Coffee, Climate, and Community: Growing Liberica for a Better Tomorrow

As the threat of mangrove ecosystem degradation increases due to charcoal production, Nusantara Climate Initiative (NCI) and its partners continue to implement sustainable solutions. One of our key approaches under the Beyond Carbon Goals initiative is promoting sustainable commodities, such as agroforestry-based coffee cultivation. This strategy is being piloted through the Liberica Coffee Agroforestry Demonstration Plot in Batu Ampar, Kubu Raya Regency.

Why Coffee Agroforestry?

Batu Ampar has long been known for its charcoal production. However, over-reliance on mangrove wood for this industry poses significant risks to environmental sustainability. To reduce deforestation pressure and offer alternative livelihoods, this program introduces a coffee-based agroforestry system, integrating coffee plants with horticultural crops and forest trees.

This approach not only creates new economic opportunities for local communities but also plays a crucial role in microclimate regulation and ecosystem restoration.

Training and Demonstration Plot Development

Over five days (February 20–24, 2025), the program covered various training and field practices, including:

  • Training of Trainers (ToT) in Liberica coffee agroforestry and organic fertilizer production.

  • Practical coffee cultivation training, from seed selection and nursery management to harvesting.

  • Demonstration plot establishment, including nursery development, organic fertilizer production, and contour planting techniques.

One of the most engaging aspects of this training was the realization that just 33 coffee trees can provide an entire family’s coffee needs for a year. This insight encouraged local farmers to see coffee farming as both a viable economic venture and a way to meet household consumption.

Demonstration Plot as a Model for Change

The first demonstration plot was established on the land of Suheri, a former logger turned local champion. Covering 2,500 m², this site has the potential to accommodate 500 coffee trees using contour farming (terracing). Located at an altitude of 94 meters above sea level, with a scenic view of vast mangrove forests, this plot exemplifies how sustainable farming can coexist with environmental conservation.

Through this initiative, NCI goes beyond carbon mitigation by strengthening local economies and restoring ecosystems, aligning with our Beyond Carbon Goals mission. By expanding agroforestry-based commodity production, such as Liberica coffee, we aim to encourage more communities to adopt sustainable farming practices that benefit both people and nature.

Let’s work together to build a greener and more sustainable future!

Author: Nur Ramdhani Ikhsan

Copy Edit: Yessi Agustina; Barakalla Robyn

#NusantaraClimateInitiative #NatureBasedSolution #BeyondCarbonGoals #SustainableCommodity #CoffeeAgroforestry

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