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Co-Designing Sustainable and Resilient Rubber Cultivation Systems Through Participatory Research with Stakeholders in Indonesia

Author

Listed:
  • Pascal Montoro

    (CIRAD, UMR AGAP Institute, F-34398 Montpellier, France
    UMR AGAP Institute, University Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, F-34398 Montpellier, France)

  • Sophia Alami

    (CIRAD, UMR AGAP Institute, F-34398 Montpellier, France
    UMR AGAP Institute, University Montpellier, CIRAD, INRAE, Institut Agro, F-34398 Montpellier, France)

  • Uhendi Haris

    (GAPKINDO, Kota Jakarta 10150, Indonesia)

  • Charloq Rosa Nababan

    (Agrotechnology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan 20155, Indonesia)

  • Fetrina Oktavia

    (Indonesian Rubber Research Institute, Sembawa, Banyuasin 30953, Indonesia)

  • Eric Penot

    (CIRAD, UMR Innovation, F-34398 Montpellier, France)

  • Yekti Purwestri

    (Research Center for Biotechnology, University Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia)

  • Suroso Rahutomo

    (Indonesian Rubber Research Institute, Sembawa, Banyuasin 30953, Indonesia)

  • Sabaruddin Kadir

    (Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang 30662, Indonesia)

  • Siti Subandiyah

    (Faculty of Agriculture, University Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia)

  • Lina Fatayati Syarifa

    (Indonesian Rubber Research Institute, Sembawa, Banyuasin 30953, Indonesia)

  • Taryono

    (Faculty of Agriculture, University Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta 55281, Indonesia)

Abstract

The rubber industry is facing major socio-economic and environmental constraints. Rubber-based agroforestry systems represent a more sustainable solution through the diversification of income and the provision of greater ecosystem services than monoculture plantations. Participative approaches are known for their ability to co-construct solutions with stakeholders and to promote a positive impact on smallholders. This study therefore implemented a participatory research process with stakeholders in the natural rubber sector for the purpose of improving inclusion, relevance and impact. Facilitation training sessions were first organised with academic actors to prepare participatory workshops. A working group of stakeholder representatives was set up and participated in these workshops to share a common representation of the value chain and to identify problems and solutions for the sector in Indonesia. By fostering collective intelligence and systems thinking, the process is aimed at enabling the development of adaptive technical solutions and building capacity across the sector for future government replanting programmes. The resulting adaptive technical packages were then detailed and objectified by the academic consortium and are part of a participatory plant breeding approach adapted to the natural rubber industry. On-station and on-farm experimental plans have been set up to facilitate the drafting of projects for setting up field trials based on these outcomes. Research played a dual role as both knowledge provider and facilitator, guiding a co-learning process rooted in social inclusion, equity and ecological resilience. The initiative highlighted the potential of rubber cultivation to contribute to climate change mitigation and food sovereignty, provided that it can adapt through sustainable practices like agroforestry. Continued political and financial support is essential to sustain and scale these innovations.

Suggested Citation

  • Pascal Montoro & Sophia Alami & Uhendi Haris & Charloq Rosa Nababan & Fetrina Oktavia & Eric Penot & Yekti Purwestri & Suroso Rahutomo & Sabaruddin Kadir & Siti Subandiyah & Lina Fatayati Syarifa & Ta, 2025. "Co-Designing Sustainable and Resilient Rubber Cultivation Systems Through Participatory Research with Stakeholders in Indonesia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-25, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:15:p:6884-:d:1712544
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. V. Ernesto Méndez & Martha Caswell & Stephen R. Gliessman & Roseann Cohen, 2017. "Integrating Agroecology and Participatory Action Research (PAR): Lessons from Central America," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-19, April.
    2. Aris Sudomo & Budi Leksono & Hesti Lestari Tata & Anita Apriliani Dwi Rahayu & Aziz Umroni & Heny Rianawati & Asmaliyah & Krisnawati & Ali Setyayudi & Marcellinus Mandira Budi Utomo & Levina Augusta G, 2023. "Can Agroforestry Contribute to Food and Livelihood Security for Indonesia’s Smallholders in the Climate Change Era?," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-25, September.
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    4. Vina Eka Aristya & Y. Andi Trisyono & Jangkung Handoyo Mulyo & Taryono Taryono, 2021. "Participatory Varietal Selection for Promising Rice Lines," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-18, June.
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