A significant constraint to shallot production is damage by the onion caterpillar (Spodoptera exigua) which can cause yield losses of 45-57%. This study assesses farmer knowledge and effectiveness of insecticides for S. exigua control in shallots in West Java and Central Java. Data was sourced via group discussions and individual interviews (n=100) and analysed using descriptive statistical method and content analysis. Respondent characteristics are briefly reported.

This report details the outcomes of work undertaken in West Java, Central Java, West Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi to develop potato and cabbage integrated crop management systems, develop and improve farmer access to quality potato seed and build capacity for adaptive research and development. The report details the results from surveys of 80 potato and 50 cabbage crops covering crop agronomy, yield, economics, post-harvest management and potato seed supply, source and quality. It outlines the constraints to potato and cabbage production, with low soil pH being the major constraint.

A number of insect pests are associated with maize in Indonesia. This article examines the species composition and status of maize pests in Donggala district of Central Sulawesi province in order to identify an appropriate control strategy and make location-specific integrated pest management recommendations. The study was carried out in seven villages in 2007, in which 50 samples were collected in each location from maize plots of 0.25-1 ha. Observations were recorded visually using sweep nets.

This paper assesses the impact of integrated pest management (IPM) training on the economics of pest management decision making and discusses the mechanisms of reduced insecticides associated with IPM training. Background information outlines IPM and pesticide use and the concept of an economic threshold for pest control. Data on soybeans during 1990-1998 was collected from provincial agricultural agencies and analysed using an econometric analysis.

This study examined soybean insecticide demand in Java and assessed the impact of integrated pest management (IPM) on insecticide use using aggregate regional data. The report includes an overview of the IPM program and technology transfer including a detailed outline of Farmer Field Schools. Data was collected from various sources and analysed using recursive and simultaneous equation models, the construction of which is detailed in the report.

While the demand for specialty coffee in Indonesia is high, the industry is constrained by its inability to increase production. This study assesses the trade and marketing practices of Indonesian specialty coffee through interviews with different value chain actors— exporters, farmer associations and cooperatives, processors, traders and government representatives—in the provinces of South Sulawesi, North Sumatra, Aceh and Bali.

This article examines pest control and production management methods used by farmers in Sulawesi to improve cocoa bean quality and increase income from cocoa. Strategies investigated include those directed at increasing the number and size of cocoa pods, those aimed at reducing hosts for pest transmission, two input-intensive approaches, and the alternative of doing nothing beyond harvesting mature cocoa pods.

This report assesses the effectiveness of the PRIMA project in improving cocoa quality and the innovative approach used in establishing a quality driven supply chain with direct benefits to South Sulawesi smallholders. Interviews and questionnaires with a range of industry participants informed the report. The core component of the report details PRIMA project activities and how effective they were.

The competitive advantage of Indonesian cocoa production has been threatened by poor and inconsistent quality. This report includes a desktop analysis to identify the key issues impacting on the cocoa value chain and details proposed interventions to benefit cocoa production, quality and smallholder income. Field visits were undertaken to identify the issues facing smallholders and potential collaborators for intervention.

This program focused on improving the quantity and quality of smallholder cocoa production in Sulawesi, West Papua, North Sumatra and Bali as well as strengthening global cocoa value chain partnerships. Monitoring and evaluation data was collected through the program as well as through independent research and evaluations. The program had six categories of activity: Farmer Field Schools (FFS), Farmer Organisation, Communications Initiative, Farming as a Business, Side-grafting and Bio-control.