Coconut-cacao farming system is a sustainable and profitable agricultural practice that can help farmers improve their income and livelihood. It is also an environmentally friendly practice that helps to protect the soil and conserve biodiversity.

A training on coconut-cacao farming system was conducted last August 29-31, 2023 at the Agricultural Training Institute-Satellite Training Center (ATI-STC) XII, USM Compound, Kabacan, Cotabato. A total of 25 farmers from Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur completed the said training.

The training covered topics on the introduction to coconut-cacao farming system, site selection and preparation, planting materials and nursery management, planting and maintenance, pest and disease management, and harvesting and post-harvest processing.

The training also included a field practicum at the USM compound led by Science Research Specialist II Sheena B. Lucena. The participants had the opportunity to learn about the practical aspects of coconut-cacao farming, such as land preparation, planting, and maintenance.

The training was conducted in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA), the University of Southern Mindanao (USM), and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

The training was a success and the participants were very grateful for the opportunity to learn about coconut-cacao farming system. They are now equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to establish and manage a successful coconut-cacao farm.

The training is expected to help the farmers from Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur improve their income and livelihood, and contribute to the development of the agricultural sector in the two provinces.