One World Action – Sustainable Fishing Production & Marketing Co-operative, The Philippines
The Manobo people inhabit the Agusan marshlands on the Mindanao island of the Philippines. Despite its rich resources and potential, poverty and malnutrition in the Agusan marshlands is severe. 90% of the Manobo indigenous population, who live almost entirely from fishing, are categorised as poor. The Manobo people normally sell their catch very cheaply to middlemen and traders who come from as far as Manila and provide easy credit and cash advances. This business model has resulted in most Manobo fisherfolk being highly indebted.
In 2006, TRAID donated £22,300 to One World Action's Sustainable Fishing Production & Marketing Co-operative project. TRAID's donation will allow the Manobo people to take control over their traditional livelihood by catching, processing, packaging, transporting, marketing and selling their fish themselves. Only sustainable fishing practices will be utilised and females will be particularly encouraged to become involved in the co-operative. The Manobo people will re-invest the profits made from the sale of fish back into the co-operative and the community. It is expected that, as a result of the project, food security and household income will be increased by 60% and poverty reduced by 30% amongst participating communities.
The Philippines. One World Action – Sustainable Fishing Production & Marketing Co-operative.
Projects - Present
