ICOPED Research Broadens Understanding of Gender and Collective Action in Philippine Dairy

The Institute for Cooperatives and Bio-Enterprise Development (ICOPED) presented the findings of its DOST-PCAARRD-funded project, “The Role of Gender and Collective Action in Unlocking the Potential of the Philippine Dairy Industry,” during a project review held via Zoom on September 22, 2026. 

Assistant Professor Maria Theresa M. Castro, the Project Leader, led the presentation of the project findings. The review brought together the project team, representatives from DOST-PCAARRD, and external evaluators, including Dr. Glory Dee Romo of the University of the Philippines Mindanao and Dr. Melanie Tolentino of Central Luzon State University. The review assessed the project’s accomplishments, outputs, and responses to recommendations from the Midterm Review as the project moves toward its scheduled completion on September 30, 2026. 


The study found that women and men perform distinct yet critical roles across the cooperative dairy value chain. Beyond the economic dimensions commonly emphasized in the literature, the study examined the sociological dimensions of cooperative participation, including gender roles, decision-making authority, agency, and leadership. It explored how participation in cooperatives may shape the voice, influence, and leadership opportunities of women and men dairy farmers.


The findings showed both convergence and divergence with existing literature on gender roles in agricultural value chains. While some findings reflected established patterns of gendered division of labor, others revealed differences in women’s participation, responsibilities, and decision-making within the cooperative dairy context. The study highlights the importance of examining cooperative participation not only in terms of economic roles but also in relation to decision-making authority, agency, and leadership among women and men dairy farmers.
The Terminal Review concluded with recommendations for refining the project report and identified opportunities for a possible Project Phase 2 building on the project’s findings and lessons. 
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#ICOPED #UPLB #DairyCooperatives #PhilippineDairy #GenderAndDevelopment #GenderInAgriculture #CollectiveAction #CooperativeDevelopment #DOSTPCAARRD

MTMCastro, MPASCurioso, & KIHDuhapa