Abaca Farming for Environmental Conservation and Livelihoods

Abaca is one of the primary sources of fiber to produce specialty paper, reusable grocery bags, household items such as placemats, ropes, paper bills, tea bags, fashion bags, hats and slippers.
The use of Abaca fiber is known as a solution to mitigate climate change by reducing wastes and plastic use.
The cultivation of abaca also contributes to environmental conservation. Abaca plants are known for their high carbon sequestration capacity. Native trees and fruit trees help abaca plants to thrive and grow healthy providing abaca farmers with higher fiber which in turn provide good income. With abaca plants, cutting trees for charcoal for livelihood has been reduced.
The raw Abaca fiber enjoys a consistent market demand and its derived products is potential as eco-friendly alternatives for both plastic packaging and household items.
World Vision and the local government in North Cotabato are working together to establish the Abaca industry, by improving quality and promoting abaca handicrafts through fair trade.
With the support from World Vision, 482 abaca farmers now have improved knowledge in Environment Responsible Farming. Abaca nurseries have been established and 65,000 abaca seedlings have been planted in approximately 300 has of farmland. 156 individuals have been trained to make abaca handicrafts for additional income.