Status of nipa industry: Insights to alternative futures

Abstract

New norms and sustainable futures in the changing times are among the challenges industries face today. This study was conceptualized to seek insights of alternative nipa industry futures using the Futures Triangle tool, thereby the study of the history and the present status in terms of problems and challenges of the industry were necessary. Mixed research methods were used and the grounded theory method was specific approach in determining the required conceptual framework anchored on the theories of Systems Management, New Time, and Futures Thinking, principles of marketing and management along with the tools of Future Triangles and Lean Six Sigma Results of the study established that the nipa industry in Panay, Capiz, Philippines, is more than a century industry. The problems of the industry were the low production of nipa shingles relative to land area; traditional production processes; declining number of weavers and nipa workers coupled with backward manpower skills. Markets had remained unchanged but challenged by the presence of new technologies and products; price mechanism dependent on buyers and the declining demand for nipa shingles as roofing and walling material. Benchmarks with Bulacan and Surigao del Sur,Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand, viable investment s and development options for the industry gave insights of industry’s alternative futures. Six alternative futures emerged: nipa sap/juice production and nipa-based food products; nipa syrup and sugar production; vinegar and wine production; traditional nipa thatching with ecotourism; and traditional nipa thatching with historical-cultural tourism; and biofuel.