The sound of a chainsaw echoes through the forest as farmers gather around a cocoa tree laden with red seed pods. With a careful cut, a branch falls to the ground. “This helps the tree grow new fruit,” says farmer Tari Santoso, smiling.
Life is changing for thousands of cocoa farmers in Indonesia. Climate change and insufficient investment have pushed cocoa prices to new highs, which makes growing this precious crop even more challenging.
Cocoa trees thrive in very specific conditions near the equator. They need stable temperatures, the right humidity, and plenty of sunlight. It takes about five years for a cocoa tree to start producing seeds, the source of chocolate and many other delicious treats.
Unfortunately, climate change is taking its toll. Rising temperatures reduce yields, while longer rainy seasons create ideal conditions for pests and diseases. Farmers are facing unpredictable weather, which complicates their lives.
In response to these challenges, many farmers are switching to other crops, further decreasing cocoa supplies and driving up prices. In 2024, cocoa prices soared to nearly $12,000 per ton, nearly tripling from previous levels. This rise in cost is leading some chocolate manufacturers to explore growing cocoa in labs.
Indonesia is the third-largest cocoa producer globally, following Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. To combat difficulties, farmers are teaming up with businesses and NGOs to improve their farming methods and enhance their livelihoods.
In South Sumatra, just a few kilometers from a national park home to Sumatran tigers and rhinos, farmer Santoso partners with Krakakoa, an Indonesian chocolate company. Since they began collaborating in 2016, he has adopted better practices. This includes regular pruning, grafting new branches, using organic fertilizers, and implementing agroforestry techniques that integrate other crops like bananas and coffee with his cocoa.
“It wasn’t very successful before I met Krakakoa,” Santoso explains. “But now, we’ve received training and things are much better.”
Krakakoa has already trained over 1,000 cocoa farmers, offering financial support along the way. Their partnership has led to the creation of a cooperative that provides low-interest loans, allowing farmers to reinvest in their communities rather than paying high bank fees. This teamwork enables farmers who need larger loans from government-owned banks to secure them by showcasing guaranteed buyer agreements as collateral, according to Armin Hari from the Cocoa Sustainability Partnership.
In addition to these cooperative efforts, there are promising developments in cocoa research. A new variety developed through a collaboration between Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency and Mars can produce more pods per tree, which addresses both yield and quality concerns.
However, there are still hurdles to clear. Many young farmers see cocoa farming as less profitable and are turning to palm oil instead. Access to loans remains a significant barrier for many small-scale farmers.
Rajendra Aryal, the FAO’s country director for Indonesia, acknowledges these challenges but remains optimistic. “If we can address the major issues these farmers face, this sector could again be very attractive,” he states. “Despite the challenges in Indonesia, I see opportunities ahead.”
The journey of cocoa farming in Indonesia exemplifies resilience amid adversity. By fostering partnerships and improving practices, farmers like Santoso are finding new pathways to sustainability and success, ultimately contributing to a thriving chocolate industry.
Check out this related article: Unveiling the Alarming Truth Behind Climate Chaos: What You Need to Know
Source linkenvironment,asia,climate-change,food-drink
