Improving Communities’ Resilience through Livelihood Recovery
On Sept 28, 2018, series of strong earthquakes struck Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, including a 7,4 magnitudes earthquake. ICCO together with PENABULU ...
The high demand for nutmeg on the international market requires a guaranteed quality level and spices that are free from aflatoxin. The price of low quality nutmeg is approximately 1/3 of that of premium quality and organic nutmeg. In order to improve the livelihoods of nutmeg farmers, the program intends to qualify them in producing organic nutmeg and to bring them into contact with (international) value chains. At the same time, the program focuses on intercultural dialogues to improve the socio-economic relationships in the area where the program runs.
Nutmeg quality
The nutmeg quality in the region, however, is subject to deterioration over the past years. For example, the price of nutmeg from North Moluccas was low caused by contamination and high levels of aflatoxin, which are toxic metabolites from fungi. Because of a lack of knowledge and agricultural skills, North Moluccan farmers have suffered from negative influence on their positioning in the nutmeg value chain so far. By implementing proper postharvest handling practices, it is possible to effectively prevent mold growth and mycotoxin formation.
Multi-sector, international partnership
The project has a multi-sector partnership which consists of ICCO Cooperation South East Asia and Horti Chain Center, supported by the Indonesian Netherlands Association and Financial Access. Supporting partners in the private sector are: AgriPro Tridaya Nusantara in Jakarta, Multi Rempah BV in Manado, Indonesia and LenersanPoortman in the Netherlands.
Wide range of support
Financial support is given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of The Netherlands, IDH Sustainable Trade Initiative, Common Fund for Commodities, and ICCO Investments.