success stories #2...Soppeng, South Sulawesi Haji Harianto HAJI HARIANTO (31) is a successful young cocoa entrepreneur from Ujung village, Soppeng district, South Sulawesi. Among his

the the the the SuccessSuccessSuccessSuccess

Stories

swisscontact

Next Generation Cocoa Farmer

Cocoa production sustainability has become a great concern in the world today. With the many challenges aggravate cocoa productivity such as pests, diseases, ageing trees, and cocoa farm conversion to other commodities or urbanization, many farmers give a second thought to continue their production. On one hand, the challenges led to low productivity and low income to the farmers. On the other hand, ageing farmers is also a hampering fact surrounding cocoa sector sustainability. In most of cocoa producer countries, including Indonesia, farmer average age is 50 years old. These situations coupled with the unappealing rural setting, where most cocoa farm located, have created an unattractive image of the cocoa sector for youths today.

Swisscontact in collaboration with Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Switzerland State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) is implementing Sustainable Cocoa Production Program (SCPP). The program is also implemented in partnership with ADM Cocoa, Armajaro, Barry Callebaut, Cargill, Ecom, MARS and Nestlé.

SCPP provides capacity buildings for farmers through various modules

derived from the organization's best practices. Farmers are capacitated in good agricultural practice, farm management, certication, better nutrition intake, nancial literacy, access to nancial institution, and link to fair market price. Among SCPP's thousands of beneciaries, young farmers have been given attention. As result, they are initiating changes in their farms and communities.

This booklet highlights the success of young SCPP beneciaries through their profound testimonies. Young farmers are now able to increase their cocoa productivity by applying SCPP's tested methods they obtained during Farmer Field School. Furthermore, the nutrition training has brought folds of benet to their households. Not only that they enhanced household's nutritional status, it also instituted additional income through vegetables trading.

All stories are compiled from the elds and featured in “Coklat Kakao Cocoa 2nd Edition” with hope that they transmit motivation to other farmers to follow the successful trail of SCPP outstanding farmers. And also spark inspiration for young generation to start cocoa farming. SCPP sought to be part of the solutions to improve farmer's livelihood and help in securing the sustainability of national cocoa and the future of overall cocoa sector.

Foreword

Haji Harianto (31),page#1

Halmi (32),page#3

Muhammad Takdir (30),page#5

Nuhariani (31),page#7

Sri Wahyuni (33),page#9

Musto (38),page#11

Nuridah (20),page#13

Asman (27),page#15

Cocoa production sustainability has become a great concern in the world today. With the many challenges aggravate cocoa productivity such as pests, diseases, ageing trees, and cocoa farm conversion to other commodities or urbanization, many farmers give a second thought to continue their production. On one hand, the challenges led to low productivity and low income to the farmers. On the other hand, ageing farmers is also a hampering fact surrounding cocoa sector sustainability. In most of cocoa producer countries, including Indonesia, farmer average age is 50 years old. These situations coupled with the unappealing rural setting, where most cocoa farm located, have created an unattractive image of the cocoa sector for youths today.

Swisscontact in collaboration with Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), Switzerland State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Sustainable Trade Initiative (IDH) is implementing Sustainable Cocoa Production Program (SCPP). The program is also implemented in partnership with ADM Cocoa, Armajaro, Barry Callebaut, Cargill, Ecom, MARS and Nestlé.

SCPP provides capacity buildings for farmers through various modules

derived from the organization's best practices. Farmers are capacitated in good agricultural practice, farm management, certication, better nutrition intake, nancial literacy, access to nancial institution, and link to fair market price. Among SCPP's thousands of beneciaries, young farmers have been given attention. As result, they are initiating changes in their farms and communities.

This booklet highlights the success of young SCPP beneciaries through their profound testimonies. Young farmers are now able to increase their cocoa productivity by applying SCPP's tested methods they obtained during Farmer Field School. Furthermore, the nutrition training has brought folds of benet to their households. Not only that they enhanced household's nutritional status, it also instituted additional income through vegetables trading.

All stories are compiled from the elds and featured in “Coklat Kakao Cocoa 2nd Edition” with hope that they transmit motivation to other farmers to follow the successful trail of SCPP outstanding farmers. And also spark inspiration for young generation to start cocoa farming. SCPP sought to be part of the solutions to improve farmer's livelihood and help in securing the sustainability of national cocoa and the future of overall cocoa sector.

Foreword

Haji Harianto (31),page#1

Halmi (32),page#3

Muhammad Takdir (30),page#5

Nuhariani (31),page#7

Sri Wahyuni (33),page#9

Musto (38),page#11

Nuridah (20),page#13

Asman (27),page#15

Soppeng, South SulawesiSoppeng, South SulawesiSoppeng, South SulawesiHaji Harianto

HAJI HARIANTO (31) is a successful young cocoa entrepreneur from Ujung village, Soppeng district, South Sulawesi. Among his fellow cocoa farmers, he is known as a very motivated and industrious young cocoa actor in the area. Not only he does cocoa trading, but also maintains his farm by himself. Driven by the thought to improve his farm productivity, Harianto signed up for farmer eld school facilitated by Swisscontact and Cargill in his village in June 2014.

