Mindanao, Philippines

In search for livelihoods, the Higa-onon tribal communities have engaged in mining, logging and wildlife trading and destroyed their sacred forests in the process. These communities are also now dealing with the aftermath of a super typhoon, which has destroyed their homes and land. This project will support their recovery by establishing viable livelihoods which work in tandem with the forests.

This project aims to address the enduring poverty in these tribal communities, which has led to and been compounded by the destruction of the rainforest. In the first phase the project will reach 800 community members with the potential to impact 3500 members of Higa-onon tribal communities.

Modern day challenges

Even though the Higa-onon tribal areas are suitable for agricultural production, tribal eco farmers are experiencing climate-related challenges and price instability. The fluctuating market price, especially for coffee, abaca fiber, and fruit trees products has reduced the income of the communities. There is a need for new supply networks to ensure improved and stabilised prices for tribal products that increase the living standards of farmers whilst restoring the environment.

This project is open to financing

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The Higa-onon Sacred Mountain’s ecosystem

Agriculture is one of the most important sources of income for the Higa-onon tribal communities, but it has brought destruction and deforestation through “Kaingin” – the slashing of big trees. Today, only 40% of Higa-onon tribal sacred mountain’s original ecosystem remains, with 60% transformed by extractive industries. Despite some conservation efforts, exploitation continues to put pressure on the remaining sacred forest. To counteract this process the project will promote agricultural production methods that enhance, not exploit, nature. They will build on their own indigenous knowledge to use methods that view the farm as a living organism and manage it in a comprehensive, diversified way that respects natural cycles.

Lack of a viable livelihood has increased levels of poverty and created ruptures in the community, with some members finding work in industries that exploit the sacred forests. This regenerative agriculture transformation will inspire thousands of farmers from the local tribes by showcasing a viable livelihood that enhances the environment. The Model Farm will serve as the basis for a regional Model School which will encourage replication of such practices, but also serve as a meeting place where scientifically validated knowledge can be exchanged. With this project, the Higa-onon tribal communities can build a network of producers from different parts of Mindanao, Philippines to achieve a better future.

Setting up fair value chains

The objective is to transform the paradigm of the coffee, abaca and fruit tree value chains with the Higa-nono tribal communities. This project will recalibrate the risks and costs involved in this transformation by creating equitable models where producers, and every actor in the value chain, obtains the right price for their work. New opportunities will be created in a network where trust has been built between the coffee, abaca and fruit tree producers and other stakeholders. The increased quality of the products also means that producers will be able to sell their products for a higher price in the domestic and international markets.

This project is open to financing

support this project