Project Overview
Once a cornerstone of the livelihoods of the people of Hulhudhoo and Meedhoo, coconut cultivation had drastically declined over the years, leading to the need to import coconuts even for local consumption. Nalafehi Meedhoo initiated the Coconut Cultivation Revival Project in 2021 with the support of UNDP's GEF Small Grants Programme to address this issue and rejuvenate coconut farming traditions.
Key Highlights
Objective
Revive coconut cultivation and reintroduce it as a source of livelihood for local communities.
Implementation
- Distributed 2,000 hybrid high-yielding seed coconuts to local farmers and households.
- Conducted awareness sessions to showcase the economic and environmental benefits of coconut farming.
- 90% of the palms were grown by local households and farmers on their own land, ensuring that the proceeds belonged directly to them.
- 10% of the palms were planted and maintained by Nalafehi Meedhoo itself.
Importance and Benefits
- Economic Empowerment: Provided households with an opportunity to generate income through coconut sales.
- Sustainability: Encouraged self-sufficiency and reduced dependency on coconut imports.
- Community Engagement: Strengthened the bond between the community and traditional farming practices.
Results
2,000
Seed coconuts distributed
58%
Germination rate recorded
90%
Healthy development in NM-managed palms
The project was successfully completed in 2024, laying a strong foundation for future coconut cultivation efforts.
