Outlining the course of Arabica coffee production: investigating influential factors for smallholder farmers in East Java, Indonesia

Coffee is a global commodity with high economic value. This study addressed the global surge in coffee consumption while highlighting fluctuations in Indonesia's coffee production. The implementation of effective strategies was deemed crucial. Focusing on smallholder farmers in East Java, the research examined determinants that impacted Arabica coffee production, particularly for export purposes. Data were collected from 173 farmers in Bondowoso Regency through structured interviews and questionnaires, and analyzed using the Cobb-Douglas production function methodology. A distinctive feature is introducing the variable of distance between a farmer's residence and their field. This study introduces a new variable, the distance from the farmer’s field to their residence, which has not been commonly considered in previous analyses of coffee production. The analytical results revealed that factors such as land area, urea fertilizer, and plant age significantly influenced coffee production. Interestingly, excessive labor had a negative effect on output. In contrast, variables such as proximity and farming experience had only a marginal influence, challenging the assumption that prolonged engagement automatically ensures higher productivity. The findings also indicated that distances of 10 to 25 km between residences and fields did not hinder farming activities, reinforcing the role of agriculture as a vital source of income. To enhance Arabica coffee production, optimizing land use, applying fertilizers accurately, maintaining ideal plant age, and balancing the labor force were identified as key success factors. This research contributed to a deeper understanding of Arabica coffee production and provided practical strategies for improving small-scale farming in developing countries such as Indonesia.