Value chain analysis and business model development of the Rizal mango growers agriculture cooperative
Paper Details
Value chain analysis and business model development of the Rizal mango growers agriculture cooperative
Abstract
Agricultural cooperatives play a critical role in improving the productivity, market access, and economic resilience of smallholder farmers. Despite their importance, many cooperatives continue to experience operational inefficiencies that limit value creation and long-term competitiveness. This study analyzed the value chain of the Rizal Mango Growers Agriculture Cooperative (RMGAC) in Rizal, Cagayan, Philippines, using Porter’s Value Chain Analysis and developed a Business Model Canvas to translate operational findings into strategic business interventions. A qualitative descriptive case study was conducted using key informant interviews, field observations, and document review. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis and organized according to Porter’s primary and support activities. The findings identified several organizational strengths, including strong institutional partnerships, collective procurement, technical assistance, and active member participation. However, constraints such as inconsistent input availability, limited adoption of recommended orchard management practices, inadequate postharvest facilities, high transportation costs, and limited value-added processing continue to reduce product quality and profitability. Based on these findings, a Business Model Canvas was developed to guide strategic improvements through strengthened partnerships, improved production and postharvest management, market diversification, infrastructure development, and value-added processing. The study demonstrates that integrating Porter’s Value Chain Analysis with the Business Model Canvas provides a practical framework for converting operational assessment into strategic business planning. This integrated approach offers a useful decision-support tool for agricultural cooperatives seeking to improve competitiveness, organizational sustainability, and value creation in smallholder farming systems.
Anderson JR, Feder G. 2007. Agricultural extension. In: Evenson RE, Pingali PL, editors. Handbook of Agricultural Economics. Vol. 3. Elsevier, Amsterdam, Netherlands. p. 2343–2378.
Arah IK, Ahorbo GK, Anku EK, Kumah EK, Amaglo H. 2016. Postharvest handling practices and treatment methods for tomato handlers in developing countries. Food Science and Quality Management 52, 29–38.
Bijman J, Muradian R, Schuurman J. 2016. Cooperatives, Economic Democratization and Rural Development. Edward Elgar Publishing, Cheltenham, United Kingdom.
Bocken NMP, Boons F, Baldassarre B. 2019. Sustainable business model experimentation by understanding ecologies of business models. Journal of Cleaner Production 208, 1498–1512.
Braun V, Clarke V. 2006. Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology 3(2), 77–101.
Davis K, Swanson B, Amudavi D, Mekonnen DA, Flohrs A, Riese J, Lamb C, Zerfu E. 2012. In-depth Assessment of the Public Agricultural Extension System of Ethiopia and Recommendations for Improvement. International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, USA.
Department of Agriculture–Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DA-PCAARRD). 2023. Philippine Mango Industry Strategic Roadmap. Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines.
Digal LN, Briones RM, Elazegui DD. 2024. Competitiveness and sustainability of Philippine fruit value chains. Philippine Journal of Development 51(1), 45–67.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 2019. The State of Food and Agriculture 2019: Moving Forward on Food Loss and Waste Reduction. Rome, Italy.
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). 2023. Sustainable Food Value Chain Development: Guiding Principles. Rome, Italy.
Galvez LC, Molina AB, dela Cruz AR. 2022. Best management practices for improving mango productivity in the Philippines. Philippine Journal of Crop Science 47(2), 75–89.
Grönroos C. 2017. Relationship marketing readiness: Theoretical background and measurement directions. Journal of Services Marketing 31(3), 218–225.
International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). 2023. World Cooperative Monitor 2023. Brussels, Belgium.
Joyce A, Paquin RL. 2016. The triple layered business model canvas: A tool to design more sustainable business models. Journal of Cleaner Production 135, 1474–1486.
Kader AA. 2005. Increasing food availability by reducing postharvest losses of fresh produce. Acta Horticulturae 682, 2169–2176.
Kaplinsky R, Morris M. 2001. A Handbook for Value Chain Research. Institute of Development Studies, Brighton, United Kingdom.
Kitinoja L, Kader AA. 2015. Measuring Postharvest Losses of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables in Developing Countries. The Postharvest Education Foundation, La Pine, Oregon, USA.
Lincoln YS, Guba EG. 1985. Naturalistic Inquiry. Sage Publications, Beverly Hills, California, USA.
OECD, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 2025. OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025–2034. OECD Publishing, Paris, France.
Ortmann GF, King RP. 2007. Agricultural cooperatives I. History, theory and problems. Agrekon 46(1), 18–46.
Osterwalder A, Pigneur Y. 2010. Business Model Generation. John Wiley and Sons, Hoboken, New Jersey, USA.
Patton MQ. 2015. Qualitative Research and Evaluation Methods. 4th ed. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, California, USA.
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). 2024. Crops Statistics of the Philippines. Quezon City, Philippines.
Porter ME. 1985. Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance. Free Press, New York, USA.
Yin RK. 2018. Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. 6th ed. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, California, USA.
Macluven T. Gonzales, Diana O. Lim*, Karen Joy A. Abalos, 2026. Value chain analysis and business model development of the Rizal mango growers agriculture cooperative. J. Biodiv. Environ. Sci., 29(1), 186-198.
Copyright © 2026 by the Authors. This article is an open access article and distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license.