Identification of the Potential for Increasing the Economic Value of Arabica Coffee as a Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) on Lombok Island

Abstract

Arabica coffee on Lombok Island has significant potential as a Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) that integrates ecological sustainability, community livelihoods, and economic value within forest-based agroforestry systems. This study aims to identify existing potentials and formulate strategies to enhance the economic value of Arabica coffee as an NTFP through an agroforestry-based approach. A qualitative case study was conducted in major Arabica coffee production areas within forest and agroforestry landscapes in Sajang and Sembalun, using interviews, field observations, document analysis, and focus group discussions, with data analyzed thematically. The results show that Lombok Arabica coffee has strong biophysical and ecological advantages, including high-altitude conditions, a cool climate, fertile volcanic soils, and sustainable agroforestry practices, which produce high-quality beans with distinctive sensory characteristics suitable for specialty coffee markets. However, its economic potential has not been fully optimized due to uneven productivity, limited adoption of improved cultivation and post-harvest technologies, weak farmer institutions, lack of certification, and constrained market access and branding. This study identifies seven strategic pillars for strengthening the economic value of Arabica coffee as an NTFP, encompassing improved agroforestry based cultivation, post-harvest innovation and quality assurance, circular economy oriented product diversification, collective certification schemes, cooperative strengthening and digitalization, Geographic Indication based branding, and supportive local government policies. These strategies provide practical guidance for policymakers and community-based forest managers in promoting sustainable NTFP development and rural livelihoods in tropical forest landscapes.