Coconut farmers are one of the most poor and vulnerable populations in the Philippines. These farmers, already struggling to provide for their families, are incredibly susceptible to environmental and economic shocks. Grameen's FarmerLink program helps connect farmers to vital information about impending bad weather, farming best practices, and pest control. Through bi-weekly text messages, coconut farmers receive valuable information that can make a life-changing difference.
Coconut smallholder farmers are among the poorest households in the Philippines with 60 percent living at or below the national poverty line (US $444 per year). Coconut farmers are among the least resilient in the face of environmental and economic shock. Farmers universally report that pests and disease affect their farms and they lack the know-how to manage these threats. Natural disasters are of increasing concern, and infrastructure and transportation challenges plague many islands.
To address the needs of these farmers, Grameen Foundation launched FarmerLink in partnership with our local partners. Farmers in our program receive real-time text messages on the market value of their crops and tips on good farming practices. When bad weather conditions and potential pest and disease outbreaks are on the radar, they receive a text message alerting them of the danger and, more importantly, the steps to reduce loss to their farms.
We are helping coconut farmers grow more, earn more, and stand strong through the storms that batter their islands. We are connecting farmers to better farming practices, financial services, and more lucrative markets. Your donation goes directly to the hands of a coconut farmer, making a difference that extends well beyond the current growing season. This month we need to be ready to send 75,000 text messages to farmers, but we won't be able to do that without you.