“I was just thirteen years old when my parents taught me the traditional skills on cocoa cultivation. I was taught to treat cacao just like other trees, let them grow as high as possible. Back then, the yields were enough to afford my family daily needs. Even in 1998, when cocoa price hit its peak, my parents could send me to Mecca for the holy pilgrimage. A few years later, my parents inherited me their 3 hectares cocoa farms with about 900 cacao trees on each hectare.

But I was not satised with the annual production of my farm at around 600 kg per

hectare. It was an eye opener, I knew that I was lacking of knowledge and skills of cocoa cultivation that can help me to overcome challenges and increase my farm productivity”When Swisscontact and Cargill came to my village with an intervention program, I immediately joined with a group. The groups of farmers including myself received intensive on-and-off farm trainings to improve our cocoa productivity for a better economy.

Immediately after the training, I could gure out what was wrong in my farms. My cacao trees did not have enough nutrition supplies for a maximum growth. I made organic fertilizer from cocoa pod husks and organic wastes that piled and covered with plastic cover in a hole around the trees. After applying the organic fertilizer, I saw that my farm was better nourished. I also opted to use organic pesticide over the chemical ones and it was effective to reduce pest and disease attacks in my farm”he chemical ones and it was effective to reduce pest and disease attacks in my farm”

“Now my farms look much better, the cocoa leaves and pods are healthier than before. Moreover, I can reduce expenses for agricultural inputs thus increase my income. I thank Cargill and Swisscontact profusely for the valuable trainings. I am optimistic that my cocoa productivity can reach 800 kg per hectare per annum. I also hope that the cocoa price continues to hike and hit IDR 50.000 per kg. So farmers can again enjoy the sweet taste of growing world commodity. Certainly, it will inspire local youths to jointly promote cocoa farming for a better livelihood”

Good Treatment Equals to Good Cocoa

01 02

Soppeng, South SulawesiHaji Harianto

HAJI HARIANTO (31) is a successful young cocoa entrepreneur from Ujung village, Soppeng district, South Sulawesi. Among his fellow cocoa farmers, he is known as a very motivated and industrious young cocoa actor in the area. Not only he does cocoa trading, but also maintains his farm by himself. Driven by the thought to improve his farm productivity, Harianto signed up for farmer eld school facilitated by Swisscontact and Cargill in his village in June 2014.

“I was just thirteen years old when my parents taught me the traditional skills on cocoa cultivation. I was taught to treat cacao just like other trees, let them grow as high as possible. Back then, the yields were enough to afford my family daily needs. Even in 1998, when cocoa price hit its peak, my parents could send me to Mecca for the holy pilgrimage. A few years later, my parents inherited me their 3 hectares cocoa farms with about 900 cacao trees on each hectare.

But I was not satised with the annual production of my farm at around 600 kg per

hectare. It was an eye opener, I knew that I was lacking of knowledge and skills of cocoa cultivation that can help me to overcome challenges and increase my farm productivity”When Swisscontact and Cargill came to my village with an intervention program, I immediately joined with a group. The groups of farmers including myself received intensive on-and-off farm trainings to improve our cocoa productivity for a better economy.

Immediately after the training, I could gure out what was wrong in my farms. My cacao trees did not have enough nutrition supplies for a maximum growth. I made organic fertilizer from cocoa pod husks and organic wastes that piled and covered with plastic cover in a hole around the trees. After applying the organic fertilizer, I saw that my farm was better nourished. I also opted to use organic pesticide over the chemical ones and it was effective to reduce pest and disease attacks in my farm”he chemical ones and it was effective to reduce pest and disease attacks in my farm”

“Now my farms look much better, the cocoa leaves and pods are healthier than before. Moreover, I can reduce expenses for agricultural inputs thus increase my income. I thank Cargill and Swisscontact profusely for the valuable trainings. I am optimistic that my cocoa productivity can reach 800 kg per hectare per annum. I also hope that the cocoa price continues to hike and hit IDR 50.000 per kg. So farmers can again enjoy the sweet taste of growing world commodity. Certainly, it will inspire local youths to jointly promote cocoa farming for a better livelihood”

Good Treatment Equals to Good Cocoa

01 02

East Kolaka, South East Sulawesi

Halmi

Many Benets through SCPP and SERAP“I'd like to express my deep gratitude to ADM Cocoa and Swisscontact for all programs in my village. Many smallholder cocoa farmers have benefitted from practicing the techniques from field school. I also would like to thank Swisscontact and ADM Cocoa for the certification program. Now, my cocoa farm is one of 2,033 farms which granted with UTZ certification in East Kolaka. I am hopeful that in the near future I will enjoy the premium benefits of certified farms thus closer to a happy, healthy and wealthy life thru cocoa farming.”

HALMI (32), a gallant young man from Dangia in East Kolaka district in South East Sulawesi province is a successful cocoa farmer. Halmi is an alumnus of ADM Cocoa and Swisscontact farmer eld school in 2012. During the training, Halmi received various skills in on- and off farm management for a better cocoa productivity. Started with cultivating cocoa in a one hectare land, now he owns 4.5 hectare land, additionally bought from growing cocoa.

