Strengthening Copra Cooperatives in Davao: Grameen’s New Initiative with Rabo Foundation to Build Investable Farmer Organizations

Strengthening Copra Cooperatives in Davao: Grameen's New Initiative with Rabo Foundation to Build Investable Farmer Organizations

Davao, Philippines - April 8, 2025 - In partnership with Rabo Foundation, Grameen Foundation
(Grameen) launched a new initiative to strengthen five agricultural copra cooperatives in the
Davao Region, equipping them to become 'investment-ready' entities. This project, called Copra
Capacity Development Project, will focus on building organizational strength, enhancing
business capacity, and supporting local cooperatives with strategic development to ensure long-
term sustainability of the copra value chain.

The initiative leverages the Sustainable Coconut Project (SCP) that Grameen is deploying in
partnership with Barry Callebaut, which aims to develop a sustainable copra value chain with
the cooperatives and copra farmers.

Copra, a major agricultural product in the region, has long been a vital source of income for
thousands of smallholder farmers. However, the lack of working capital through formal financial
services, and a lack of operational assets hinder the growth of copra-centered agricultural
cooperatives. This initiative seeks to address these challenges by providing cooperatives with a
structured copra-specific capacity development plan, helping them identify key business gaps
and focus areas essential for their growth, while providing them the opportunity to apply for a
catalytic award, bolstering their copra operations.

Key Objectives of the Initiative:

• Capacity Development Plan: Cooperatives will receive tailored support to strengthen
  their governance, financial management, and overall business acumen to become
  investable entities.
• Copra-Enhancing Business Models: Strategic guidance will be provided to help
  cooperatives determine viable business models to strengthen and optimize operations.
• Catalyst Award: Select cooperatives will receive a catalyst award to support their
  growth initiatives, enabling them to implement key improvements and attract further
  investment.

"Through this initiative with Rabo Foundation, we aim to strengthen copra cooperatives with the
strategic tools and resources necessary to transition into investable businesses. By
strengthening their capacity and building operational assets, we will ensure that copra farmers
have long-term economic security and resilience," said Zubaida Bai, Grameen Foundation.

Anna Ignatiadi, Rabo Foundation, added: "We are committed to empowering agricultural
cooperatives to become self-sustaining and investment-ready. Through our partnership with
Grameen Foundation, we aim to provide the necessary support and resources to ensure that
copra farmers can thrive economically and contribute to a resilient agricultural sector."

The project will be implemented across a two-year timeframe, and will start with targeted
interventions for cooperative development and business model canvas. The initiative will
engage stakeholders across the coconut value chain, including financial service providers
copra mills, policymakers, and research institutions.

This effort aligns with national and regional goals for agricultural development and climate
resilience, ensuring that smallholder farmers in Davao can build sustainable livelihoods while
contributing to a more resilient agricultural sector.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Rebecca Abbey
Grameen Foundation USA
rabbey@grameenfoundation.org