Empowering Cocoa Farmers through Agroforestry

Cocoa production faces numerous social and environmental challenges across productive landscapes. In response to these challenges, MDLZ and PUR have been collaborating since 2020 and transforming around 1,900 hectares of cocoa farms into agroforestry systems in Southeast Sulawesi. This initiative is a key part of the global Cocoa Life Program in Indonesia, designed to help enhance the resilience of cocoa farms and farmers, diversify livelihoods, and protect and restore forests.

Key Objectives of the Program

• Strengthening Cocoa Farm Resilience: The program aims to bolster the resilience of cocoa plantations and farmers against environmental and economic shocks.
• Diversifying Farm Resources: It offers alternative resources at the farm level to ensure sustainable livelihood diversification.

• Raising Environmental Awareness: The initiative encourages environmental awareness, linking farm practices to broader environmental impacts to protect the landscape.

Promoting Gender Equality in Cocoa Agroforestry Projects

An essential aspect of this program is the involvement of women. Women share equal responsibility with men on the farm and are trained to possess the knowledge required to build impactful agroforestry projects. Over 500 of the participating farmers of the program are women, actively contributing to the economic and ecological progress of their communities.

“With this program, I am hoping for extra-economic results. As for the environment, I hope the plants can protect us from floods and landslides on the farms. The farms here are prone to landslides due to their hilly terrain. I am grateful for this program. I can expand my knowledge and gain insights.”

– Sri Bulan, Cocoa Life registered farmer

Capacity Building for Long-Term Impact: Restoring Soil and Generating Income through Training and Support

One of the hurdles in cocoa agroforestry is the lack of awareness among producers about the benefits of ecosystems for agriculture. Many farmers find it challenging to look beyond immediate needs to understand the long-term advantages of agroforestry.

To tackle this issue, PUR’s local teams provide regular education and training sessions. These sessions aim to maximize the project’s impact through both short-term and long-term training, ensuring sustainable tree maintenance.

At PUR we believe trainings are key to develop long term and impactful cocoa projects. Since the inception of the with PUR in Southeast Sulawesi,  over 2,000 farmers have been trained to implement agroforestry projects for cocoa. More than 75,000 trees have been distributed across Southeast Sulawesi, transforming around 1,900  hectares of cocoa farms into agroforestry systems with 19 different species. Moreover, to build resilience, the program supports soil restoration and generates extra income for farmers by planting various agroforestry trees, including durian, avocado, and mahogany. This approach not only enhances soil health but also provides additional revenue streams for the farmers.

Please note that some figures in the video reflect the initial stages of the project and may differ from our updated metrics shared above.

Partnering to Build Resilience through Supply Chain Linked Interventions

Through the Cocoa Life Program, MDLZ and PUR aim to empower cocoa communities every step of the way. By integrating more sustainable practices, promoting gender equality, and providing important education, the program not only addresses immediate agricultural challenges but also builds a foundation for long-term success and environmental stewardship. Together, we are making progress towards more sustainable and resilient cocoa production, helping to ensure that both the land and the communities who depend on it thrive.