“I am new in cocoa farming. It has started in 2009, when I helped to maintain my family's one hectare land. Back then, our farm was one of those receiving support from government program. My parents asked me to rehabilitate our 900 ageing cocoa trees with side-grafting technique. Alas, production was still low due to my lack of knowledge and skills on farm maintenance with side-grafting trees. Of the one hectare we only produced a maximum 500 kg per year. Even with the selling price of IDR 20,000 at that time, the income was not decent.

I kept saying to myself that I need to improve my cocoa production. I was excited to hear that ADM Cocoa and Swisscontact facilitated farmer eld school in my village. I signed up instantaneously.

I was even selected as the group leader to oversee 30 cocoa farmers under 'Tani Makmur III' group. After the training, I routinely applied the recommended approaches in my farm. I thought growing

cocoa is not too hard, but not easy either. Especially after rehabilitation, regular maintenance is required as the tree growing. I went to my farm daily for controlling, pruning, cleaning, harvesting and other activities to keep my farm in a good shape. As a result, I can produce 1 - 1.3 tons per hectare per year. Now I am even more motivated to grow my cocoa and have expanded my cocoa farm to 4.5 hectares.

Further, the program's collaboration with ADM cocoa has helped to guarantee premium prices for fermented beans around 10% higher than the non-fermented. It motivates farmer to sell fermented beans. I think it's every cocoa farmer dream that their hard work pays off with a higher price of cocoa beans.

I also grow coconut trees in between my cacao trees. This technique was introduced in the eld school to avoid the cacao trees from too much sunlight. It brings two-fold benets for us. Besides as shade trees, the coconut also provides additional income for my family, particularly during cocoa low-season.

The program also provides nutrition training for cocoa farming household. The training encourages us to cultivate vegetables in our home garden for a reliable food provision. Now, we can improve our nutritional status through an improved understanding of balanced diet and bring extra income through vegetables selling”.

03 04

East Kolaka, South East Sulawesi

Halmi

Many Benets through SCPP and SERAP“I'd like to express my deep gratitude to ADM Cocoa and Swisscontact for all programs in my village. Many smallholder cocoa farmers have benefitted from practicing the techniques from field school. I also would like to thank Swisscontact and ADM Cocoa for the certification program. Now, my cocoa farm is one of 2,033 farms which granted with UTZ certification in East Kolaka. I am hopeful that in the near future I will enjoy the premium benefits of certified farms thus closer to a happy, healthy and wealthy life thru cocoa farming.”

HALMI (32), a gallant young man from Dangia in East Kolaka district in South East Sulawesi province is a successful cocoa farmer. Halmi is an alumnus of ADM Cocoa and Swisscontact farmer eld school in 2012. During the training, Halmi received various skills in on- and off farm management for a better cocoa productivity. Started with cultivating cocoa in a one hectare land, now he owns 4.5 hectare land, additionally bought from growing cocoa.

“I am new in cocoa farming. It has started in 2009, when I helped to maintain my family's one hectare land. Back then, our farm was one of those receiving support from government program. My parents asked me to rehabilitate our 900 ageing cocoa trees with side-grafting technique. Alas, production was still low due to my lack of knowledge and skills on farm maintenance with side-grafting trees. Of the one hectare we only produced a maximum 500 kg per year. Even with the selling price of IDR 20,000 at that time, the income was not decent.

I kept saying to myself that I need to improve my cocoa production. I was excited to hear that ADM Cocoa and Swisscontact facilitated farmer eld school in my village. I signed up instantaneously.

I was even selected as the group leader to oversee 30 cocoa farmers under 'Tani Makmur III' group. After the training, I routinely applied the recommended approaches in my farm. I thought growing

cocoa is not too hard, but not easy either. Especially after rehabilitation, regular maintenance is required as the tree growing. I went to my farm daily for controlling, pruning, cleaning, harvesting and other activities to keep my farm in a good shape. As a result, I can produce 1 - 1.3 tons per hectare per year. Now I am even more motivated to grow my cocoa and have expanded my cocoa farm to 4.5 hectares.

Further, the program's collaboration with ADM cocoa has helped to guarantee premium prices for fermented beans around 10% higher than the non-fermented. It motivates farmer to sell fermented beans. I think it's every cocoa farmer dream that their hard work pays off with a higher price of cocoa beans.

I also grow coconut trees in between my cacao trees. This technique was introduced in the eld school to avoid the cacao trees from too much sunlight. It brings two-fold benets for us. Besides as shade trees, the coconut also provides additional income for my family, particularly during cocoa low-season.

The program also provides nutrition training for cocoa farming household. The training encourages us to cultivate vegetables in our home garden for a reliable food provision. Now, we can improve our nutritional status through an improved understanding of balanced diet and bring extra income through vegetables selling”.

03 04

Majene, West Sulawesi

Muhammad Takdir

Keep Growing Cocoa

MUHAMMAD TAKDIR (30), is a young cocoa farmer from Ulidang village, Majene district, West Sulawesi. Like other children in the area, Takdir traditionally learnt cocoa farming skills from his parents and other members of the community. In 2013, together with other members of “Sinar Lemo-lemo” Cocoa Producer Group (CGP), he received intensive trainings through farmer eld school held by Nestlé and Swisscontact.

