Abstract:

This paper aims to demonstrate the important role and contribution of cooperatives in empowering small farmers in the Philippines. It presents evidences from the case study of Subasta Integrated Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative (SIFMPC), a micro cooperative of small cacao farmers in Davao City, Philippines that has successfully created opportunities and provided benefits to its farmer-members to improve the quality of their lives. The success story shows how SIFMPC has effectively empowered small and weak farmers, particularly in terms of increasing their participation in the supply and value chain and expanding their market reach, promoting their rights and improving their access to adequate human and physical resources and business development services, strengthening their voice and representation at various levels through democratic control and social equity, and building their identity as a partner in agricultural development. SIFMPC’s practices are highly coherent with the empowerment process of small farmers, although the cooperative still needs to strengthen its efforts towards environmental protection. Overall, SIFMPC validates that a cooperative can be a key driver for empowering small farmers, especially in terms of improving their farm productivity and economic opportunities. Key Words: Small Farmers, Cooperatives, Empowerment, Cooperative Marketing, Cacao.

Keywords: