- Aha! Moment
How can farmers producing high-value products in Indonesia be eased into adoption of PGS ROLES and digital tools?
Nola Andaya, Yusril Fuadi, Crissy Guerrero, Anang Seteiwan, Varsha Ashok, Nyakundi Lamech
- March 24, 2026
- 7:48 am
SECTOR
PROJECT TYPE
Location
BEHAVIORAL THEME
OVERVIEW
Indigenous forest communities in Indonesia face challenges accessing international markets due to limited adoption of reliable certification systems like PGS ROLES. This study explores how to increase uptake by understanding behavioral and structural barriers and co-designing solutions with communities. Findings suggest that integrating indigenous knowledge, leveraging positive perceptions, and engaging youth in digitization can improve adoption.
Research Questions
- What barriers limit adoption of PGS ROLES among indigenous producers?
- How can digital tools be designed to support sustainable certification systems?
- What role do indigenous knowledge and community dynamics play in adoption?
Methods
The study used qualitative scoping research, including in-depth interviews with 24 rattan farmers and artisans in East Kalimantan and Central Sulawesi. A stakeholder workshop applied human-centered design to map workflows and co-develop community-led digital solutions for PGS ROLES implementation.
THEMATIC AREAS
Key Findings
- Limited adoption of PGS ROLES is driven by concerns about credibility and the burden of documentation.
- Indigenous knowledge aligns with sustainable production standards and can strengthen implementation.
- Producers perceive PGS ROLES positively, especially for improving collaboration and bargaining power.
- Youth are well positioned to drive digital adoption and bridge digital literacy gaps.
- Barriers to digitization include low digital literacy and connectivity constraints.
Implications for Policy & Development
- Digital solutions should be mobile-friendly, simple, and usable offline for low-literacy users.
- Indigenous knowledge should be integrated into certification systems and program design.
- Community collaboration and collective action are critical for compliance and market access.
- Engaging youth can accelerate digitization and adoption of new systems.
- Future efforts should focus on scaling and simplifying digital tools for wider adoption.