Mars - Training Indonesian Farmers in Sustainable Cocoa Production

- Video produced by Global Initiatives -

The people of Luwu Raya, South Sulawesi, Indonesia have been growing cocoa since the 1980s. Now climate change and a disinterested younger generation of farmers are making the industry even more unsustainable. Experts are warning of a future shortfall of 1 billion kg cocoa by 2020, caused by rising demand for chocolate and reduced crop production due to climate change. To help solve the issue, global manufacturer Mars has set up their own training program in Indonesia where it trains farmers to become Cocoa Doctors where they are taught modern farming methods along with business knowledge to help increase productivity, yields, and income. Here is the story of Alexander, a successful cocoa doctor.