Can a Banana End Poverty? The Promise of Gender-Inclusive Farming in Sumatra Island, Indonesia

Abstract

 Poverty continues to burden many regions of Indonesia, with Sumatra recording some of the nation’s highest poverty rates, particularly in Aceh and Bengkulu. These disparities underscore the pressing need for targeted and innovative poverty alleviation strategies. Agriculture remains central to Sumatra’s economic resilience, and among its diverse commodities, the Cavendish banana emerges as a strategic product with significant potential to drive inclusive growth. Its strong global market demand and downstream processing opportunities can stimulate household incomes, expand micro-enterprises, and strengthen regional value chains. However, realizing this potential requires a development model that goes beyond conventional agricultural improvements. This editorial argues that a transformative and sustainable banana-based economy must integrate two essential pillars: gender equity and local wisdom. Women play a substantial yet often unrecognized role in agricultural production across Sumatra. Ensuring their equitable participation in all stages of the Cavendish banana value chain enhances productivity, improves income distribution, and fosters community resilience. At the same time, traditional ecological knowledge and cultural practices such as communal cooperation, land stewardship, and customary governance provide a strong social foundation for environmentally responsible and community-accepted development. By merging these dimensions into a gender-inclusive, culturally grounded business model, Cavendish banana development can transcend its role as a mere commodity and become a catalyst for poverty reduction and social transformation. This editorial highlights how such an approach can strengthen rural livelihoods, support women-led enterprises, and promote sustainable economic progress in Aceh and Bengkulu. It invites policymakers, practitioners, and scholars to engage with this model as a pathway toward a more just, inclusive, and resilient Sumatra Island, Indonesia.