Knowledge and Practices of Coconut Farmer-Beneficiaries in the Philippines

The coconut industry has proven to be a sturdy pillar of the national economy as Philippines is one of the top producers and exporters these agricultural export coconut commodities. Despite the government efforts led by the Philippine Coconut Authority, small scale coconut farmers continue to lag in production, technology, income generation, and readiness to climate resiliency. To this scenario, the study determined the extent of knowledge on coconut production the farmer-beneficiaries and  explored the practices and challenges of these farmers along the programs implemented by the oversight agency. Using the mixed- explanatory-sequential research design, the results showed that coconut farmers possessed moderate yet practical knowledge of coconut production, with particular strengths in intercropping, on-farm management, and varietal selection. Farmers’ strong preference for local coconut varieties further confirms their adaptive knowledge, shaped by years of hands-on experience. Their farming practices – including planting, intercropping, fertilization, harvesting, and general farm maintenance - remain deeply rooted in traditional methods. However, farmers face multiple challenges that significantly impact both their production yields and overall livelihoods. Thus, the study recommended some strategic interventions that shall engage youth in farming, implement gender-inclusive farming, capacitate farmers on scientific approach but integrate the traditional methods to plantation, intercropping, and fertilization practices.