A Case Study on the Situation of Copra Farmers Iin Gumaca, Quezon

Abstract

The coconut tree, being described as the “tree of life”, certainly deserved the title because it has been one of the major sources of living for millions of Filipino coconut farmers for many years. And the coconut industry has been considered an important industry here in our country for it is said that it is responsible for almost 80% of the coconut oil demand, worldwide. Yet many of these coconut farmers, including the copra farmers are also considered to be living way below the poverty line. Which will lead us in asking the questions why and how it that happened? Who really benefits from the coconut industry? This paper would answer these questions from a case study about the situation of the toiling copra farmers in Gumaca, Quezon, and would broaden the situation on the national level.