PHILIPPINES – Coco peat and coco fiber production of the Alicia Neighborhood Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ALNEMPCO)

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 only reduces waste but also supports safer food production, healthier soils, and lower farming costs.

With support from the APFP–FO4A program, implemented by the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) and La Via Campesina (LVC) and funded by the European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), ALNEMPCO received working capital that strengthened its value-adding enterprise. The cooperative now produces around 600 bags of coco peat every 45 days, expanding income opportunities for farmers.

By offering fair prices, free or low-cost trucking, and affordable organic inputs, ALNEMPCO has helped farmers shift away from costly chemical fertilizers. The result: improved farm productivity, reduced expenses, better food security, and renewed confidence in organic farming.