Production index of cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) in the Municipality of New Lucena, Iloilo using geographic information system (GIS)

Abstract

Cacao stands as one of the most valuable export commodities and high-value crops globally. Western Visayas, specifically the municipality of New Lucena, has committed to participate in nationwide initiatives aimed at boosting the production capacity of the cacao sector and exploring prospects and avenues for its advancement. This research is focused on the utilization of Geographic Information System (GIS) to create a digital map for the purpose of locating various cacao plantations within New Lucena, as well as identifying their spatial pattern distribution and determining the annual production index. A total of 23 cacao cultivators from New Lucena participated in this study, as the researcher established a minimum of 20 trees per grower. The locations of the cacao plantations were identified by geocoding addresses with Geocamera, processing photo metadata with Geosetter, defining boundaries on Google Earth Pro, and analyzing and mapping geospatial data with GIS. The findings indicate that cacao plantations are located in four barangays of New Lucena, namely Brgy. Wari-wari, Brgy. Cabilauan, Brgy. Badiang, and Brgy. Bilidan. The annual cocoa bean production in these areas amounts to 24,375 kg, 9,422 kg, 1,125 kg, and 3,225 kg, respectively. Overall, the municipality reports a total 4,000 trees with an annual production of 34,992 kg. Moreover, an analysis of the spatial pattern distribution was conducted, revealing that cacao plantation areas in New Lucena, Iloilo, exhibit a clustered distribution. These findings can be used for science-based decisions for promoting the emerging cacao industry in the Province of Iloilo.