Jeff Neilson

In this engaging discussion, Jeff Neilson, an Associate Professor of Economic Geography at the University of Sydney, explores the intricate coffee value chains in Indonesia. He unveils the concept of 'fortress farming,' where smallholders adopt defensive strategies to preserve their livelihoods while navigating global markets. Jeff discusses the impact of off-farm incomes on household economies and cultural identities, as well as the implications for agrarian transitions and sustainability. His insights illuminate the balance between tradition and modernity in rural Indonesian life.

Jeff Neilson, an Associate Professor specializing in economic geography, dives into the transformative world of rural Indonesia. He discusses the concept of 'fortress farming,' where smallholders use coffee cultivation as a safety net while seeking income outside agriculture. Neilson explores how off-farm activities impact farming identities and yield decisions. He highlights the challenges posed by dominant corporations in the coffee value chain and calls for new research to address stalled agrarian transitions and the future of livelihood resilience.