Integrated organic practice in coffee agroforestry as a climate-smart approach in upstream area Merawu Watershed

¹ Watershed Management Laboratory, Department of Forest Resource Conservation, Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Gadjah Mada
² Silviculture and Agroforestry Laboratory, Department of Silviculture, Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Gadjah Mada

^* Corresponding author: hsuryatmojo@ugm.ac.id

Abstract

The Merawu Watershed in Banjarnegara Regency faces severe environmental challenges, including land degradation, landslides, and climate change impacts. This study investigates the use of integrated organic management within coffee agroforestry systems in Binangun Village as a climate- resilient farming strategy. Primary data were collected through structured interviews with 22 members of the Gondoarum Farmers Group and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and land productivity valuation. Results show that 95% of farmers were aware of climate change and had adopted adaptive strategies based on local knowledge, especially organic and agroforestry practices. Organic management in coffee agroforestry not only supports environmental sustainability but also enhances productivity and profitability. Among organic farmers, 42% had low, 37% moderate, and 16% high coffee yields. Land productivity ranged from IDR 20-246 million/ha, with the highest returns achieved through full organic inputs. Farmers adopted organic practices to improve soil fertility, ensure long-term productivity, and promote environmental sustainability. Correlation analysis indicated that socio-demographic factors (age and education) had limited influence on adoption, while peer influence, local knowledge, and organic input source availability played greater roles. The study highlights the potential of climate-smart organic coffee agroforestry as an effective strategy to enhance resilience in upstream watershed areas.