Resilience through agroforestry in Kalimantan

Dear friends,

The agroforestry training program is off to a positive start, with the first three farmer groups successfully completing their initial training sessions. These early activities have helped the team better understand the needs of participants and fine-tune the program as it expands to reach 200 farmers.

During the training, farmers shared how climate change is affecting their livelihoods. Many have noticed hotter temperatures, longer dry seasons, occasional flooding, and lower crop yields. They are eager to learn new farming methods that can help them adapt to these changing conditions and improve their harvests.

The project team continues to travel long distances to reach villages, and training schedules are adjusted to fit around the farmers' work. Some women farmers also need extra time to prepare their planting areas, so the team is providing flexible support to ensure everyone can participate.

A key milestone has also been reached with the completion of the first of five planned wood vinegar production units in Banturung Village. The local community has agreed to manage the facility, helping ensure its long-term use.

To support farmers after the training, YUM staff make regular visits to their farms and have created WhatsApp groups where participants can ask questions, share their progress, and receive ongoing advice.

We are grateful for your support, which is helping farming families build more resilient and sustainable livelihoods. While a generous donor is funding the majority of this project, we are responsible for contributing 20% of the total project costs. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us continue this work.

Thank you for supporting this initiative and standing by us.

My sincere appreciation,

Vanessa Reksodipoetro

Executive Director