Kopi Lestari

OVERVIEW

Sumatra is one of the largest producers of Indonesian coffee. Small-scale coffee farmers grow Arabica coffee in the highlands (Aceh, North Sumatra), and Robusta is grown in the lowlands (Lampung). The Indonesia coffee yield is one of the lowest in the world, strongly linked to deforestation, a critical issue in Sumatra which has lost almost 50% of its tropical rainforest in the last 35 years.

This project aims to add value to coffee fields through the implementation of agroforestry activities, improving ecosystem conditions in the fields with the potential to address erosion and the loss of soil fertility while ensuring optimal production of coffee by regulating microclimatic conditions and improving farmers’ self-sufficiency.

KEY INTERVENTIONS

Each year, planting waves are launched with volunteer small-scale farmers, and diversified tree species are planted in and around their coffee plantations. Producers receive technical support and training to select the best model and species adapted to the farmer’s needs and environment and long-term maintenance. Agroforestry models are adapted for coffee production, regulating the microclimatic conditions and fertilizing the soil while providing additional income.

Coffee farmers receive training to improve their knowledge of agricultural practices and preserve and regenerate coffee ecosystems to ensure sustainable Arabica and Robusta coffee production. Environmental training covers the adoption of good agricultural and organic practices, the use of adequate protective equipment, with the focus on coffee–acceptable methods, pruning, etc. Knowledge sharing around coffee markets and finances are provided.

Multiple commodities are integrated into farmers’ and cooperatives’ business models to ensure the sustainability of family farming. The design of planting models optimizes the use of lands with the combination of coffee and fruit (oranges and avocados) production. The selection of species is based on compatibility with coffee, economic value for farmers, additional revenues distributed over time, the market for tree products, and the farmer’s interest.