Agribusiness

Philippines smallholder dairy: landscape analysis and research priorities

Philippine domestic dairy industry

Overview

This project aimed to undertake a landscape analysis of the Philippines smallholder dairy industry and develop a series of research priorities which will include potential research partners for a future ACIAR project.

The Philippines has a population of 108 million people with studies estimating 53% of the population to be moderately to severely food insecure. However, with high economic growth and an emerging middle class, this is changing, particular in regards to food consumption.

Annual dairy consumption per capita has doubled over a five year period, highlighting opportunities for increased milk production and ultimately developing the domestic dairy industry as a whole. Yet critical issues have been identified which need to be initially overcome. 

This project aimed to set the foundations to contribute to the development of rural economies and livelihoods through innovation and value adding in smallholder agriculture.

Project outcomes

  • Analysing the markets, value chains and key features of the Philippines dairy sector, including the contribution of smallholder farmers.
  • Describing and analysing dairy farming systems in the Philippines, including current attributes, opportunities and barriers for small holder dairy farms.
  • Identifying and formulating key research priorities and potential partnerships for a longer-term dairy development project in the Philippines with an emphasis on the commercial sector.

Project final report