Strengthening Cocoa Farmers Association to Increase Farmers’ Income in Pohuwato District, Gorontalo Province, Indonesia

Abstract

The objectives of this study are firstly to formulate and to create strategic models of institutional strengthening of cocoa farmer association to increase their income in Pohuwato District of Gorontalo Province, Indonesia. Secondly, to provide a map of potential resources of cocoa plantations and to identify the factors that influence the institutional strengthening of cocoa farmers association. This study used a blend of quantitative and qualitative in the form of case study. Observation, in-depth interviews and documentation were used in collecting the data and were validated through the extension of observations, increased persistence in observing and interviewing, triangulation of sources and methods and Focus Group Discussion. The data were then analyzed by using data reduction, presentation of data and take a conclusion. The results show that firstly mapping the potential resources of cocoa plantation includes farming human resources, number of land area and production, processing and marketing techniques, and the management of farmer association. Secondly, factors that affect the institutional strengthening of cocoa farmer association are internal factors (farmers, farmers association, and farmers’ culture) and external factors (farming instructors and policy). These results will be the consideration in making strategic designing to create institutional strengthening of cocoa farmer association which can be applied in Pohuwato District to make farmers’ association become stronger and more independent.

Keywords: Institutional strengthening, Cocoa, Farmer, Association