Introducing climate-smart cocoa farming among smallholders for ecosystem-based adaptation in Lampung Province, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Preferred by Nature has partnered with Rikolto Indonesia to implement the project ”Introducing climate-smart cocoa farming among smallholders for ecosystem-based adaptation in Lampung Province, South Sumatra, Indonesia“ under the Danish Civil Society in Development (CISU) fund.
The project aims to support on-farm and landscape-level ecosystem-based climate change adaptation approaches to provide long-term adaptation benefits, specifically in three targeted regencies in Lampung Province.
1. Climate change impact:
- Increasingly erratic rainfall patterns and longer dry seasons in Southern Sumatra threaten cocoa production.
- Rising temperatures and humidity levels contribute to increased incidences of pests and diseases.
2. Limited knowledge and awareness:
- Farmers have limited awareness and technical capacity to adopt climate-smart and agroforestry practices.
- Extension services traditionally promote monoculture farming, which depletes soil fertility and increases vulnerability to climate change.
3. Financial barriers:
- Farmers lack access to financial resources for investing in sustainable farming and business diversification.
- The perceived high costs of transitioning to agroforestry discourage adoption among smallholders.
4. Market access and policy gaps:
- Sustainable cocoa production is not widely recognized in markets, limiting economic incentives for farmers.
- Weak policy enforcement and a lack of incentives from authorities to promote climate adaptation strategies.
5. Socio-economic constraints:
- Aging farmer populations and youth migration to urban areas reduce the labour force available for cocoa farming.
- Gender inequalities limit women's participation in farm decision-making and in business development.
The project targeted 3300 trained smallholder farmers, an 800 ha agroforestry farm and 9000 shade trees distributed, all focused on three regencies: East Lampung, West Lampung and Tanggamus.
1. Promote climate-smart farming practices:
- Introduce agroforestry and climate-smart cocoa farming techniques to smallholder farmers to increase resilience to climate change.
- Diversify income sources, particularly for women and youth, by leveraging new production systems and linking them to premium 'green' markets.
2. Strengthen ecosystem-based adaptation:
- Establish an advocacy framework through the Cocoa Sustainability Partnership to support adaptation measures at both the on-farm and landscape levels.
- Encourage policy support for ecosystem-based adaptation approaches to ensure long-term sustainability.
3. Enhance farmer capacity and financial inclusion:
- Train farmers in sustainable farming practices and provide structured approaches to agricultural business development.
- Equip farmers with the necessary tools to access finance and premium markets for climate-resilient cocoa production.
4. Advocate for policy change and support:
- Engage stakeholders at multiple levels to create an enabling environment for climate adaptation in cocoa farming.
- Influence national and local policies to prioritize climate adaptation investments.
The cornerstone of the CISU Climate Change Adaptation Modality ( CCAM) Climate-smart cocoa project is the implementation of climate-smart agroforestry (CSA) practices among cocoa farmers. These practices aim to fortify cocoa cultivation against climate-related challenges such as fluctuating weather patterns and rising pest outbreaks. By integrating innovative farming techniques, the project aims not only to boost crop yields but also to enhance soil health, whilereducing the ecological footprint of cocoa farming, and setting a precedent for future agricultural practices. All this is embedded in a thorough landscape analysis, led by Preferred by Nature , to understand the physical, environmental, social, and cultural characteristics of the Lampung Province. The project has started in July 2023 to June 2026 (36 months).
A pivotal aspect of the project is the incorporation of agroforestry, which integrates agricultural and forestry practices. This method not only boosts farm productivity and sustainability but alsosupports biodiversity and facilitates carbon sequestration. It represents a harmonious balance between cultivation and environmental conservation, offering a sustainable land-use model that benefits both farmers and the ecosystem.
The project places significant emphasis on empowering women and youth in cocoa farming communities. Recognizing their indispensable role in agriculture, the initiative provides specialized training and resources to help diversify their income , fostering resilient communities with a vested interest in sustainable farming.
Additionally, the project is pioneering the concept of connecting sustainable, climate-smart cocoa production to 'green' premium markets. This innovative market linkage ensures that farmers practicing sustainable methods are fairly compensated, encouraging environmental stewardship and creating a sustainable value chain that benefits farmers, consumers and the planet.
In conclusion, the CCAM CSC in Lampung Province is a beacon of hope and innovation. It shows how integrated approaches to agriculture, community empowerment, and environmental conservation can build a sustainable and resilient future. This initiative stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, vision, and sustainable practices in crafting a better world for all.
Project Details:
Title
Introducing climate-smart cocoa farming among smallholders for ecosystem-based adaptation in Lampung Province, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Hafizh Mulia
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