The sharp buzz of a chainsaw echoes through the forest as a small group of farmers gathers around a tree bearing red seed pods. With a slow, deliberate stroke, a severed knobby branch falls to the ground. “This will now help the tree grow new fruit,” farmer Tari Santoso says with a smile. Millions of Muslims in Indonesia observe the beginning of holy month of Ramadan Like Santoso, thousands of cocoa farmers across Indonesia are partnering with businesses and other organisations to safeguard their crops from the adverse effects of climate change and underinvestment, which have driven cocoa prices to record highs. Cocoa trees require intensive care, thriving only near the equator where a delicate balance of temperature, humidity, and sunlight is necessary. It takes five years for a tree to begin producing seeds that are processed into cocoa for chocolate and other sweet treats. Climate change poses increasing risks for farmers: Rising temperatures reduce yields, while prolonged rainy seasons encourage the spread of fungus and destructive pests. The growing unpredictability of weather patterns has made it even harder for farmers to cope with these challenges. As a result, some farmers are turning to alternative crops, further decreasing cocoa supplies and driving prices higher. In 2024, prices nearly tripled, soaring to around US$12,000 per ton. This surge has increased chocolate costs and led some manufacturers to explore growing cocoa in laboratories. Indonesia ranks as the world’s third-largest cocoa producer, following Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. To improve their livelihoods and develop better farming methods, farmers are collaborating with businesses and non-governmental organisations. In his shaded forest farm in South Sumatra, located 3 miles (5 kilometres) from a national park where Sumatran tigers and rhinos roam, Santoso partners with Indonesian chocolate maker Krakakoa. Since joining forces with the company in 2016, Santoso has adopted new techniques that have revitalised his cocoa trees. He regularly prunes and grafts new branches onto older trees to encourage growth and prevent disease spread. Additionally, he uses organic fertiliser and integrates agroforestry practices, cultivating bananas, dragon fruit, coffee, and pepper alongside cocoa to foster a healthier ecosystem and diversify his income sources. “It wasn’t very successful before we met Krakakoa,” Santoso said. “But then we received training ... things are much better.” Krakakoa has trained over 1,000 cocoa farmers in Indonesia, providing both guidance and financial support, according to its founder and CEO, Sabrina Mustopo. 6.0-magnitude earthquake jolts off Indonesia's North Sulawesi Santoso and other Sumatra-based farmers say their partnership enabled them to establish a cooperative that offers low-interest loans. Instead of paying interest to banks outside their community, farmers repay it within the cooperative itself. For those requiring larger loans from government-owned banks, working with businesses can be advantageous. The guaranteed buyer agreements serve as collateral, helping farmers secure loan approvals, explained Armin Hari, communications manager at the Cocoa Sustainability Partnership, a public-private forum for cocoa development in Indonesia. Hari noted that numerous businesses, government agencies, NGOs, and cooperatives are supporting cocoa farmers in adapting to climate change, benefiting thousands. He highlighted a collaboration between Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency and the local branch of international chocolate maker Mars, which has introduced a new cocoa variety that yields more pods per tree. However, challenges persist, said Rajendra Aryal, the FAO’s country director for Indonesia. Fewer people view cocoa farming as a profitable venture, leading them to cultivate alternative crops like palm oil. Additionally, many small-scale farmers still struggle to obtain loans, he noted. Despite these difficulties, Aryal remains hopeful that continued collaboration between farmers and stakeholders will provide solutions. “If we can address the key issues these (farmers) are facing ... I believe this sector could once again become highly appealing to farmers,” he said. “Despite the challenges in Indonesia, I see opportunities ahead.”