How Climate Change is Harming Ternate’s Clove Farms: A Deep Dive into Environmental Challenges

Colonial powers once aimed to eliminate the clove trees grown by local farmers on Ternate Island to protect their monopoly over this valuable spice. Fast forward to today, and farmers face a new enemy: climate change.

Farmer Jauhar Mahmud, aged 61, shares his concerns. "Rain is heavy now," he says. "It’s good for planting, but it’s never predictable for harvest.” The erratic weather creates challenges, leaving farmers in doubt about their yields.

Jauhar’s clove tree, nestled on the lush slopes of Mount Gamalama, used to thrive, producing up to 30 kilograms of clove buds in a great season. These buds are not just prized for their flavor—they’re also used in medicines, perfumes, and food. Yet, the precise climate conditions they need are becoming harder to maintain.

Recent statistics from the Food and Agriculture Organization reveal a troubling trend. Over the last two decades, Indonesia’s clove yields have varied widely, often more so than its competitors. In 2023, yields were nearly 25% lower than their peak in 2010. This decline highlights the growing challenges farmers face.

The unpredictable weather patterns not only affect the harvest but also the prices. Currently, clove prices fluctuate between $5.30 and $7.40 per kilogram, complicating the farmers’ efforts to plan and sustain their livelihoods.

Experts warn that climate change threatens agricultural stability across the globe. As researchers from the International Center for Tropical Agriculture note, “Farmers are adapting, but without sufficient support, many will struggle to cope with these shifts.”

In summary, the vibrant history of cloves is now intertwined with the urgent challenges posed by climate change. Ternate’s farmers, like Jauhar, represent a resilient community facing an uncertain future. As the climate crisis worsens, the crops they depend on become increasingly at risk.

For more insights on climate impacts on farming, you can refer to credible sources like the World Meteorological Organization here.

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