This system offers more water, which is essential during summer dry spells. This agroforestry approach has increased the average yield per tree from 40 to 90 coconuts. Coconut and fiber hauling efficiency improved with the addition of a truck provided by Mercedes-Benz, which is the community's only transportation. The production process basically includes saturating coconut fibers with latex, then molding and drying the mix in a kiln to form a mat. The mat is cut into pieces, which are placed in a headrest or sun-visor mold.
More latex is applied and the clamped mold again is placed into the kiln to dry.
After removal from the kiln, the mold is unclamped and the part removed. Excess is cut from the part, then edges are smoothed with a belt sander. About 4,500 headrest and 1,000 sun visors are produced monthly at the facility. On a bittersweet note, the electrical power system is being overburdened because families are enjoying conveniences such as refrigerators and TVs. One resident said a decade ago only one family in the community owned a TV, and it was battery operated.