Research on World Agricultural Economy

Adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) among Arabica Coffee Farmers in Simalungun, Indonesia

R. Hamdani Harahap

Postgraduate Development Studies Study Program, FISIP USU Medan, Kota Medan 20222, Indonesia

Abdul Rauf

Animal Husbandry Study Program, Faculty of Agriculture, USU Medan, Kota Medan 20222, Indonesia

Rahmawaty

Faculty of Forestry, USU Medan, Kota Medan 20222, Indonesia

Isfenti Sadalia

Faculty of Economics and Business, USU Medan, Kota Medan 20222, Indonesia

Farid Aulia

Social Anthropology Study Program, FISIP USU Medan, Kota Medan 20222, Indonesia

Abdullah Akhyar Nasution

Anthropology Study Program, Universitas Malikussaleh, Aceh Utara 24351, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i4.1897

Received: 25 March 2025 | Revised: 23 April 2025 | Accepted: 30 June 2025 | Published Online: 4 September 2025

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Abstract

The implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in Arabica coffee cultivation in Simalungun, Indonesia still faces various challenges even though this practice is known to increase productivity and sustainability. Farmers still tend to use traditional methods and have limited understanding of modern agricultural techniques. This is a major problem in optimizing the implementation of GAP among local farmers, so it is necessary to study the factors that influence the level of GAP implementation. This study involved 117 coffee farmers in various sub-districts through in-depth interviews and questionnaires. The results showed that many farmers had not met GAP standards, especially in terms of seed selection, fertilization, and pest control. Correlation analysis revealed that the level of farmer education had a strong relationship with the understanding and implementation of sustainable agricultural practices. Based on these findings, a coordinated approach is needed involving various stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, and the private sector. Comprehensive training programs and improved support systems are highly recommended to ensure farmers have the resources and knowledge needed to optimize coffee production sustainably. Collaboration between the government, educational institutions, and farmers is key to creating a coffee cultivation environment that is beneficial for both producers and the ecosystem.

Keywords: Coffee Farmer Knowledge; Coffee Cultivation; GAP (Good Agriculture Practices); Coffee Farmers; Coffee Productivity

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