Ecological cocoa agro tourism as a risk management strategy for cocoa farmers in developing countries: a case study in East Kolaka, Indonesia

An evaluation of land suitability for cocoa cultivation was carried out in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, according to its climatic conditions, as well as physical, morphological, and chemical soil characteristics. Land suitability evaluation is essential since cocoa production correlates positively with land characteristics. Purposive sampling with a survey method was used in this study. There were 11 sampling locations, comprising eight and three villages in North Kolaka and East Kolaka, respectively. Results showed that land suitability class for cocoa cultivation in North Kolaka is S2 (suitable) at 1,721 hectares in Pumbolo village and S1 (very suitable) in the other seven sampling locations, covering an area of 7,018 hectares in Rante Baru, Lasusua, Koroha, Watunohu, Lelehao, Tambuha, and Puurau village. Land suitability for cocoa production in all sampling locations in East Kolaka is S2 (suitable), covering an area of 11,213 hectares in Poli-Polia, Palenga Jaya, and Toasu village. The limiting factors in all sampling locations include P2O5 availability, humidity, and effective soil depth. Therefore, the addition of phosphorus fertilizers becomes one of the priority strategies to increase cocoa productivity. From an economic feasibility point of view, the R/C ratio in North Kolaka and East Kolaka is 1.56 and 2.12, respectively, which means that cocoa farming has a great potential to be developed in the two locations.

Abstract. Setiawan MR, Nurrochmat DR, Purwawangsa H. 2024. Strengthening village forest management strategies in East Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2945-2959. The livelihoods of village communities in East Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, are intricately linked to managing forest resources for production, protection, and conservation. A key form of this community-based forest management is the Village Forest, a unique concept that encircles the forest. This study is particularly important as it evaluates the institutional conditions of Ueesi Village Forest management, Ueesi Sub-district, East Kolaka District, Southeast Sulawesi Province. It also proposes alternative strategies and strategic priorities for strengthening village forest institutions, strategies that are not just beneficial but also urgently needed for the sustainability of the communities. The study's findings underscore the need for the active participation of all stakeholders in this process. The study employed a qualitative approach and structured interviews with stakeholders or critical informants involved in the Ueesi Village Forest management. Technical analysis of Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) and Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM) were used to identify the necessary management strategies. The study reveals that the most suitable strategy for strengthening village forest management institutions for Ueesi Village is a turn-around (WO) strategy, which leverages all external opportunities to address internal weaknesses. The main strategic priority is to create role models who can mobilize and encourage administrators of village forest management institutions and community members to actively participate in the Ueesi Village Forest's management actively, fostering a sense of shared responsibility. The low knowledge and capacity of village forest Management Institutions (LPHD) administrators and members and the lack of systematic government support are the reasons why LPHD Ueesi is not yet optimal. In addition to government support, support is also needed from NGOs, universities, and the business sector (BUMD and private). Therefore, it is crucial to design a strategy to strengthen appropriate management institutions to support the management of the Ueesi Village Forest, with the active involvement of all stakeholders.

This research explores the cooperation of multiethnic communities and the formation of a farmer mentality in East Kolaka District, Southeast Sulawesi Province, in building food security. The purpose of this study is to understand how the interaction between diverse ethnic groups in East Kolaka society affects the way farmers manage agricultural resources and shape their mentality regarding agriculture so as to realize food security. The cultural interaction among multi-ethnic communities serves as a collective strength in East Kolaka District to address food scarcity and to build a food security system, which has not been optimally examined and elucidated in previous studies. Using qualitative approach, data was collected using in-depth interview and observation. This study was conducted in East Kolaka District, Southeast Sulawesi Province. The total number of informants is fourteen, including rice farmers, community leaders, members of farmer groups, agricultural extension workers, and village and sub-district government officials. The study shows that various ethnic groups have unique agricultural practices, traditional techniques, and different local knowledge. The interaction between these groups has resulted in an exchange of knowledge and experience, which in turn affects the mentality of farmers positively in the face of environmental and social changes, and can build their food security and even surplus. These findings have important implications in efforts to improve food security and agricultural sustainability in East Kolaka, as well as encourage inter-ethnic cooperation in the context of agriculture. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities of multi-ethnic societies and how interactions between these groups can shape peasant mentalities. The findings of this study can be an input for policymakers in designing more inclusive and sustainable strategies in agricultural resource management in similar regions.

