plant-based product consumption. Journal of Consumer Research, 14(3), 101-117. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

61. Tiongco, M., et al. (2015). Precision agriculture in Southeast Asia. Journal of Precision Agriculture, 13(2), 90-110. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

62. Tiongco, M. M., Espaldon, M. V. O., Guzman, L. E. D. P., Ancog, R. C., Quiray, A. E., Jaffee, S., & Frias, J. (2015). Green Agriculture in the Philippines: An old wine in a new bottle?. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

63. Williams, L., & Parker, J. (2018). Branding strategies for food and beverage markets. International Journal of Business Strategy, 9(2), 88-104. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Breeding for a Greener Future: Selective Breeding and Crossbreeding Approaches to Minimize Methane Emissions in Ruminant Livestock
• Determinants of Adoption of Post-Harvest Losses Prevention Techniques among Banana/Plantain Marketers in Lagos State, Nigeria
• Enhancing Rice Yield Prediction Using UAV-Based Multispectral Imaging and Machine Learning Algorithms
• Seed-Borne Fungi of Groundnuts (Arachis Hypogaea) and Their Management with Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) Extract In Makurdi, Nigeria
• The Influence of Landforms and Slope on Agricultural Cropping Patterns in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar District