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Cocoa Farmers in Indonesia Team Up with Businesses to Combat Climate Change

Cocoa farmers in Indonesia are partnering with businesses to address climate change’s adverse effects and secure better economic outcomes. Increased cocoa prices have driven farmers to adopt improved practices and seek financial support, fostering community cooperation and resilience against climate-related challenges.

In Tanjung Rejo, Indonesia, cocoa farmers are collaborating with businesses and organizations to combat the adverse effects of climate change and capitalize on record cocoa prices. Cocoas trees, which thrive near the equator, require a meticulous balance of temperature, humidity, and sunlight, taking five years to yield seeds for cocoa production.

Climate change exacerbates challenges for these farmers; rising temperatures diminish crop yields, while extended rainy seasons foster fungi and pests. Unpredictable weather patterns compel farmers to diversify their crops, further straining cocoa supplies and inflating prices, which nearly tripled to around US$12,000 per ton in 2024. This surge in prices has prompted some chocolate producers to explore laboratory-grown cocoa alternatives.

Indonesia ranks as the third-largest cocoa producer globally, following Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana. As a response to the ongoing crisis, local farmers are forming partnerships with businesses and NGOs to enhance agriculture practices and improve their economic conditions.

Farmer Tari Santoso works closely with the Indonesian chocolate company Krakakoa. After joining forces in 2016, he utilized improved agricultural techniques, such as regular pruning and integrating organic fertilizers. Additionally, he incorporated agroforestry methods, integrating crops like bananas and coffee.

“It wasn’t very successful before we met Krakakoa,” Santoso stated. “But then, we received training … things are much better.” Krakakoa has reportedly trained over 1,000 Indonesian cocoa farmers and offers financial assistance.

Through cooperative efforts, farmers are sharing resources, providing low-interest loans among themselves, and strengthening their community. Furthermore, partnerships with companies like Krakakoa can offer farmers collateral necessary for securing larger loans from government-funded banks, as explained by Armin Hari from the Cocoa Sustainability Partnership.

In summary, cocoa farmers in Indonesia are actively countering climate change challenges through collaboration with businesses and NGOs. Enhanced agricultural practices, financial support, and community cooperation are crucial in navigating the complexities of climate impacts and market fluctuations. Successful training programs and partnerships illustrate the potential for sustainable cocoa farming in the face of adversity.

Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com

Victor Reyes

Victor Reyes is a respected journalist known for his exceptional reporting on urban affairs and community issues. A graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, Victor has dedicated his career to highlighting local stories that often go unnoticed by mainstream media. With over 16 years in the field, he possesses an extraordinary talent for capturing the essence of the neighborhoods he covers, making his work deeply relevant and impactful.

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