Cocoa farmers in Indonesia are collaborating with businesses and NGOs to address climate change impacts on cocoa production. These partnerships aim to enhance agricultural practices, improve income, and form cooperatives for financial support. Despite challenges, there is optimism for the cocoa sector’s future in Indonesia as farmers adapt to new methods and seek sustainable solutions.
In Tanjung Rejo, Indonesia, cocoa farmers, led by Tari Santoso, are actively combating the adverse effects of climate change through collaborations with businesses and organizations. These partnerships aim to safeguard crops and improve income amidst rising cocoa prices, which reached nearly $12,000 per ton in 2024 due to climate-induced challenges. Cocoa trees require specific climatic conditions and the industry’s high maintenance needs make farmers susceptible to climate instability, necessitating adaptive strategies.
Due to the severe impacts of climate change, farmers are diversifying their crops, which further diminishes cocoa supply and escalates prices. Indonesia ranks third globally in cocoa production, following Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana, prompting local farmers to join forces with businesses like Krakakoa and NGOs to enhance cultivation methods and increase agricultural resilience.
Since partnering with Krakakoa in 2016, Santoso has adopted better farming practices, including pruning, grafting, and the use of organic fertilizers. By integrating various crops, like bananas and coffee, into their operations through agroforestry, farmers are creating healthier ecosystems and alternate income sources. Santoso acknowledges the significant improvement in farming success due to the support and training provided by Krakakoa.
Krakakoa has trained over 1,000 cocoa farmers, as highlighted by founder Sabrina Mustopo. The cooperative formed by farmers in Sumatra has established a system for low-interest loans, fostering community investment rather than relying wholly on external financial institutions. This model also assists in facilitating larger loans from government banks by providing necessary collateral through guaranteed buyer agreements.
The Cocoa Sustainability Partnership emphasizes broad collaboration, with multiple stakeholders working alongside farmers to address the climatic challenges, resulting in improvements across the cocoa sector. Notably, partnerships are leading to developments like new cocoa variants that enhance pod production.
Despite overcoming some obstacles, significant challenges persist. Rajendra Aryal from the FAO notes a decline in the perception of cocoa as a profitable endeavor, with some farmers opting for crops like palm oil. Continued efforts in collaboration are pivotal for the future of cocoa farming in Indonesia. Aryal remains optimistic about the sector’s prospects, advocating for strategic solutions to enhance farming appeal and sustainability.
In summary, Indonesian cocoa farmers are working closely with businesses and NGOs to counteract the impacts of climate change on cocoa production. By adopting improved agricultural practices, forming cooperatives, and leveraging financial support, farmers like Santoso are beginning to rejuvenate their crops and livelihoods. Despite ongoing challenges, the combined efforts of various stakeholders present a hopeful path for the future of cocoa farming in Indonesia, indicating an attractive opportunity for farmers willing to adapt and innovate.
Original Source: www.local10.com