After graduated from high school in 2001, Takdir inherited a 0.5 hectare of cocoa farm from his parents. The farm was planted with 300 cacao trees only as the terrain is rocky and sloping. Prior to participating in eld school, Takdir did not know how to maintain his farm. With his insufcient knowledge, the cocoa tree in his farm grew as high as 4 meters. Takdir also improperly used inputs such as pesticides in large quantity to reduce pests and diseases. The application resulted to poor farm condition leading to a poor yield.

“Thankfully, Nestlé and Swisscontact came to our village with the eld school. The training provided us with topics in appropriate cocoa cultivation techniques for maintaining, rehabilitating, developing nursery, and managing pest, disease and post-harvest. Soon, I realized that what I did to my farm was incorrect. I immediately cut high branches for ease-maintenance and providing sun light to cacao trees. I used my homemade organic pesticides to reduce the chemical inputs. I also side-grafted my ageing cacao trees to rejuvenate my farm with superior clones such as S1 and S2. The training also suggested us to integrate cacao with cayenne pepper for additional income. Pepper is an easy to maintain crop and doesn't harm cocoa. The additional income is even enough to purchase some groceries, though the economic value is certainly not as high as cocoa”.

“I am very grateful for Nestlé and Swisscontact program in our village. Now my farm looks better and could produce around 500 kg per annum. Such progress makes us, young farmers, feel more motivated to cultivate cocoa and are willing to put cocoa as our family's business to ensure the sustainability of local cocoa and Indonesian overall cocoa sector”

05 06

Majene, West Sulawesi

Muhammad Takdir

Keep Growing Cocoa

MUHAMMAD TAKDIR (30), is a young cocoa farmer from Ulidang village, Majene district, West Sulawesi. Like other children in the area, Takdir traditionally learnt cocoa farming skills from his parents and other members of the community. In 2013, together with other members of “Sinar Lemo-lemo” Cocoa Producer Group (CGP), he received intensive trainings through farmer eld school held by Nestlé and Swisscontact.

After graduated from high school in 2001, Takdir inherited a 0.5 hectare of cocoa farm from his parents. The farm was planted with 300 cacao trees only as the terrain is rocky and sloping. Prior to participating in eld school, Takdir did not know how to maintain his farm. With his insufcient knowledge, the cocoa tree in his farm grew as high as 4 meters. Takdir also improperly used inputs such as pesticides in large quantity to reduce pests and diseases. The application resulted to poor farm condition leading to a poor yield.

“Thankfully, Nestlé and Swisscontact came to our village with the eld school. The training provided us with topics in appropriate cocoa cultivation techniques for maintaining, rehabilitating, developing nursery, and managing pest, disease and post-harvest. Soon, I realized that what I did to my farm was incorrect. I immediately cut high branches for ease-maintenance and providing sun light to cacao trees. I used my homemade organic pesticides to reduce the chemical inputs. I also side-grafted my ageing cacao trees to rejuvenate my farm with superior clones such as S1 and S2. The training also suggested us to integrate cacao with cayenne pepper for additional income. Pepper is an easy to maintain crop and doesn't harm cocoa. The additional income is even enough to purchase some groceries, though the economic value is certainly not as high as cocoa”.

“I am very grateful for Nestlé and Swisscontact program in our village. Now my farm looks better and could produce around 500 kg per annum. Such progress makes us, young farmers, feel more motivated to cultivate cocoa and are willing to put cocoa as our family's business to ensure the sustainability of local cocoa and Indonesian overall cocoa sector”

05 06

Mamuju, West Sulawesi

Nurhariani

Best Extra IncomeSource

NURHARIANI (31), is a wife of a cocoa farmer eld school alumnus of Swisscontact Sustainable Cocoa Production Program (SCPP) from Sinyonyoi village in Mamuju, West Sulawesi. She participated in nutrition eld school for cocoa farmer households, a program implemented by the Kingdom of the Netherland and Swisscontact in November 2013. During the eld school, she was elected as the Chairman of 'Belantara Maju' group to supervise 36 members.

“I was thrilled when my husband informed me about the nutrition eld school for wives of SCPP cocoa eld school graduates. I immediately asked him to register me as a participant. Unexpectedly, I was chosen to be the group leader to assist my group members that are all females. During the eld school we received trainings on how to provide balanced diets and nutritious rich

food for our family. We were also taught about nutritional facts for vulnerable groups and on how to do home gardening to get a reliable food supply”.

After the training, I planted various vegetables such as kale, mustard, spinach, green beans in a 300 m2 garden around my house. Since December 2013, I have harvested spinach and kale more than 10 times, mustard 6 times and green beans 3 times. Besides for my family's consumption, I sold the vegetables to local traders regularly. The traders prefer to buy vegetables from SCPP participants because they are organic. So far, my income from the vegetable sales has reached around IDR 5 million. I used the money to buy groceries, pay my six children' tuition fees, buy seedlings and for a little savings”.

