Civil societies and research communities

4.2 Civil societies and research communities

A number of local and international NGOs have played a vital role in the development of seaweed farming in the Philippines. 9 The constant delivery of training courses and workshops by these NGOs has exposed seaweed farmers to an entire range of concepts related to GAPs and empowered them to become more capable and responsible members of their communities. For example, in collaboration with the CIDA and the Consuelo Foundation, 10 the PDAP harnesses the capabilities of out-of-school youth to help them become active players in the improvement of the seaweed industry of Sitangkai. On-site training courses on the basic biology, ecology and physiology of Kappaphycus as well as farming, crop management, post-harvest management, marketing and product applications, have been hosted as part of the programme. Producers normally organize themselves in associations for the purpose of sourcing financial and technical assistance from both government organizations and NGOs. As noted above, farmers associations buy fresh seaweed, then dry it and sell it directly to a processor through the assistance of a BDS 11 or an NGO. This scheme eliminates one or two layers of tradingmarketing, thereby increasing profit margins for the growers. However, it is noted that few associations are successful in attaining their stated objectives. As a result, some industry observers have concluded that individual farmers may obtain better results than groups of farmers working communally. Education plays a significant role towards improving the production capabilities of seaweed farmers. The Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development – Department of Science and Technology has been responsible for conducting and funding seaweed RD through different state colleges and universities. Within this context, the University of the Philippines – Marine Science Institute has emerged as the lead centre for seaweed RD in the country, being supported in this role by the regional state colleges and universities. A number of local and international NGOs also support the various seaweed RD programmes in the country. Cross-visits of farmers to other production areas and research institutions are additional avenues to increase and improve farmers’ capabilities. The exposure and interaction with scientists and experts achieved through collaborative research projects have also generated very positive feedback. For example, the association between the Kasanyangan Nursery Seaweed Enterprise and the Manicahan Pearl Diving Multi-Purpose Cooperative in Zamboanga City under the ADB-IFC seaweed nursery project in 2007 was fruitful not only in terms of the acquisition of new technologies, but also in terms of the learning of entrepreneurial skills. The experimental farm jointly run by the youths of the Sipangkot Seaweed Planters Association and the Tinambak Seaweed Planters Association in Sitangkai with the support of PDAP-SEAFDEC-ISDA demonstrates also the significance of implementing science-based technologies to enhance productivity. The experience and knowledge acquired by youths in these two pondohans has allowed them to act as extension leaders in other pondohans. 9 The local NGOs include the PDAP, KFI, ISDA, LGSP and PBSP; the international NGOs include GTZ, CIDA, ASL, Seaplant.net, and Cargill Texturizing Solutions. 10 The Consuelo Foundation is a philanthropic organization focused on relieving the suffering of neglected and abused children and women in the Philippines and Hawaií the Unites States of America. 11 The concept of BDS in the seaweed industry is relatively new; hence, only two BDS are known to date. The BDS link farmers directly to the market. Support from BDS providers is best mediated through producer organizations, networks and alliances. 110

5. CHALLENGES AND THE WAY FORWARD