Strategies to Achieve Food Sovereignty (Rice): Lesson from Agricultural Development in Bali Province, Indonesia

Abstract

In Indonesia and several developing countries, the agricultural sector plays a very significant role in economic development. Food (rice) in Indonesia is the most basic need because it is the main staple food. Currently, Indonesia's food security has been achieved but is still determined by rice imports from several countries. Therefore, the development strategy is directed at realizing food sovereignty. Various problems and challenges to increase the productivity and quality of rice in Indonesia due to the influence of climate change. degradation of forest function as a buffer for irrigation water, pest and disease attacks, and also the conversion of rice fields. The results of study pointed out that some of the problems and challenges faced by farmers related to achieving rice sovereignty are related to: (i) degradation of natural resources; (ii) Limited access to agricultural inputs and tools/machines; (iii) Limited access to knowledge and skills related to agribusiness. Several strategies need to be carried out by farmers, the government, and other stakeholders to achieve food sovereignty. Some of them are: Ensuring the availability of irrigation water; controlling the conversion of rice fields; smart farming: increasing productivity and product quality; improving the quality of human resources; Inclusive agricultural business; and developing an agribusiness system, farmer protection and empowerment, and food diversification. In the future, integration and synergy efforts between sectors are needed to build a strong agricultural ecosystem from upstream to downstream so that food sovereignty can be achieved more easily and quickly.