BY SHABAN OMAR
Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani, a regional economic bloc, has been urged to spearhead efforts aimed at revitalizing coconut farming and the coconut industry to unlock the region’s economic potential.
Matuga Headquarters Kalro Industrial Crop Research Director, Finyange Pole said there is an urgent need for intervention, citing declining production and a lack of knowledge as major deterrents to investment in the sector.
Pole said that the coastal region, once a hub for coconut farming, has seen a significant drop in both production and productivity due to outdated farming methods, limited research, and poor resource allocation.
According to Pole, the last research conducted in 2020 revealed that coastal counties had a population of 10 million coconut trees.
However, he expressed concern that the number is likely to have dwindled further due to poor farming methods, inadequate support for farmers, and the adverse effects of climate change.
He lamented that many investors who express interest in the crop are discouraged by its low yields and instead choose to invest in other countries with better prospects.
“We always get a lot of coconut investors but once they get to know the statistics, they run away,” he said
Pole added that coconut trees are not just a source of livelihood for farmers but a critical contributor to industries such as oil production, handicrafts, and beverages.
Pole further stressed on the immense potential of the coconut crop, noting that it has over 120 uses across various sectors of the industry.
He added that the usage ranges from food and beverages to cosmetics, construction, and bioenergy making the crop a valuable resource with the ability to drive economic growth in the coastal region.
Pole explained that coconut oil, for instance, is a key ingredient in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, while coconut shells are used to produce activated charcoal, a product in high demand globally.
Additionally, he said that coconut husks provide raw materials for ropes and mats, while the sap can be fermented into toddy or processed into sugar and vinegar.
He said every part of the coconut tree has economic value citing the crop as the tree of life adding that tapping into its full potential, people can create jobs, boost exports, and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the region.
He warned that if stakeholders don’t act now, coastal counties risk losing a golden opportunity to boost their economy and create jobs for thousands.
“Unless we address these challenges, we will continue to lose one of our most valuable resources. Farmers need training, resources, and access to technology to help them adapt to these changing conditions,” said Pole.
He emphasized the need for sustainable farming practices and climate-resilient strategies to protect the region’s coconut industry.
Pole said coastal leaders need to prioritize the coconut value chain in its development agenda and invest and promote the adoption of drought and disease resistant coconut varieties, water conservation techniques, and new farming methods to improve coconut production.
He reiterated that revitalizing the coconut industry is not just a matter of economic interest but a strategic move to ensure food security and sustainable development in coastal counties.
He urged the county governments in the coastal region to work together in creating an enabling environment for coconut farming.
Pole said the counties should ensure access to improved seedlings, and invest in modern processing facilities to make the sector competitive.
He also urged farmers to embrace technology and adopt modern coconut varieties to enhance yields and improve the quality of their produce.
Pole said that the use of advanced farming techniques and high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties could significantly boost productivity and help farmers compete in both local and international markets.
The officer noted that many existing coconut trees in the region are aged and of inferior varieties, which has greatly contributed to the decline in production.
He called for the replacement of old trees with improved varieties that are better suited to withstand climate challenges and produce higher yields.
Expressing his disappointment, Pole lamented that many farmers fail to take coconut farming seriously, often associating it with low-value products.
He criticized this mindset, saying it has hindered the growth of the sector and discouraged young people from venturing into coconut farming as a viable business.
“It’s unfortunate that many farmers view coconut trees as only suitable for producing cheap items such as brooms or firewood. This perception must change because the crop has the potential to transform lives and uplift entire communities if utilized properly,” said Pole.
He called on stakeholders to raise awareness about the economic opportunities available in coconut farming, particularly in value-added products such as virgin coconut oil, coconut milk, and eco-friendly packaging materials.
Pole also stressed the importance of public-private partnerships (PPPs) to attract funding for research and innovation.
He urged stakeholders to tap into global markets by adopting value addition and improving the quality of coconut products to meet international standards.
