As a result, both of the project's oil mills and its nata de coco processing enterprise operated intermittently throughout the year. In addition, the recession that has besieged Southeast Asia has led to increased production and labor costs, while competition for raw materials has also intensified as new traders have entered the industry. Nationwide meeting held to discuss production issues. Participants analyzed the problems and constraints facing small-scale coconut processing enterprises and formulated new strategies to ensure enterprise sustainability. Small-scale coconut farmers and processors attended, as well as representatives from NGOs, governmental agencies, research institutions, and the private sector.
More working capital is needed.
Production was hindered by shortages of working capital among local enterprises. The project also helped the two oil mills and the nata de coco processing enterprise prepare loan requests for additional funds to bridge the gap until the raw material supply improves. The importance of linkages with regional and national NGOs. EnterpriseWorks found that working with provincial-level NGOs in this setting provides only limited replication opportunities and that these smaller organizations also generally require more technical assistance from the project. Private sector involvement provides marketing benefits.