Supply Chain of Copra Industry in Zamboanga Del Norte

Abstract

One significant area of the Philippine agriculture is the coconut industry. However, among the various agricultural industries, the coconut or copra industry has historically received limited attention and support despite its centuries-old existence. Therefore, this study employed a thematic content analysis to examine the copra supply chain in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte focusing on the roles, collaboration, and operational flow among key players. The intricate network involves coconut farmers, copra converters, traders, and ultimate buyers, each reliant on distinct resources for efficient operation. Specifically, coconut farmers are classified into cultivators, who are responsible for the cultivation and harvesting of coconuts, and producers, who process coconuts into copra, involving activities such as dehusking and drying. Furthermore, converters, typically operating at the barangay level, purchase copra from local farmers and sell it to interior traders. These interior traders, also known as municipal or city traders, are succeeded by terminal traders, who manage larger warehouses and have contractual relationships with ultimate buyers. Consequently, these buyers, positioned at the supply chain's conclusion, engage in processing copra into oil. The study assessed the efficacy of collaboration among these stakeholders concerning coordination, communication, encountered challenges, and opportunities for enhancement. Additionally, an in-depth interview about copra flow configuration in Dapitan City is conducted, with a particular focus on the supply chain map and the roles of intermediaries. This investigation reveals potential inequitable practices by traders, thereby deepening the understanding of supply chain dynamics and identifying strategies to enhance efficiency and collaboration among stakeholders.