Edufarmers & Visa Combat Uncertainty with Financial Literacy: The Permata Program for Indonesian Farmers

The agricultural sector remains as a primary source of economy and livelihood for many Indonesian families.

According to the latest data from the Agricultural Census 2023, there are 28.4 million households in Indonesia involved in agricultural activities.

However, despite its vital role, the agricultural sector in Indonesia faces various challenges. Farming households often experience financial instability due to income fluctuations, market uncertainties, and unpredictable operational costs. Additionally, limited access to formal financial services and a lack of knowledge in managing finances leave many farming families vulnerable to deeper economic issues. 

This financial instability not only affects their daily welfare but also hinders the development of their farming businesses. In these constrained conditions, enhancing financial literacy becomes essential to help farming households manage and plan their financial goals. 

To address these challenges, Edufarmers, in collaboration with VISA, has launched the 'Permata Program' (Household Training in Smart and Budget-Conscious Spending). This training program focuses on providing financial literacy to women in farming families so that they can achieve their financial goals amid the economic vulnerability they face. The program will run for three years, from 2024 to 2026. 

Last October, training sessions were held for 42 Permata Cadres across three regions—Compreng Subdistrict (Subang), Cikajang Subdistrict (Garut), and Cisurupan Subdistrict (Garut). Participants were equipped with financial management basics, the importance of financial planning, and the use of monopoly-based gamification to practice making sound financial decisions. 

Next, the Permata Cadres in these three regions will share their knowledge through biweekly training sessions to be held from November to December 2024 for women farmers in their respective villages.  

By providing financial education tailored to the unique needs of farming families, this program aims to strengthen their ability to manage income and better prepare for future income fluctuations hence strengthening farmers family’s resiliency.

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