Abstract
Women are integral to the coconut value chain but often face structural barriers hindering their economic empowerment. Addressing these barriers is essential for sustainable development. This study systematically reviews barriers to and strategies for promoting women's economic empowerment in the coconut value chain, proposing actionable indicators for measuring progress. A systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA framework. A total of 15 studies were selected from 457 articles based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Key barriers identified include limited access to productive assets, restrictive social and cultural norms, and insufficient market information. Effective strategies encompass community-based enterprise development, access to market information, and targeted socio-political interventions. Indicators for empowerment measurement include resource ownership, decision-making participation, and market engagement. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive and inclusive policies to dismantle barriers and enable women's active participation in the coconut value chain. This framework can guide future interventions and research.
