Resilience through agroforestry in Kalimantan

Dear friends,

Our agroforestry pilot project has finally ended in Bukit Batu. We are extremely pleased with the results: 

A successful awareness raising campaign on climate change

Thanks to the support of 26 women community leaders, assisted by 38 volunteer health workers (kader), we organized a total of 118 workshops on agroforestry and climate change risks, impacts and adaptation options, reaching close to 2,100 participants.

Findings from the evaluations conducted during the workshops showed that 86% of the participants had either never heard the word “climate change” or did not understand the meaning. However, after the workshops, 92% realised that climate change is already happening in their area, 96% understood its impact, 99.8% understood its causes and 96% understood what could be done to reduce its impact.

10 pilot smallholder farmers now practicing agroforestry

All farmers successfully implemented and planted the 350 m² basic short-term cash crop unit. The remaining 1,650 m², designated for medium- and long-term fruit trees with a capacity for approximately 50 trees, was partially developed in its first phase with the planting of 20 trees. The phased approach was adopted to allow farmers to gain experience before expanding further.

The participants are highly motivated to continue tending the pilot plots, recognizing both the health benefits for their children and the potential for additional income.

A survey proving the interest of smallholder farmers in agroforestry

A survey of 300 farmers was conducted during the project period. Survey results indicated that:

• 93% of farmers rely on vegetables cash crop cultivation
• 86% of farmers use chemicals inputs (fertilisers and pesticides)
• 52% use herbicides
• 92% sell to middle man at about 1/3 of the market value
• 65% of farmers (mostly middle age or younger) are interested in learning about agroforestry

We're excited to start the next phase of the project which we are still preparing: training 200 smallholder farmers on agroforestry methods. Stay tuned in the next few months!

As you might have read, a generous donor will be supporting us on the next part of our journey, however we need to contribute 20% to the project funding. We would be grateful if you could assist us and be part of the change in Bukit Batu!

With all my appreciation,

Vanessa