PHILIPPINES – Banana flour production of the Barangay Calube Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (BACFA MPC)

In Barangay Calube, Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte, Philippines, the Barangay Calube Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (BACFA-MPC) is proving that innovation and collective action can transform challenges into livelihoods.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many farmers began intercropping Cardava bananas with coconuts to cope with market disruptions. While production increased, market access did not—leaving large volumes of bananas unsold and wasted. Rather than accept these losses, BACFA-MPC stepped in to create a solution.

With support from the Asia-Pacific Farmers’ Program (APFP-FO4A), the cooperative launched a Banana Flour Production Project, turning surplus bananas into a value-added product. A working capital grant of PHP 1.02 million (USD 19,000) enabled the purchase of dryers and processing equipment, strengthening the local banana value chain from farm to market.

One of the cooperative’s strongest practices is women’s empowerment. Women lead the entire banana flour processing—from peeling and drying to milling and packaging—creating accessible income opportunities and strengthening household resilience.

Led by farmer-leader Jena, BACFA-MPC also promotes organic farming and good farm management practices that improve yields, reduce costs, and protect the environment.

The Asia-Pacific Farmers’ Program (APFP) – Farmers’ Organizations for Asia (FO4A) is implemented by the Asian Farmers’ Association for Sustainable Rural Development (AFA) and La Via Campesina (LVC), with funding from the European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The program aims to strengthen the capacities of farmers’ organizations to provide economic services, advocate for enabling policies, and promote sustainable livelihoods for small-scale family farmers across Asia.