This study addresses the systemic exclusion of smallholder farmers and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from carbon markets due to high entry costs, technical complexity, and centralized verification systems. It proposes Agrabah Carbon+, a localized emissions accounting and offset platform integrating a Local Government Unit (LGU)-anchored Net-Zero Policy Framework, a simplified Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) protocol, and a community-based accreditation mechanism. Using a design science research approach with a mixed-methods framework, a 45-day pilot involving 20 smallholder seaweed farms was conducted. Platform-generated datasets captured biomass production and operational fuel use to estimate net carbon removal. Results demonstrate that localized MRV can reliably convert farm-level data into verifiable net carbon removal units. Under a standardized scenario, 10,000 kilograms of dried Kappaphycus alvarezii generated approximately 11.01 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) in net removals. Expert validation further confirmed high feasibility across policy, technical, and governance dimensions. The study concludes that decentralized carbon accounting systems provide a more inclusive, scalable, and operationally feasible alternative to conventional voluntary carbon markets while supporting community-based climate mitigation and local economic development.
Joselito R. Ocol Jr. (Wed,) studied this question.