Indonesian cocoa farmers are collaborating with businesses and organizations to adapt to climate change and rising cocoa prices. Practices shared with companies like Krakakoa enhance farming sustainability. A cooperative model aids in providing loans, while efforts from various stakeholders offer hope for revitalizing cocoa viability amid ongoing challenges.
Cocoa farmers in Indonesia, such as Tari Santoso, are collaborating with businesses and organizations to combat the adverse effects of climate change and underinvestment that have inflated cocoa prices. Cocoa cultivation is demanding, requiring specific conditions and taking years to yield products. Due to climate change, farmers face challenges like increased temperatures and unpredictable weather, leading many to abandon cocoa for other crops, further diminishing supply and escalating prices.
As the third largest cocoa producer globally, Indonesia is facing a crisis, with cocoa prices surging nearly threefold to approximately US$12,000 per ton in 2024. In response, farmers are working together with companies and NGOs to improve agricultural practices. For instance, Santoso has implemented sustainable farming techniques with the assistance of Krakakoa, an Indonesian chocolate maker, enhancing crop health and diversifying income sources.
Krakakoa, founded by CEO Sabrina Mustopo, has trained over 1,000 farmers in better practices and provides essential financial support. Farmers, including Santoso, have established a cooperative that offers low-interest loans, helping them to secure funding through community initiatives rather than external banks. This cooperative model has proven beneficial for many, allowing farmers to invest in their cocoa while minimizing costs.
Various stakeholders, including government entities and NGOs, are aiding farmers to adapt to climate change, with initiatives such as the collaborative development of a new cocoa variant that yields more pods. However, challenges persist, such as dwindling interest in cocoa farming and difficulties for smallholders in accessing loans. Despite these obstacles, FAO’s country director for Indonesia, Rajendra Aryal, remains optimistic about future opportunities through sustained collaboration.
Overall, the concerted efforts between farmers and various organizations are essential in addressing both the current challenges and long-term sustainability in Indonesia’s cocoa sector, potentially reinstating the crop’s attractiveness to farmers in the region.
In summary, Indonesian cocoa farmers are actively facing the impacts of climate change by partnering with businesses and NGOs to adopt better agricultural practices and secure financial support. While challenges such as reduced interest in cocoa farming and loan accessibility remain, initiatives are in place that could revitalize the industry. The ongoing collaboration among stakeholders holds promise for a sustainable and profitable future for cocoa farming in Indonesia.
Original Source: www.local10.com