Ecological tourism or ecotourism (In abbreviation) is a form of tourism intended as a low impact on the environment and is based on the principles of sustainability in natural and historical areas with conservation characteristics. Railway tourism can be a form of ecological tourism that occurs in areas with presence of the railroad network. due to its novelty and proximity with natural and cultural heritage in the humid and rainy climate, This form of tourism can attract many tourists all around the world. The methodology of this study is descriptive and analytical, and initially, characteristics and requirements have been explained with resources and library studies The required infrastructures are the main bass of tourism, one of the most significant of which, is the current situation of the transportation system (railway network). The main aim of this study is the introduction of railway tourism as a strategy for development of railroad settlements in north of Iran with ecological and sustainable tourism. As the second aim, the most significant criteria of the railway-tourism were extracted from theoretical the foundation, in addition, their priority were specified by experts’ in AHP (Analytic hierarchy process) method. Moreover, in order to understand the restrictions and main problems of the local people, interviews have been conducted. In the following, Tehran – Mazandaran impassable mountainous railway has been introduced, that passes through the Alborz Mountains. This route has majority of unrivalled natural and cultural attractions, traditional habitation, and rural settlements. Despite recent spatial changes in Iran, these regions remained original and traditional. Interestingly, the railway is the only accessible transport to some of these settlements, without destructive effect on the environment. As the result, the substantial criteria were specified, and the basic issues and limitations of the locals’ life have been explained from survey and interviews. Consequently, a direct relationship has been detected between railway tourism and railroad habitation development in Tehran – Mazandaran railway that contains social, economic, physical and demographic studies. Eventually, it could be easily realized, which railway-tourism has the lowest ecological impacts despite other types of tourism in natural and rural areas. Therefore, every kind of effort from researchers to authorities in this field could be helpful in order to protect our environment.

This research aims to analyze the influence of modernization on the implementation of Passampo Siri' in Bugis marriages in East Kolaka from a sociological perspective of Islamic law. Using a sociological approach to Islamic law and case study methods, this research involved in-depth interviews with traditional leaders, religious leaders, husband and wife couples, and people who understand Passampo Siri'. Data was also collected through participant observation and related documentation. The research results show that modernization has had a significant influence on the practice of Passampo Siri' in Bugis weddings, with changes in traditional elements such as mappacci and mappetettong ri ade' which have become more flexible due to adaptation to modern values. However, the core principles of Passampo Siri', namely maintaining family honor and the dignity of marriage, are still maintained. The sociological perspective of Islamic law supports the understanding that the changes in Passampo Siri' values are still in line with the principles of honor and dignity in Islamic teachings. Therefore, the strategy for preserving Passampo Siri' involves cultural education, outreach through religious and traditional leaders, strengthening traditional regulations, and strong traditional communities. This research recommendation emphasizes the importance of collaboration between local governments, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and the educational community to ensure harmonization between local culture and Islamic law in the modern era.

This study aims to analyze product flow, financial flow and information flow of certified and non-certified cocoa supply chain in East Kolaka Patent District. The method used in determining the sample is rendom sampling the number of company-assisted certified farmers in East Kolaka Regency spread across 2 sub-districts (Aere and Lambandia) with a population of 763 people and non-certified cocoa farmers in 4 sub-districts (Aere, Lambandia, Poli-Polia and Rate-Rate) with a population of 328 people, then using the snowball method to determine other prospective respondents. The research method used is qualitative descriptive. The certified and non-certified cocoa supply chain in East Kolaka Regency has 3 (three) streams, namely product flow, financial flow and information flow. The flow of certified cocoa products flows from farmers, traders, collectors and exporters. Financial flows flow from exporters to farmers. And a stream of information flows from exporters to farmers. While non-certified cocoa product flow flows from farmers, traders, collectors and other companies. Financial flows flow from collectors to farmers and information flows from collectors to farmers.

