In Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay, Philippines, coconut husks were once treated as farm waste. Today, they are helping farmers build more sustainable and resilient livelihoods. Through the Alicia Neighborhood Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ALNEMPCO), more than 2,400 farmer-members are transforming coconut husks into coco peat and coco fiber, which are key inputs for organic farming. This initiative not […]
Background Shahnaza Riyaz comes from Sogam village in Kupwara district of Kashmir, a remote border region along the Indo–Pakistan Line of Control, nearly 140 kilometers from Srinagar. Life in this mountainous area is shaped by harsh winters, poor connectivity, and limited livelihood opportunities. Most families depend on subsistence agriculture or daily wage labor, and opportunities […]
Background Agriculture is the backbone of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy, employing over 70% of the population. Apple cultivation is particularly significant, accounting for 75% of India’s total production, with districts like Baramulla contributing heavily. Yet small farmers, especially women, face persistent challenges, including urban encroachment, climate variability, and post-harvest losses, which threaten both productivity and […]