Butuan, Philippines

“AgriBoost will enable a more secure livelihood for the disadvantaged farmers and other value chain players by improving the system of backward and forward linkages of resource and market accessibility of our agri sector.” Mayor Ronnie Vicente "RCL" C. Lagnada
Strengthening local food production
Butuan faces high rates of hunger and food insecurity, in part because of challenges around local food production. In response, the city is launching “AgriBOOST,” an effort to fine-tune an ineffective agricultural market by giving farmers predictive data to make better decisions about the type and quantity of crops to plant, by fixing some commodity prices to reduce the risk on vegetables and high-demand foods, and by engaging consumers and business organizations for additional support.

Photo: Gerald Rago
“AgriBoost is a blessing from God,” says farmer Lydia Aparri. There are hopes the program will help reduce the price of fresh food all over the Philippines and make cities less reliant on imported food.