Strengthening Entrepreneurial and Networking Capacity of Cocoa Farming and Processing Households in Bicol Region, Philippines

The large potential of the Philippine cocoa industry is underexploited. Given that 90% of cocoa farmers are smallholders, leveraging this sector requires the right support mechanisms, from development to marketing. This South Initiative aims to improve the livelihood of small-scale cocoa farming and processing households by improving their agricultural and post-harvest practices and strengthening entrepreneurial competencies. Thereby, it specifically targets valorisation and upgrading of Tablea (cocoa liquor tablets consumed as indigenous high energy drink) while exploring and optimizing its marketing strategy, especially among Filipino consumers. This project shall harness the multidisciplinary expertise of Ghent University, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture and St. Louis University and the Belgian NGO TRIAS in strengthening the technical and entrepreneurial competence of at least 100 farmers and support/create 10 new start-up businesses on Tablea processing.