top of page

Empowering Women Farmers: Irda’s Journey to a Balanced Cocoa Business and Household


“Decision-making for the cocoa business has improved since attending the Gender Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) training, I didn’t involve myself much before, but now I realize how small, thoughtful contributions can make a big difference.”- Irda Nurung

In a quiet corner of East Luwu, South Sulawesi, Irda Nurung, a 38-year-old mother of four and cocoa farmer, decided to embark on a journey for change that eventually led to her empowerment, harmony in her family relationship, and share in the decision-making—both in her household and in her family’s cocoa farm business. Her story is part of the groundbreaking GrowHer: Kakao project, a collaboration between Grow Asia, Mars, Save the Children Indonesia, and Partnership for Indonesia’s Sustainable Agriculture (PISAgro) that aims to transform Indonesia’s cacao supply chains by empowering 4,000 women smallholders and entrepreneurs in North Luwu and East Luwu, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. 


This initiative, co-funded by Mars and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), empowers women as leaders in agriculture, facilitating their access to resources, so that they are economically and politically empowered so that their voices are represented and heard in crucial business decisions, such as the adoption of climate-smart practices and crop diversification, as well as in vital development processes surrounding them in their communities.    


Traditional Roles and Challenges 


Before joining the program, Irda’s life was centered around domestic responsibilities. She managed cooking, cleaning, and childcare entirely on her own, while her husband, Andi Hadi, 45, focused exclusively on farming. Although their cocoa business spanned across multiple plots of land, Irda had no involvement in its operations. The couple also faced challenges accessing funds for essential agricultural inputs, which was managed through the Village Saving and Loan Association. This enabled them access to a loan with lower interest rates.  


These dynamics began to shift in March 2024 when the couple participated in the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) sessions, part of the GrowHer:Kakao initiative. The GALS methodology sensitized participants on gender concepts, self-awareness, and equitable sharing of domestic work responsibilities. It also uses several tools like the Vision Journey and Balanced Family Tree, enabling participants to develop individual and joint action plans for their lives, or their goals, which they also monitor from time to time 


A New Vision for Shared Responsibilities


Following the GALS training, Irda and Andi committed to three key changes: 

  • Joint decision-making for the cocoa business 

  • Shared domestic work and childcare responsibilities 

  • Transparent financial management 


Although eager to contribute to farm management, Irda initially struggled due to a lack of technical knowledge. To bridge this gap, she signed up for the Gender Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) training in April 2024. Over three intensive days, she gained practical insights into cocoa farming, including fertilizing, pruning, and clone selection for seeds. And she is just one of many others experiencing and embracing change.  



A Partnership in Progress


Armed with new knowledge, Irda began participating in discussions about their cocoa business. Together, she and Andi decided to cultivate an unused section of their farm. She also shared insights on fertilizing and pest management, which Andi embraced.  


In their financial management, transparency became the norm. Irda and Andi started discussing savings and expenses openly, leading to smoother decisions about investing in costly yet essential inputs like fertilizers. “Understanding the financial impact of farming needs has made allocation easier,” she noted. Irda started developing a greater sense of entrepreneurship ever since.  


On the other hand, Andi’s involvement in domestic responsibilities has increased as well, allowing there to be more balance overall. Once distant from his children, he now spends quality time with them, helps with childcare, and supports household tasks. Irda observed these changes with gratitude, noting how their new approach to family vision and goal-setting has strengthened their bond. 


Empowerment and Broader Impact


Irda’s story highlights the transformative power of empowering women farmers with the right set and blend of technical and behavioral approaches, done with gender sensitivity and inclusive approach The GrowHer: Kakao initiative demonstrates how collaborative action at various levels, can address gender disparities, improve household dynamics, and ultimately contribute significantly to enhancing agricultural productivity. By fostering equitable partnerships between men and women, initiatives like this not only drive sustainable development but also create a new breed of resilient farming communities. 


As Irda and Andi continue their journey, their story serves as a powerful reminder: investing in women is not just a matter of fairness—it’s a cornerstone of lasting economic growth and social progress. 



Subscribe to the Grow Asia newsletter

Grow Asia

Afro-Asia 

63 Robinson Road, Level 8 

Singapore 068894 
info@growasia.org

Copyright © 2023 Grow Asia  

bottom of page