“After witnessing my success in vegetables planting and selling, other mothers started to establish their garden too. Now almost 80 percent of households in my village are growing home vegetable. I deeply thank the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Swisscontact for the nutrition program that has enabled my family to have a variety of nutritious and healthful vegetables supply from around our home. I even earned additional income from vegetables sales, it is a great help to improve my family's economy. I hope other households can enjoy such benefits too”

07 08

Mamuju, West Sulawesi

Nurhariani

Best Extra IncomeSource

NURHARIANI (31), is a wife of a cocoa farmer eld school alumnus of Swisscontact Sustainable Cocoa Production Program (SCPP) from Sinyonyoi village in Mamuju, West Sulawesi. She participated in nutrition eld school for cocoa farmer households, a program implemented by the Kingdom of the Netherland and Swisscontact in November 2013. During the eld school, she was elected as the Chairman of 'Belantara Maju' group to supervise 36 members.

“I was thrilled when my husband informed me about the nutrition eld school for wives of SCPP cocoa eld school graduates. I immediately asked him to register me as a participant. Unexpectedly, I was chosen to be the group leader to assist my group members that are all females. During the eld school we received trainings on how to provide balanced diets and nutritious rich

food for our family. We were also taught about nutritional facts for vulnerable groups and on how to do home gardening to get a reliable food supply”.

After the training, I planted various vegetables such as kale, mustard, spinach, green beans in a 300 m2 garden around my house. Since December 2013, I have harvested spinach and kale more than 10 times, mustard 6 times and green beans 3 times. Besides for my family's consumption, I sold the vegetables to local traders regularly. The traders prefer to buy vegetables from SCPP participants because they are organic. So far, my income from the vegetable sales has reached around IDR 5 million. I used the money to buy groceries, pay my six children' tuition fees, buy seedlings and for a little savings”.

“After witnessing my success in vegetables planting and selling, other mothers started to establish their garden too. Now almost 80 percent of households in my village are growing home vegetable. I deeply thank the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Swisscontact for the nutrition program that has enabled my family to have a variety of nutritious and healthful vegetables supply from around our home. I even earned additional income from vegetables sales, it is a great help to improve my family's economy. I hope other households can enjoy such benefits too”

07 08

Parigi Moutong, Central Sulawesi

From Local Trader to Key Farmer

SRI WAHYUNI (33), is a communicative person and has an extensive network in the cocoa sector in Mubang village, Parigi Moutong, Central Sulawesi. Born to a family who grows and runs cocoa venture, she followed the trail of her mother as a local cocoa trader since 12 years ago. Within those years, good linkages and relationship of trust were built between Sri and local cocoa producers. Unfortunately, being a good trader does not make Sri a good farmer. Despite the fact that her family owns 6 hectares of cocoa farm, she was often clueless when asked by her customers about ways to increase yields. Armajaro and Swisscontact implemented eld schools in Mubang village in May 2013.

“I swiftly enrolled to the program and got selected to participate in the Training of Trainer. Later, I was also appointed as key farmer for 'Jaya Kakao' Cocoa Producer Group (CPG). I helped to facilitate farmer eld school for 20 CPG's members. During the training, I was always motivated and eager to learn. I thought it was a very good opportunity to nd answers to all questions that I received from my customers.

I think taking theories into practice is the best way to learn new skills, so I immediately implemented the techniques

that I learned in the eld school in my farm and gained good results. Learning from my experience, I encouraged other members to apply the recommended treatments as well. I even went through mountainous areas where most of the members live to provide them with needed assistance.

My family owns a 6 hectares cacao farm with around 900 trees per hectare. I am rst-handedly involved in the maintenance and it made me value the farms even more. I applied the best treatments to reach maximum yields, more healthy pods were growing. I could produce around 21 bags of 25 kg wet beans from a hectare.

It really depends on us what we want from our farms. We've gained applicable knowledge and skills from Armajaro and Swisscontact. Indeed, it takes a lot of work and effort to produce good cocoa in quality and quantity, but cocoa is a very promising commodity and my experience shows that it is worthwhile to continuously maintain the cocoa farms”.

“Thank you so much Armajaro and Swisscontact for the valuable field school. Now I am a real cocoa stakeholder who is able to suggest proper cocoa cultivation. As a trader, I offer my customers a fair price. In turn, I hope it could motivate them to keep farming the cocoa. I believe the program brings good things for us, smallholder cocoa farmers. I wish similar programs can be implemented in other areas that are in need of motivation to grow cocoa and improve their economy”

09 10

Sri Wahyuni

Parigi Moutong, Central Sulawesi

From Local Trader to Key Farmer

SRI WAHYUNI (33), is a communicative person and has an extensive network in the cocoa sector in Mubang village, Parigi Moutong, Central Sulawesi. Born to a family who grows and runs cocoa venture, she followed the trail of her mother as a local cocoa trader since 12 years ago. Within those years, good linkages and relationship of trust were built between Sri and local cocoa producers. Unfortunately, being a good trader does not make Sri a good farmer. Despite the fact that her family owns 6 hectares of cocoa farm, she was often clueless when asked by her customers about ways to increase yields. Armajaro and Swisscontact implemented eld schools in Mubang village in May 2013.