With the development of Pakistan's tourism industry, many ecologically protected areas have experienced varying degrees of tourist-driven exploitative development, but there exists both a mutually beneficial relationship and contradictions between ecological protection and tourism development. This paper focuses on the Hunza Valley in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.Byconductingon-site survey questionnairesalong with SEM model analysis, the study found that the ecological tourism development in Hunza Valley has a significant impact on overall tourist satisfaction, followed by tourism infrastructure, management quality and services. The study also reveals that the transportation conditions in the area do not have a significantly impact on tourist satisfaction, and tourist satisfaction determines the repeat visitation rate. In conclusion, this research suggests that ecological tourism plays a positively significant role in the development of the tourism industry. Areas like the Hunza Valley, which primarily rely on ecological resources, should prioritize the enrichment of communication and display methods for ecological tourism, strengthen the level of tourism services and product offerings, and thus achieve the coordinated development of conservation and development under the premise of protection.

Background. One of the relevant trends of modern tourism development is ecological tourism, the root ideas of which are based on the provisions of environmental economics – an interdisciplinary scientific approach, widely spread at the moment, which integrates the achievements of economics, ecology and ethics. This objective of this article is to examine the conditions for the effective development of ecological tourism on the basis of the analysis of touristic and recreational potential of the territory of the Southern Moscow region and to establish its influence on the prospects of the touristic activity in the region. Method. The main approach to examining this problem in the article is the principle of unity of ecology, economics and culture which provides an opportunity to examine the pre-requisites for recreational potential of the territory in a versatile manner. While conducting the research presented in the article methods of analysis and classification of factual information and the method of scaling for ranking the territories with different recreational potential were applied. Findings. This article defines the notion of a recreational potential of the territory as a combination of pre-requisites for organization of recreational activity, presents a classification of recreational resources as a basis of a recreational potential, and specifies their content. The article argues that the recreational areas formation principle shall involve the dependency between the environmental value and the degree of anthropogenic impact on it: the higher the environmental value is, the less the anthropogenic interference should be, as well as the environmental protection measures defined more clearly. In order to examine the touristic and recreational potential of the Moscow region the article features the analysis of the natural recreational resources, including climatic and geographical characteristics, involving the cultural and historical ones, providing the analysis of the material base for tourism development. The article develops the criteria of touristic and recreational potential, which include the presence of natural resources, cultural and historical resources, number of facilities for tourists' catering and accommodation, availability of transport system, and places of resort, entertainment and culture. Based on these criteria the territory districts groups with similar potential and efficiency of its use are identified; conclusions on positive and negative sides of touristic and recreational potential of the study territory, as well as on the prospects of the ecological tourism, are made. Improvements. The materials of this study have practical value for the analysis and evaluation of efficiency of the territories' use with objective of the ecological tourism development and enhancement of the region's touristic value.

The agricultural sector is a mainstay in development in East Kolaka Regency, especially in cocoa and cow livestock commodities. The study's objective is to evaluate the impact of the corporate-based cocoa area development program (integration of cocoa plants and cow livestock) in the East Kolaka Regency. This study uses a qualitative descriptive analysis. The study results concluded that smallholder cocoa plantations have prospects in supporting the integrated farming model with cow livestock. Integrated farming strongly supports the pattern of commodity diversification (cocoa and cow livestock), which can support each other in both business sub-sectors. Cocoa farming does not affect increasing cocoa farming in each village. This is because the distribution of the proceeds from the sale of cow livestock is divided into groups, so the integration of cocoa and cow livestock is not carried out correctly.

Introduction: Organic farming has emerged as a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to food production. However, the adoption of organic farming practices in Indonesia remains slow. Progressive farmers have the potential to act as opinion leaders, accelerating the diffusion of innovations in organic rice farming. This study investigates the role of progressive farmers as opinion leaders in facilitating innovation diffusion for the development of organic paddy fields. Methods: A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing a case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, non-participant observations, and document analysis involving 17 participants, including progressive farmers, conventional farmers, and agricultural extension agents engaged in organic rice farming development. Data were analyzed descriptively using the framework of social learning theory. Results: Findings indicate that opinion leaders play a pivotal role as initiators, pioneers, information disseminators, and role models in promoting organic rice farming innovations. Their actions and statements regarding innovations strongly influence farmers' decision-making processes. Conclusion: The study concludes that progressive farmers, as opinion leaders, effectively act as change agents and mentors by introducing and fostering the adoption of organic farming practices. The shared socio-cultural background between opinion leaders and their communities facilitates intensive interpersonal communication, ensuring that messages are relevant, credible, memorable, and trustworthy, thereby accelerating innovation diffusion. Nevertheless, the study also highlights certain limitations faced by progressive farmers. Strengthening their communication skills and fostering collaborations with agricultural institutions, such as extension agents and organic farming communities, are essential to further expedite the diffusion of organic farming innovations.

