Local-adapted and high-yield varieties for sustainable Robusta coffee farming: Evidence from South Sumatera, Indonesia

Abstract

Climate change causes an adverse impact on the coffee plantation as it directly influences the productivity and quality of coffee products. For the adaptation strategy, using superior variety is often considered an important step because it has potential attributes such as high yield and quality, and is more tolerant to certain environmental shocks. This study aims to analyze the environmental adaptability and financial feasibility of local Robusta coffee varieties. This study used data from field observations, surveys, and interviews of key informants in Ogan Komering Ulu Regency, South Sumatera, Indonesia from 2018-2021. Data were analyzed descriptively. Results showed that three local clones have high adaptability in the study site, even in a high precipitation rate. The varieties are financially feasible to be adopted by farmers, even though on a small scale. Sensitivity analysis with the scenario of decreasing the yield or increasing operational cost as the impact of climate variability about 10 percent showed the lower feasibility indicators (NPV, IRR, and Net B/C), but still higher than the minimum threshold so that still feasible and profitable for farmers. Hence, the three local clones are the potential to be developed for sustainable Robusta coffee plantations.