“I swiftly enrolled to the program and got selected to participate in the Training of Trainer. Later, I was also appointed as key farmer for 'Jaya Kakao' Cocoa Producer Group (CPG). I helped to facilitate farmer eld school for 20 CPG's members. During the training, I was always motivated and eager to learn. I thought it was a very good opportunity to nd answers to all questions that I received from my customers.

I think taking theories into practice is the best way to learn new skills, so I immediately implemented the techniques

that I learned in the eld school in my farm and gained good results. Learning from my experience, I encouraged other members to apply the recommended treatments as well. I even went through mountainous areas where most of the members live to provide them with needed assistance.

My family owns a 6 hectares cacao farm with around 900 trees per hectare. I am rst-handedly involved in the maintenance and it made me value the farms even more. I applied the best treatments to reach maximum yields, more healthy pods were growing. I could produce around 21 bags of 25 kg wet beans from a hectare.

It really depends on us what we want from our farms. We've gained applicable knowledge and skills from Armajaro and Swisscontact. Indeed, it takes a lot of work and effort to produce good cocoa in quality and quantity, but cocoa is a very promising commodity and my experience shows that it is worthwhile to continuously maintain the cocoa farms”.

“Thank you so much Armajaro and Swisscontact for the valuable field school. Now I am a real cocoa stakeholder who is able to suggest proper cocoa cultivation. As a trader, I offer my customers a fair price. In turn, I hope it could motivate them to keep farming the cocoa. I believe the program brings good things for us, smallholder cocoa farmers. I wish similar programs can be implemented in other areas that are in need of motivation to grow cocoa and improve their economy”

09 10

Sri Wahyuni

Aceh Tamiang, Aceh

Musto

Dare to Experiment“I am grateful to Swisscontact and the Swiss Government through Seco for teaching me new technology and providing information to improve my cocoa productivity. I now earn more income even with the same cocoa farm size as effect of applying new techniques and planting better clones. Hopefully, my fellow farmers can achieve the same success so our dream of a better economy through cocoa comes true. We are very lucky to be assisted by Swisscontact, thank you very much”

11 12

MUSTO (38), is a key farmer from Swisscontacts' PEKA project from Rantau Bintang village in Aceh Tamiang that is well-known for his enthusiasm to adopt new approaches to gain more benets from cocoa sector. He started his cocoa venture 17 years ago in Lhokseumawe. He failed back then because lack of proper technical capacity to cultivate the crop. In 2004, with no despair he moved to Aceh Tamiang and again planted his 0.5 hectare new farm with 250 cacao trees. Unfortunately, the result was not improving either for the same reason of lack of technical capacity.

Swisscontact started PEKA project in Aceh Tamiang in 2011 with an objective of increasing cocoa farmers' income through trainings on best practices of cocoa cultivation. Musto was immediately signed up for the training. He was selected as a key farmer because of his many years of experience in cocoa.

“I was responsible to assist the 'Bandar Pusaka' CPG members to improve their farm management. As someone who assists others, I rst applied all recommended treatments in my farm. I always think that it is better to experiment in my farm and observe the results before spreading the knowledge to my group. For me, the crucial knowledge from the training was the use of superior clones to improve cocoa production. Previously I only cultivated local clones that do not produce well. In the training, I got introduced to new

superior clones which yield more and healthier pods.

I also learned side-grafting with various clones of S1, S2, and M01. For comparison purpose, I left some trees with local clones. After eight months, I found out that the side-grafted trees with S1 clone produced more and healthier pods. It is a conrmation of what I have learned at the farmer eld school.

In the trainings, I also learned about the different traits of the clones. The S1 pods are more resistant to pests and diseases, while M01 produces more pods throughout the year. With this rst-hand experience, I decided to cultivate M01 for its sustainable production. As encouraged by Swisscontact I maintained a simple record of my farm productivity, last year I produced around 1 ton of beans from my 0.5 hectare farm. When monetized, it equals to IDR 4,000,000 per month by which I enjoyed 20-40% increase of income. The experiences have motivated me to build a nursery to ensure sustainable seedlings of the superior clones. I want to share the seedling to other farmers so everyone can be as successful as well. Thanks to the new knowledge and techniques, now my farm is a bench mark for other farmers in my village. We have learned that cocoa farming is a protable business”.

Aceh Tamiang, Aceh

Musto

Dare to Experiment“I am grateful to Swisscontact and the Swiss Government through Seco for teaching me new technology and providing information to improve my cocoa productivity. I now earn more income even with the same cocoa farm size as effect of applying new techniques and planting better clones. Hopefully, my fellow farmers can achieve the same success so our dream of a better economy through cocoa comes true. We are very lucky to be assisted by Swisscontact, thank you very much”

Experiment“I am grateful to Swisscontact and the Swiss Government through Seco for teaching me new technology and providing information to improve my cocoa productivity. I now earn more income even with the same cocoa farm size as effect of applying new techniques and planting better clones. Hopefully, my fellow farmers can achieve the same success so our dream of a better economy through cocoa comes true. We are very lucky to be assisted by Swisscontact, thank you very much”

11 12

MUSTO (38), is a key farmer from Swisscontacts' PEKA project from Rantau Bintang village in Aceh Tamiang that is well-known for his enthusiasm to adopt new approaches to gain more benets from cocoa sector. He started his cocoa venture 17 years ago in Lhokseumawe. He failed back then because lack of proper technical capacity to cultivate the crop. In 2004, with no despair he moved to Aceh Tamiang and again planted his 0.5 hectare new farm with 250 cacao trees. Unfortunately, the result was not improving either for the same reason of lack of technical capacity.

