Evolving Partnerships for Development: Transnational Agrarian Movement and Farmer Empowerment in the Philippines

This qualitative study explores the transformation of transnational agrarian movements, exemplified by the Federation of Independent Organizations in Rural Areas in Mindanao (UNORKA-Mindanao), into “partners for development.” It examines the influence of local socio-political factors on UNORKA’s farmer empowerment strategies in small-scale banana-growing communities in Davao del Norte from 2000 to 2023. The study aims to assess the extent to which these strategies facilitate farmer empowerment. In-depth interviews with four UNORKA officers, two government officials, and three associate farmer cooperatives reveal that UNORKA’s national campaigns for land distribution and land occupation tactics were crucial in enabling small-scale banana farmers to assert their rights to land and livelihoods. However, challenges related to legal claims and productive activities persist due to deeply rooted anti-reform sentiments among traditional authorities and local elites. This prompted UNORKA to redirect its initiatives toward capacity-building and rural development projects to support small farmers’ livelihoods. UNORKA’s experience underscores the significance of empowering small-scale banana farmers in the Philippines, whose livelihoods are intricately linked to the global agribusiness industry. The findings presented in this chapter contribute to the ongoing discussion on the role of civil society organizations in effective strategies for promoting land rights and social justice in agrarian contexts.