Indonesian cocoa farmers are collaborating with businesses to mitigate climate change impacts and financial challenges facing cocoa production. These partnerships facilitate better growing practices, financial support, and community cooperatives, ultimately leading to improved farmer livelihoods and crop yields.
Cocoa farmers in Indonesia are collaborating with businesses and organizations to combat the effects of climate change and financial instability, which have caused cocoa prices to reach an all-time high. Cocoa trees require specific environmental conditions and careful maintenance. Since they take five years to yield cocoa seeds, the impact of climate change—including hotter temperatures and erratic weather—has significantly affected yields and increased the prevalence of diseases and pests.
As a result, some farmers are diversifying their crops, exacerbating the supply shortage and driving cocoa prices up nearly threefold to about US$12,000 per ton by 2024. Indonesia ranks as the third-largest cocoa producer globally, behind Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana. To enhance farming practices and improve livelihoods, many farmers are forming partnerships with businesses and NGOs.
Farmer Tari Santoso exemplifies this collaborative approach as he works with the Indonesian chocolate maker Krakakoa. Since partnering with Krakakoa in 2016, Santoso has adopted improved farming practices such as pruning, grafting, and utilizing organic fertilizers. Furthermore, he implemented agroforestry techniques by integrating various crops, thereby promoting a healthier ecosystem.
Krakakoa, led by its founder and CEO Sabrina Mustopo, has provided training to over 1,000 cocoa farmers, along with financial assistance. The partnership has also facilitated the formation of a cooperative that offers low-interest loans to farmers, ensuring that funds remain within the community. This collaboration allows farmers to secure necessary loans from government banks by using guaranteed buyer agreements as collateral.
In conclusion, Indonesian cocoa farmers are actively addressing the challenges posed by climate change and rising costs through strategic partnerships with businesses like Krakakoa. These collaborations focus on enhancing agricultural practices, improving financial well-being, and establishing community support systems, which are vital for sustaining cocoa production in a changing climate.
Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com