Bugisese Migration and Cocoa Farming Globalization in East Kolaka

Objectives: To analyze the potentiality of the Archaeological Complex of Pedra do Altar as ecological tourism through the understanding of the cultural heritage as a new source of tourist attractions and economic development for small towns, the identification of ecological trails related to the economy for sustainability and preservation of natural space and the relationship of Ecological Economy, Payment for Environmental Services and Tourism in the global/local scale. Methodology: The research is a case study regarding the potential of ecological tourism that the Archaeological Complex Pedra do Altar in Barra de Santana/PB exerts, for this, it was performed a survey of works related to the proposed theme in the last 5 years (2017 - 2022), the capture of images in the locality, the preparation of maps of use of the study area and the construction of alternatives that enable ecological tourism and payment for environmental services in the locality. Final considerations: The private organization charges a fee, which can be considered a PES, because it reverts to the maintenance of the site to better serve tourists, however it is not institutionalized. The visitors recognize tourism as a profitable and sustainable activity for local development, however, it is necessary to rethink the activity based on the conceptions of ecological economy, together with public management.

This paper focuses on local people’s participation in the development of ecological cultural tourism in the Vam Nao reservoir area of An Giang Province, located approximately 180 kilomteres southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Building on experiences of several countries on how to involve local people in natural resource management and ecotourism development, we interviewed 95 in-depth stakeholders related to natural resource management, tourism, environment, and people’s participation; distributed questionnaires to 340 tourists; and synthesised field survey data from 500 online visitor surveys. On the basis of analysis and evaluation of these materials, this paper suggests a new policy on tourism for An Giang provincial leaders involving preservation of local cultural values as support for ecological and cultural tourism in the studied area. In the last section, the paper makes recommendations for increasing community participation in areas similar to the one studied herein.

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to propose a conceptual model for managing supply risk (SR) dependencies in regional supply networks (SNs). Grounded on resource dependency theory (RDT), the research conceptualises the management of SR as buffering and bridging strategies that enable organisations to redefine their SN to cope with SR and as a three-stage transformation mechanism.Design/methodology/approachFour supply failure case studies from the aluminium and the oil and gas industries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region inductively provide empirical insights for a revised conceptual framing. Within and cross case analysis on transcribed semi-structured interviews with 11 SN managers focus on the SRs and dependencies associated with the supply failures and an abstraction of risk management (RM) strategies for coping with these failures.FindingsThe analysis finds that underpinning ‘second-order’ buffering and bridging strategies from RDT are four main ‘first-order’ RM strategies: unit independency, organisational adaptation, network reconfiguration and environmental acceptance. These RM strategies are due to controllability and predictability levels that influence investment in RM and reflect the locations for implementing RM practices, i.e. the business unit, the organisation, the SN and the environment.Originality/valueThe article contributes to research through the conceptual framework of SR dependencies and unique insights on SR management within the GCC region. Practically, the research is novel in offering strategic directions for RM evaluations and investments that reflect the controllability and predictability of risk incidents. Such evaluations are potentially valuable in orchestrating regional SNs, for managing GCC companies in global supply chains, and for strategic decisions to expand or outsource to the GCC region.

In order to improve the effectiveness of ecological agriculture tourism development and management of water resources, this article combines artificial intelligence technology to study the development and management of ecological agriculture tourism. This article conducts a hierarchical analysis based on the characteristics of tourism symbol aggregation and spatial distribution patterns within a certain period of time, determines the threshold for extracting the optimal tourism behavior boundary, and strives to solve the problems caused by the complexity and dynamism of tourism behavior. In addition, this article also developed an intelligent water resources agricultural characteristic tourism management system to improve the development effect of agricultural characteristic tourism and promote precise control of water conservancy irrigation systems in ecological agricultural tourism areas. Finally, this article combines the proposed algorithm model to construct an ecological agriculture characteristic tourism development and management system. Simulation evaluation shows that the ecological agriculture characteristic tourism development and management model based on artificial intelligence technology proposed in this paper has good effects.