The lush equatorial regions of Indonesia and the Philippines are vital battlegrounds for rural farmers facing the dual challenges of climate change and economic instability. These areas, known for their vibrant ecosystems and agricultural productivity, are crucial to the global cacao supply chain. However, for local farmers whose livelihoods depend on cacao, these challenges are becoming increasingly severe, with market fluctuations and environmental threats diminishing the crop’s profitability.
In response, both Indonesia and the Philippines are leading the way in pioneering sustainable agroforestry practices, offering a blueprint for economic resilience and environmental sustainability. One such initiative is the Sustainable Farming in Tropical Asian Landscapes (SFITAL) project, which aims to revitalize cacao cultivation while addressing environmental and economic concerns. SFITAL integrates cacao with other crops such as coconut and banana, employing innovative farming techniques that benefit both the land and farmers.
SFITAL, funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and implemented by the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), is focused on improving cacao yields through sustainable practices. The project aims to connect smallholder farmers to global markets by promoting practices that balance economic needs with environmental preservation. In Indonesia’s North Luwu Regency, the initiative collaborates with local governments, the Rainforest Alliance, and global companies like MARS Incorporated to develop a cacao roadmap that revitalizes production without compromising ecological integrity.
The success of SFITAL is also rooted in its participatory approach, where the voices of farmers shape the project’s direction. Through platforms like “Farmers’ Chat” or “Cerita Obrolan Petani,” the project incorporates farmers’ insights and experiences, ensuring that interventions are scientifically sound, culturally appropriate, and practically applicable. This approach has led to innovative practices, such as the integration of coconut trees into cacao farms. Arwis, a farmer in Arusu Village, observed that coconuts protected cacao plants from yellowing and improved biodiversity, leading him to plant coconuts alongside his cacao. This diversification has significantly boosted his income, with coconuts now bearing fruit regularly and yielding up to 100 kg of copra.
Farmers like Arwis and Indotang, another participant in the SFITAL program, have embraced intercropping strategies to diversify their farm output and mitigate market volatility. Indotang, for example, began intercropping chili peppers between her cacao plants after seeing a decline in cacao yields. The peppers have proven to be more profitable, allowing her to earn up to IDR 500,000 per month, a vital supplement to her income.
These success stories highlight the importance of diversification and innovation in tropical agriculture. As farmers face unpredictable market trends and environmental pressures, these practices offer a way forward, ensuring that agriculture remains viable and vibrant.
In the Philippines, SFITAL partners with Kennemer Foods International to establish cacao-based agroforestry systems in Mindanao. This collaboration aims to scale sustainable value chains while integrating environmental conservation with economic viability. Through these efforts, SFITAL connects smallholder farmers to global supply chains, ensuring that sustainability benefits reach even the most remote areas.
Maria Teresa L. Guzman, a farmer from Barangay San Isidro Nabunturan in the Philippines, shares her experience of how integrated farming has been crucial to her survival. Her farm, which includes banana, coconut, and cacao, is a testament to the power of agroforestry. Similarly, in Davao de Oro, farmers like Liberato “Jun” Villahermosa Jr. have shifted towards agroecological practices, such as using organic mulches and diversifying plant species, to improve crop health and soil quality.
Through projects like SFITAL, the cacao sectors in Indonesia and the Philippines are experiencing a revival. By blending modern agricultural techniques with traditional knowledge, enhancing ecological sustainability, and connecting farmers to international markets, SFITAL is transforming cacao cultivation and ensuring that farming communities thrive despite global challenges. These farmers are not just surviving; they are flourishing, sowing seeds of hope and sustainability for future generations.
