Apical’s new Sustainable Living Village (SLV) initiative on cacao farming fosters partnerships and empowers communities, while contributing to a more sustainable future in alignment with its Apical2030 vision.
Apical’s Sustainable Living Village (SLV) programme, a multi-stakeholder collaboration that aims to improve livelihoods and promote sustainable practices, has expanded by partnering with Earthworm Organization and the East Kutai District Government to launch an initiative focused on cacao farming. This new initiative follows the success of the Trigona Honey SLV initiative which helped diversify smallholders’ revenue sources in Aceh Singkil.
Leveraging East Kutai’s reputation for high-quality cacao, this new SLV program provides smallholders with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training and facilitate access to markets. Earthworm Organization has already connected farmers with two chocolate cooperatives from Karangan and Bali, creating opportunities for direct dialogue among farmers. To further support cacao development, a nursery with a capacity of 2,000 seedlings is being established, and Apical and Earthworm have each cultivated 2-hectare demonstration plots in two villages.
In addition to creating new income opportunities for smallholders by promoting cacao farming, the new SLV program also aims to conserve forests and cultivate strong partnerships with local governments and stakeholders. In partnership with the Village-Owned Enterprise (BUMDes), an agroforestry nursery with a capacity of 30,000 seedlings is being developed for social forestry and restoration efforts, covering over 180 hectares.