Swisscontact started PEKA project in Aceh Tamiang in 2011 with an objective of increasing cocoa farmers' income through trainings on best practices of cocoa cultivation. Musto was immediately signed up for the training. He was selected as a key farmer because of his many years of experience in cocoa.

“I was responsible to assist the 'Bandar Pusaka' CPG members to improve their farm management. As someone who assists others, I rst applied all recommended treatments in my farm. I always think that it is better to experiment in my farm and observe the results before spreading the knowledge to my group. For me, the crucial knowledge from the training was the use of superior clones to improve cocoa production. Previously I only cultivated local clones that do not produce well. In the training, I got introduced to new

superior clones which yield more and healthier pods.

I also learned side-grafting with various clones of S1, S2, and M01. For comparison purpose, I left some trees with local clones. After eight months, I found out that the side-grafted trees with S1 clone produced more and healthier pods. It is a conrmation of what I have learned at the farmer eld school.

In the trainings, I also learned about the different traits of the clones. The S1 pods are more resistant to pests and diseases, while M01 produces more pods throughout the year. With this rst-hand experience, I decided to cultivate M01 for its sustainable production. As encouraged by Swisscontact I maintained a simple record of my farm productivity, last year I produced around 1 ton of beans from my 0.5 hectare farm. When monetized, it equals to IDR 4,000,000 per month by which I enjoyed 20-40% increase of income. The experiences have motivated me to build a nursery to ensure sustainable seedlings of the superior clones. I want to share the seedling to other farmers so everyone can be as successful as well. Thanks to the new knowledge and techniques, now my farm is a bench mark for other farmers in my village. We have learned that cocoa farming is a protable business”.

Aceh Barat Daya, Aceh

Nuridah

Healthy and Happy with Nutrition Garden

NURIDAH (20), is ia group leader and one of the key farmers in the program. She facilitated trainings for a group consists of 31 females in various topics such as balanced diets, nutritious rich foods, horticultural for home gardening and important nutritional facts for vulnerable groups. The trainings that took place in April 2014 aimed to ensure a better nutrition available for cocoa farmers household. The participants received practical knowledge on vegetable farming and how to prepare them for consumption though the farmer eld school. After the eld school, the group created a kitchen garden sized 100 m2 which was planted with spinach, kale, green beans, mustard, and tomatoes.

“I was immediately interested to join the program because I have background in animal husbandry. I thought it would be an interesting experience for me. I got selected as a group leader and joined the Training of Trainers. After the training I shared my knowledge with other group members, 10 of them happened to be young girls like me. They expressed the same interest to learn the Good Nutritional Practice modules. This spirit spread to all members.

Currently our garden is a few weeks old, the greens look really lush. We will share the rst yield to all members. We want to taste the organic vegetables as we know that they are quite pricey at the market.

Upon receiving the trainings, we were encouraged to establish at least a 9 m2 nutrition garden around our farm or house. The training also taught us that apart from household consumption, we can sell our surplus yields at the local market for additional income. We want others to benet from the nutritional program as well. We can also use the cash to buy more seedlings.

I hope many others will be inspired to apply the nutrition garden to improve their family nutrition. Thereby, they will achieve not only an improved economy but also a healthier and happier family members. Without the nutrition program, I may never see that a small vegetable garden can bring a huge benet to my family”.

“I am truly grateful to The Kingdom of the Netherlands and Swisscontact for the nutrition program in our village. My group members and I have gained applicable knowledge on nutritious diets for ourselves and our family. The program has taught us to source fresh and reliable food from our small and easy-to-maintain garden around our farm”

13 14

Aceh Barat Daya, Aceh

Nuridah

Healthy and Happy with Nutrition Garden

NURIDAH (20), is ia group leader and one of the key farmers in the program. She facilitated trainings for a group consists of 31 females in various topics such as balanced diets, nutritious rich foods, horticultural for home gardening and important nutritional facts for vulnerable groups. The trainings that took place in April 2014 aimed to ensure a better nutrition available for cocoa farmers household. The participants received practical knowledge on vegetable farming and how to prepare them for consumption though the farmer eld school. After the eld school, the group created a kitchen garden sized 100 m2 which was planted with spinach, kale, green beans, mustard, and tomatoes.

“I was immediately interested to join the program because I have background in animal husbandry. I thought it would be an interesting experience for me. I got selected as a group leader and joined the Training of Trainers. After the training I shared my knowledge with other group members, 10 of them happened to be young girls like me. They expressed the same interest to learn the Good Nutritional Practice modules. This spirit spread to all members.

Currently our garden is a few weeks old, the greens look really lush. We will share the rst yield to all members. We want to taste the organic vegetables as we know that they are quite pricey at the market.

Upon receiving the trainings, we were encouraged to establish at least a 9 m2 nutrition garden around our farm or house. The training also taught us that apart from household consumption, we can sell our surplus yields at the local market for additional income. We want others to benet from the nutritional program as well. We can also use the cash to buy more seedlings.

