Rubber Farmers Mapping and Traceability in Lampung

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Client: Olam Agri

Year: 2023

Main deliverables: supplier engagements, mapping and survey of 4,600 rubber smallholders in 2 districts in Lampung, high-level risk analysis and assessment of traceability readiness.

In the heart of Lampung, Indonesia, a region renowned for its vibrant rubber industry, we embarked on a transformative journey aimed at reshaping the future of rubber industry. Our tasl was clear: to conduct a comprehensive mapping and survey initiative that not only sheds light on the web of the local supply chain but also sets the stage for the implementation of a traceability system, ensuring compliance with the European Union's EUDR regulations.

Understanding the Landscape: Before delving into the details of our mapping and survey efforts, it's crucial to grasp the dynamic landscape of Lampung's rubber industry. The region has long been a key player in the global rubber market, contributing significantly to the supply chains of various industries. However, the lack of transparency and traceability has posed challenges for both local farmers and international regulatory standards.

The Mapping and Survey Process: Our team, began by engaging key stakeholders such as the Regional Agriculture Department, Statistic Agency, Regional and Village Goverments, key rubber suppliers to gain a comprehensive overview of the supply chain, identify key players, and understand the nuances of the production process.

Simultaneously, we conducted an extensive survey involving 4,600 rubber farmers, engaging with them to gather essential data about their practices, challenges, and aspirations. The survey covered various aspects, including their location, deforestation risk, legality of their land, labor practices, and awareness of sustainability standards.

Setting the Stage for Traceability: Armed with the insights from our mapping and survey efforts, we started discussion with our client to think about the unique needs of traceability system that can provide transparency from farm to market, meeting EUDR regulations, and bolstering the region's reputation for sustainable rubber production.

Looking Ahead: The journey has just begun, and with continued collaboration and dedication, we are hope to move ahead to expand the work in 2024 by scaling the mapping and survey to higher numbers of farmers and other districts in Lampung, and at the same time starting deeper suppliers engagement for them to start using the traceability tools.

Our hope is our mapping and survey initiative in Lampung stands as a testament to the transformative power of sustainable practices. By empowering rubber farmers and laying the groundwork for traceability, we strive to contribute towards a more transparent, ethical, and compliant rubber industry in Lampung.