A new partnership between Japan International Cooperation Agency and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform is turning cacao into a tool for peace—empowering farming communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with sustainable livelihoods while reinforcing long-term stability in the region.
Under JICA’s Technical Cooperation for Grassroots Projects (TCGP), the “Project to Develop Cacao and Chocolate Industries for Peace in the Bangsamoro Region” will run from January 2026 to January 2028 in collaboration with Hiroshima University and local cooperatives. The initiative focuses on strengthening the region’s emerging cacao and chocolate industry—seen as a viable pathway to inclusive growth and peacebuilding.
At its core, the project supports community-based cacao farmers in improving bean quality and adopting better post-harvest and processing practices. This addresses long-standing challenges in parts of Mindanao, where pests, diseases, and environmental pressures have affected productivity and income stability. By equipping farmers with technical knowledge and practical skills, the program aims to create more resilient and sustainable livelihoods.
Two cooperatives will serve as pilot sites. In Maguindanao del Norte, Al Noor Salam (Light of Peace) Farm will receive targeted support to enhance production consistency. In Lanao del Sur, Kakaw Meranaw will refine its chocolate-making processes and elevate product quality. Technical training—led by Hiroshima University—covers cultivation, fermentation, drying, and quality control.
Hands-on training is already underway, with the first session held in Tupi, South Cotabato from March 27 to April 1, 2026. Farmers from Maguindanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur are participating in intensive learning sessions designed to strengthen both production and processing capabilities.
Selected participants will also undergo advanced chocolate-making training in Japan, enabling them to transfer specialized skills to their communities. Central to the initiative is the concept of “Chocolate for Peace,” which positions cacao not just as an agricultural product but as a catalyst for community empowerment, social cohesion, and future market readiness.
Beyond farmer training, the project also strengthens institutions. MAFAR personnel are participating in technical sessions and remote consultations, while a regional cacao research and support network will be established across Western Mindanao to address persistent issues such as pest and disease management.
JICA said it hopes the initiative will lead to sustainable, community-driven business models for high-quality, branded cacao and chocolate from Bangsamoro—demonstrating how agriculture can contribute directly to peacebuilding.
The project also forms part of broader Philippines-Japan cooperation as both countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, underscoring a shared commitment to human security, inclusive development, and lasting peace in Mindanao.