Value Chain Analysis of Carpet Shell (Baduy) in the Province of Sorsogon, Philippines

Abstract

The study was designed to assess the value chains of carpet shell and identify areas for improvement. The sites covered were the municipalities along Sorsogon Bay, in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines. It employed the tracer methodology. Only the traders and fisherfolks connected to the concessionaires and exporters were selected as respondents. Primary data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires. Secondary data were used to establish a good understanding of the carpet shell industry. The highest volume of carpet shell catch occurred during December to April during the northeast monsoon (Amihan) and gradually declined from May to November during the southwest monsoon (Habagat) months. The Value Chain Maps reflected the fresh carpet for local market and for export market value chains, the two distinct marketing practices traced in the carpet shell industry. The actors in the two Value Chains are the fisherfolks, traders, concessionaires and exporters. The enablers are the fisherfolks’ organization, local government units (LGUs), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), City Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (CFARMC), and microfinance institutions. More value is created and captured by the traders while the fisherfolks have least gains. The value-added captured by the traders were higher in fresh carpet shells for the local market than the export market. The areas of improvement will provide solutions to the problems on the supply of carpet shell, pollution of Sorsogon Bay, market information, technology to preserve the quality of products, industry association, and basic researches on carpet shell under Sorsogon Bay condition.