Raja Ampat Cocoa Farmers Boost Skills Through Agroforestry

RRI.CO.ID, Raja Ampat - The community of Wailebet Village in the Batanta Islands, Raja Ampat Regency, Southwest Papua, cultivates cocoa using an agroforestry system that integrates cocoa plants with various tree species in the same area.

The practice increases farmer income while helping preserve forest cover, soil fertility, and biodiversity.

To improve garden management, 19 cocoa farmers joined a training program on cocoa cultivation and cooperative management organized by the EcoNusa Foundation, an Indonesian non-profit organization focusing on environmental sustainability and community empowerment, from June 20–25, 2026.

The program equipped participants with post-harvest handling techniques to boost productivity and improve cocoa bean quality.

“Farmers learn proper cultivation techniques, from pruning and fertilization to pest and disease control and post-harvest handling. This increased capacity is expected to enhance cocoa bean productivity and quality,” said EcoNusa Foundation staff member Elvira Lumapuy in a press release on Sunday, July 26, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

The training included field practices such as grafting and cupping techniques to rejuvenate less productive cocoa plants without replanting them. Over six days, participants studied nursery and cultivation methods, pest and disease control, cocoa bean fermentation, and cooperative management.

They also received training in cooperative governance, administration, and financial management. This institutional strengthening is expected to help farmers expand access to financing, production resources, and marketing opportunities.

EcoNusa staff member Nurdana Pratiwi said cooperatives play a crucial role in improving farmers’ bargaining power through collaborative business management.

“Cooperatives provide a platform for farmers to collectively manage their businesses, strengthen access to financing, and increase the selling value of their produce. Strong institutions will support the development of a more sustainable cocoa industry,” she said.

Deni, one of the participants, said he gained new knowledge that he could immediately apply to his farm.

“We now understand how to care for and ferment plants, as well as the importance of cooperatives in supporting cocoa business development. This knowledge is useful for increasing harvest yields,” he said.

Agroforestry-based cocoa cultivation in Wailebet Village will be highlighted at the Papeda Summit in Sorong from September 2–4, 2026. The forum will bring together indigenous peoples, government officials, academics, local communities, and civil society organizations to share experiences in sustainably managing natural resources in Papua. ***