Prof. Vicente C. Sinining, PhD, PDCILM
Editor-in-Chief
Email: vsinining@vcsresearch.co.rw | ORCID: 0000-0002-2424-1234
Abstract
This case study explores the impact of the Kababaihang Magmamanga Cooperative, a women-led mango farmers’ association in San Carlos City, Pangasinan. Through strategic partnerships, including support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), they adopted solar drying technology to convert surplus mangoes into chips and purée. The study examines their innovation ecosystem, the socioeconomic outcomes, and the implications for inclusive agricultural development in the Philippines.
Introduction
The Philippine mango industry is a key contributor to national exports and rural livelihoods, yet it faces systemic inefficiencies, post-harvest losses, and gender disparities in value chain participation (Tolentino et al., 2022). This case study presents a model of grassroots innovation led by women farmers who leveraged cooperative organization and solar technology to address market and climate challenges.
Methodology
This qualitative case study used semi-structured interviews, participant observation, and document analysis conducted between January and April 2025. Interviews were held with cooperative members, local DOST representatives, and market partners. Themes were coded around innovation practices, economic empowerment, and replication potential.
Findings
Solar Drying as a Disruptive Innovation
With DOST’s assistance, the cooperative constructed low-cost solar dryers that extended mango shelf life without compromising quality. From a 38% spoilage rate, post-harvest losses dropped to under 10%, while product diversification opened new revenue streams (Lapitan & Santiago, 2023).
Economic Empowerment Through Women’s Leadership
Profits from dried mangoes and purée were reinvested into community microenterprises. Members reported increased financial autonomy and household decision-making roles. Peer mentoring and skills workshops fostered a replicable model for inclusive agribusiness.
From Local Innovation to Regional Impact
The initiative’s success drew attention from international NGOs and positioned Pangasinan as a pilot hub for inclusive agricultural modernization. Similar cooperatives in neighboring towns adopted solar drying, facilitated by regional training exchanges and seed funding support.
Discussion
This case aligns with the concept of grassroots innovation systems where marginalized groups develop contextually adaptive technologies and governance mechanisms (Smith et al., 2014). The cooperative’s structure ensured shared ownership, while the solar drying technology offered low-barrier entry into value-added processing.
Conclusion
The Kababaihang Magmamanga Cooperative’s success demonstrates how women-led grassroots initiatives can foster both technological resilience and socioeconomic empowerment. As climate uncertainty and food loss challenges intensify, such models provide blueprints for localized innovation systems that center equity and sustainability.
References
- Lapitan, A., & Santiago, M. (2023). Solar drying for inclusive agri-processing in the Philippines. Journal of Rural Innovation, 14(2), 87–101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rurinv.2023.14.002
- Smith, A., Fressoli, M., & Thomas, H. (2014). Grassroots innovation movements: Challenges and contributions. Journal of Cleaner Production, 63, 114–124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.07.006
- Tolentino, J., Ramirez, K., & de Castro, L. (2022). Gender, value chains, and mango farming in the Philippines. Asian Journal of Agricultural Economics, 17(4), 212–226. https://doi.org/10.1080/09765239.2022.112