Context and Project Description

This program is an extension of Agriterra’s successful 2023–2026 initiative, Building Strong Horticulture Cooperatives in Africa, implemented in Burkina Faso and Tanzania. The program was supported by Stichting De Eik, a foundation established by Jos Looije, former owner and director of Looye Kwekers in Naaldwijk, the Netherlands. 

Building on the success of the African program, Agriterra is expanding the initiative to Indonesia, specifically in West Java, targeting four horticulture cooperatives. The project aims to strengthen the position of smallholder farmers in the horticulture value chain through the development of professional and market-oriented agricultural cooperatives. 

Agriterra collaborates with East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer (EWS-KT) and subcontracts Yayasan Bina Tani Sejahtera (YBTS), an affiliate of EWS-KT in Indonesia, to support the design and roll-out of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training and extension services for farmers. 

By 2028, the participating cooperatives are expected to possess resilient governance and financial systems capable of supporting their growing aggregation of businesses and members’ service delivery systems.

Project Objectives

The project aims to strengthen cooperative capacity and improve farmers’ livelihoods through the following objectives: 

• Governance and Financial Strengthening: Strengthening cooperative governance and financial systems ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. 

• Technical Integration: Embedding Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training and extension services into the cooperatives’ service delivery model through YBTS support. 

• Market Linkage: Developing business models that enable cooperatives to collectively market members’ produce and access higher-value buyers. 

• Sustainable Service Provision Systems: Establishing sustainable systems that improve farmers’ access to quality agricultural inputs and technical support. 

• Inclusivity: Establishing youth and women councils to encourage active participation and strengthen the future sustainability of the cooperatives.

Project Targets

• 8 commercial demonstration plots established for tomato, lettuce, and bean production.

• 250 farmers trained in Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), targeting a 20% increase in yield.

• 192 visitors reached through Seed Clinic activities.

• 160 farmers participated in Field Day (FFD) activities.

YBTS Partners

Funding Partner: Stichting De Eik, Agriterra 

Technical Partner: East-West Seed Knowledge Transfer (EWS-KT)

Local Partners: Local communities, and four horticulture cooperatives supported by Agriterra: 

1. Koperasi Lembang Agri (Cikadang Village, Lembang, West Bandung Regency) 
2. Koperasi Caringin Bumi Asih (Lebak Muncang Village, Ciwidey, Bandung Regency) 
3. Koperasi Al-Ittifaq (Ciwidey, Bandung Regency) 
4. Koperasi Green Pasundan Agriculture, Ciwidey, Bandung Regency 

Project Period

April 2026 – December 2027 

Location

Bandung Regency and West Bandung Regency, West Java, Indonesia