Performance and Strategies to Enhance Sustainability of Cocoa-Based Agroforestry in Lampung Province, Indonesia

Abstract

The sustainability of cocoa-based agroforestry in Indonesia is challenged by low yield and quality, pests and diseases, and climate change, raising questions about its continued sustainability. The objectives of this research are to examine existing performance, sustainability, and strategies to enhance the sustainability of cocoa-based agroforestry in Indonesia. Research was conducted in Tanggamus Regency, Lampung Province, which applied a survey method, located in 3 sub-districts chosen purposively among the main producers of cocoa, and interviewed 116 farmers of cocoa agroforestry, who were randomly sampled from cocoa farmer groups. This research performed descriptive statistics, Revenue/Cost (R/C), and Multi-Aspect Sustainability Analysis (MSA). Results indicate that cocoa agroforestry is economically viable, with cocoa yield reaching 740 kg per hectare and income of IDR 40.4 million with R/C 5.86, while non-cocoa production (mainly coffee, banana, and black pepper) generates an additional equivalent of 231.8 kg of dry cocoa bean, bringing total income to IDR 50.1 million and R/C 7.69. Sustainability analysis reveals a “moderately sustainable” status with an MSA index of 62.87. The findings conclude that enhancing the performance and sustainability of cocoa agroforestry requires integrated strategies, including improved financial access, adoption of farm accounting systems, market development, optimization of post-harvest processing (drying and fermentation), enhanced marketing systems, guaranteed availability of production inputs, and increased cocoa productivity.