Promoting Sustainable Prosperity Through Agroforestry Collaboration in Petungkriyono

On the fertile slopes of Petungkriyono, a significant transformation is bringing new hope to local farmers. Led by the Relung Indonesia Foundation, with support from the IKI Small Grants program, the foundation has adopted an agroforestry approach to transform how local communities manage natural resources, cultivate crops, and sustain their ecosystems. Key products such as coffee, ginger, bananas, and various vegetables have been selected based on their adaptability to the local climate and soil conditions, as well as their broad market potential. Reflections on past social and environmental well-being are being cultivated into a collective awareness that leads to sustainable, collective prosperity.

Establishment of the Wanatani Production Cooperative Petungkriyono Lestari

As the central point of sustainable development efforts in Petungkriyono, the Relung Indonesia Foundation took a strategic step by facilitating the establishment of the Wanatani Production Cooperative Petungkriyono Lestari. This cooperative was created not just as a business entity but as a platform integrating the principles of agroforestry and sustainability into every aspect of its activities.

Cooperative Vision

The cooperative’s vision is to consolidate the efforts of farmers, with the primary goal of enhancing their ability to manage land sustainably and improve environmentally friendly farming practices. This consolidation is expected to bring greater and more sustainable benefits to farmers, not only financially but also by promoting more efficient and sustainable management of natural resources.

The Cooperative’s Role in Social and Economic Development

The cooperative’s establishment is aimed not only at transforming traditional farming techniques into more modern and sustainable methods but also at strengthening the social and economic foundations of the Petungkriyono community:

1. Farmer Capacity Building: The cooperative actively works to improve farmers’ skills through training, workshops, and educational activities focused on the latest and most effective farming methods. The main focus is on farming practices that reduce the use of harmful chemicals, utilize agroforestry techniques, and manage pests and plant diseases naturally.
2. Land Improvement: Through the cooperative, farmers are taught innovative ways to improve soil quality and manage their land sustainably. This includes crop rotation, the use of organic fertilizers, and water and soil conservation techniques, aimed at maximizing the efficiency of natural resource use.
3. Social Welfare: The cooperative also focuses on improving the social welfare of its members. This is achieved by providing better access to markets, negotiating more favorable prices, and creating a solid distribution network to ensure that agricultural products reach the market efficiently.
4. Economic Development: By creating a stable market for agroforestry products, the cooperative helps build the economic resilience of the local community. Supporting product marketing, identifying and developing new products from agroforestry, and expanding access to broader markets are some of the ways the cooperative helps farmers develop their economies.

The establishment of the Wanatani Production Cooperative Petungkriyono Lestari by the Relung Indonesia Foundation is a crucial step toward improving farmers’ quality of life and supporting the principles of sustainable development. Through this cooperative, farmers not only gain financial benefits but also become part of a larger movement toward sustainable agriculture and responsible natural resource management.

The Strategic Role of the Forest Farmer Groups (KTH)

Forest Farmer Groups (KTH) in Petungkriyono play a key role in the structure and operations of the Wanatani Production Cooperative Petungkriyono Lestari. They act not only as intermediaries but also as aggregators that facilitate the integration of local farmers into the cooperative system. This is vital for achieving efficient consolidation and advocating for farmers’ interests.

Aggregation Function by KTH

KTH serves as an aggregator, facilitating the consolidation of local farmers by organizing them into structured groups. This function includes:

• Member Registration: Facilitating the registration of farmers as cooperative members.
• Information Dissemination: Distributing information about policies, programs, and opportunities available through the cooperative.
• Training Coordination: Organizing training that enhances farmers’ technical capabilities, such as sustainable agroforestry techniques.

Representation in the Cooperative’s Management

The integration of KTH into the cooperative’s management ensures that decisions reflect the interests of all members. Each KTH has a representative on the board of directors, allowing the voices of various farmer segments to be heard and considered. So far, 8 KTHs have been represented in the cooperative’s management structure and membership, representing approximately 350 farmers with a managed land area of 150 hectares.

Impact of KTH Representation in the Cooperative

The active involvement of KTH strengthens the cooperative’s structure and credibility while building trust among members. This strong trust is expected to become a key factor in overcoming various existing limitations. It enhances farmers’ participation in cooperative activities and strengthens sustainable market and social consolidation.

Addressing Agricultural Challenges

Conventional farming practices that rely on chemicals have degraded soil quality and increased pest infestations. Climate change has also raised alarms, with rising average daily temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns presenting new challenges for farmers. By focusing on soil improvement, agroforestry techniques, and sustainable practices, it is hoped that farmers can revitalize their land and create an agricultural system that is more resilient to climate change and economic pressures.

Hopes for the Future

Close collaboration between the Relung Foundation, the Wanatani Cooperative, and the farmers sets in motion a vision for a greener and more prosperous future. The resulting market consolidation is expected not only to increase profit margins but also to promote sustainable social and environmental consolidation.

Petungkriyono is a concrete example of the benefits of uniting to support sustainable agriculture and improving the quality of life for the entire community.

The Relung Foundation and the Wanatani Production Cooperative Petungkriyono Lestari are at the forefront of this initiative, bringing new hope to farmers and inspiring other communities to follow in their footsteps.

Contributor:

Meiardhy Mujianto