One of the major issues of the cacao industry, not only in Davao de Oro, but in the entire country is the low productivity of trees, leading to low production. Many underlying factors contributing to this challenge were identified by national and local enablers. These include high incidence of pests and diseases, low soil fertility, …
The cacao value chain, just like any other industry, involves various actors with different roles. It requires action and participation from the producers or the cacao growers, the consolidators, the processors, the chocolatiers, the exporters, the enabling institutions, and many more. Therefore, the sustainable cacao development does not lie on one actor alone. For instance, …
Read more “Better together: co-investment towards sustainable cacao development”
The province of Davao de Oro is taking a bold step toward revolutionizing its cacao industry with the official launch of its Sustainable Cacao Roadmap last 15 January 2025 at Café Noventa, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.
One of the key outputs of the Sustainable Farming in Tropical Asian Landscapes (SFITAL) is a roadmap for sustainable cacao development in Davao de Oro. Since sustainable commodity development also covers its impact on the environment, it covers, not only production and marketing, but also land-use planning. To ensure a holistic approach to roadmap development, …
Read more “Modelling sustainable cacao development through R-FALLOW”
ICRAF researchers recently found that Davao de Oro is moderately suitable for cacao production, showing the province’s huge potential. But there is room for improvement in current cacao management practices. In terms of strategy, specialists suggest going back to basics—agroforestry.
As cliché as it may sound, synergy between stakeholders from a range of sectors is necessary for any industry to thrive – including the cacao industry of Davao de Oro in the Philippines.
Cacao farmers need more help if they are to meet targets in the face of natural disasters.
Researchers have confirmed that Davao de Oro is moderately suitable for cacao. What does that mean for local growers and policymakers?
Technical knowledge and sufficient inputs are important to encourage farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices. But is it enough? Researchers say, not always.