"We recognize, acknowledge, and embrace our alumni as vital stakeholders in the advancement of the Kalimajari"



I Gusti Agung Ayu Widiastuti

CEO

  • I finished my master degree in geography at the University of Bonn, Germany in 2020. In the course of her studies, I focused on the field of ‘Development and Globalization’ with particular interest in aspects of socio-ecological transformation, sustainable value chains and participatory project planning and evaluation. In the summer of 2018, I assisted Kalimajari Foundation in implementing the ‘Sustainable Cacao Project’ with its aim to support smallholder cacao farmers in terms of strengthening the agricultural potential and to make the local cacao sector globally competitive and at the same time ecologically and socially sustainable. Due to the close cooperation with Kalimajari, the opportunity arose that I could carry out the research of my master thesis in Bali. That is why, I returned for a two-month period to an intensively professional and personal exchange on the topic of gender equality and societal transformation with the staff of Kalimajari, the cacao farmers on the ground and other actors of the project. Three things I learned to love about kalimajari is first of all, the members of Kalimajari do everything in their power to address the societal needs and economic challenges of small-scale cacao and seaweed farmers as well to improve their livelihood in the long term. Secondly, Kalimajari’s concern is to give voice to the farmers. I could observe how female farmers gained self-confidence to make their needs heard and to demonstrate their knowledge and capabilities on account of the implemented women empowerment and youth engagement programme. Thirdly, Kalimajari family supported me on every step of the master thesis. And not only that. They made Bali a second home with many friends I can and would always happily return to. Read More
    Evelyn Knapwerth
    University of Bonn
    Germany