I hope many others will be inspired to apply the nutrition garden to improve their family nutrition. Thereby, they will achieve not only an improved economy but also a healthier and happier family members. Without the nutrition program, I may never see that a small vegetable garden can bring a huge benet to my family”.

“I am truly grateful to The Kingdom of the Netherlands and Swisscontact for the nutrition program in our village. My group members and I have gained applicable knowledge on nutritious diets for ourselves and our family. The program has taught us to source fresh and reliable food from our small and easy-to-maintain garden around our farm”

13 14

North Luwu, South Sulawesi

Asman

Young and Successful

ASMAN (27), a young cocoa farmer from Bumi Harapan village, North Luwu, South Sulawesi joined Cocoa Farmer Field School facilitated by PT. MARS and Swisscontact in September 2012. Prior to joining farmer eld school, Asman's cocoa farm was known as the worst farm among the local farmers. But now, he is among the successful alumnus of the eld school in the area.

“I started growing cocoa when I was twelve years old. Back then, I just helped my parents with their 800 trees in a hectare land. After graduated from high school, my parents handed over the farm to me for regular maintenance. I agreed to continue tending after the farm instead of looking for a job because cocoa price was good back then. Despite my lack of knowledge in cocoa cultivation, I could yield up to 500 kg per annum per hectare. But after sometimes, the production got less and less due to pests and diseases. Cocoa Pod Borer (CPB), vascular-streak dieback (VSD), and black pods raided my farm. It was a mess and led to a signicant decrease to my production. I was in despair.

Later I heard that PT. MARS and Swisscontact came to our village. I was interested to participate and immediately

signed up to be a eld school participant. During the eld school, I learned about techniques of frequent harvesting, pruning, sanitation, and fertilizing. I also learned about organic fertilizer production and pest control. I swiftly applied the new techniques to my farm. Soon after, I could see that the black pod problems reduced, CPB and VSD attacks were also decreasing. The training emphasizes that a good farm management is one of the solutions to all challenges in the farm.

After the eld school, I continued to apply the knowledge, now my farm is well-tended and becoming a benchmark for other farmers in my village. I also shared my knowledge to other farmers. Currently, my cocoa production is increasing steadily. I could produce around 1 ton per annum per hectare. Cocoa recent price also favorable for farmers, with the price of IDR 35,000 per kg, I could earn around 35 million rupiah this year. The satisfying result motivates me to keep running my cocoa business and expand my farm. Moreover, inspired by my success, now many youths in my area are interested in cocoa farming”

“For my success, I'd like to thank PT. MARS and Swisscontact for organizing the field school in my village. It was a crucial contribution for us, smallholder cocoa farmers. I am confident that my cacao trees will remain productive and enable me to gain better economy through cocoa farming. Hopefully many others will be inspired and experienced the same success as I have”

15 16

North Luwu, South Sulawesi

Asman

Young and Successful

ASMAN (27), a young cocoa farmer from Bumi Harapan village, North Luwu, South Sulawesi joined Cocoa Farmer Field School facilitated by PT. MARS and Swisscontact in September 2012. Prior to joining farmer eld school, Asman's cocoa farm was known as the worst farm among the local farmers. But now, he is among the successful alumnus of the eld school in the area.

“I started growing cocoa when I was twelve years old. Back then, I just helped my parents with their 800 trees in a hectare land. After graduated from high school, my parents handed over the farm to me for regular maintenance. I agreed to continue tending after the farm instead of looking for a job because cocoa price was good back then. Despite my lack of knowledge in cocoa cultivation, I could yield up to 500 kg per annum per hectare. But after sometimes, the production got less and less due to pests and diseases. Cocoa Pod Borer (CPB), vascular-streak dieback (VSD), and black pods raided my farm. It was a mess and led to a signicant decrease to my production. I was in despair.

Later I heard that PT. MARS and Swisscontact came to our village. I was interested to participate and immediately

signed up to be a eld school participant. During the eld school, I learned about techniques of frequent harvesting, pruning, sanitation, and fertilizing. I also learned about organic fertilizer production and pest control. I swiftly applied the new techniques to my farm. Soon after, I could see that the black pod problems reduced, CPB and VSD attacks were also decreasing. The training emphasizes that a good farm management is one of the solutions to all challenges in the farm.

After the eld school, I continued to apply the knowledge, now my farm is well-tended and becoming a benchmark for other farmers in my village. I also shared my knowledge to other farmers. Currently, my cocoa production is increasing steadily. I could produce around 1 ton per annum per hectare. Cocoa recent price also favorable for farmers, with the price of IDR 35,000 per kg, I could earn around 35 million rupiah this year. The satisfying result motivates me to keep running my cocoa business and expand my farm. Moreover, inspired by my success, now many youths in my area are interested in cocoa farming”

“For my success, I'd like to thank PT. MARS and Swisscontact for organizing the field school in my village. It was a crucial contribution for us, smallholder cocoa farmers. I am confident that my cacao trees will remain productive and enable me to gain better economy through cocoa farming. Hopefully many others will be inspired and experienced the same success as I have”

15 16