In preperation for selecting a suitable mechanism and communication strategy for cocoa business, cacao farmers in Malinau North Kalimantan and the association of agroforestry extension workers (IPAMA), supported by FORCLIME, conducted a virtual meeting on the 17th of April 2020 using MS Teams.

The meeting discussed the readiness of IPAMA to undertake a business project on fermented cocoa, including initial funds required , which it plans to collect from its members or they will invite a local NGO for a joint capital investment. Also discussed was a communication system between cacao farmers, IPAMA and the fermented cocoa buyers.

IPAMA with the support of FORCLIME will prepare a business feasibility analysis, which will be discussed at the next meeting and will also include Greenline, a local NGO in Malinau.

During the covid-19 pandemic, FORCLIME maintains good communication and coordination with its partners through virtual meetings using MS Teams. “Join virtual meeting through MS Teams is not as difficult as I first imagined, it’s quite easy, audio is clear, and the application is good.” said Asriani, one of participants from IPAMA.

For further information, please contact:
Mohammad Sidiq, Coordinator North Kalimantan Province
Novita Andes Nurdiana, District Coordinator and Technical Adviser for Social Forestry
Daniel Maertz, Adviser for agroforestry