Leveraging Community Collaboration and Land Optimization for Food Security

In the face of global challenges such as climate change and food security, areas influenced by coastal water cycles like those in Kubu Raya, Indonesia, are uniquely positioned to demonstrate resilience and creativity. These regions require innovative approaches to make land productive despite natural limitations.

One inspiring story comes from Desa Kubu, where PT Kandelia Alam (PT KLIA) has collaborated with local farmers to transform challenges into opportunities. This area experiences significant changes in water levels from September to January, which historically affected vegetable supplies in the region. Traditionally, villagers relied on produce transported from inland areas far from the coast. However, a new approach is changing this narrative.

Under the leadership of Pak Warsa, the head of the Kelompok Usaha Bersama (KUB) Hijau Tumbuh Berkembang, farmers have embraced innovative land optimization techniques. They are utilizing small, narrow strips of land—often left untouched due to seasonal water fluctuations—for vegetable farming. For example, a 100-meter-long by 4-meter-wide strip, with 1 meter allocated for pathways, was planted with cucumber and eggplant.

The results? Remarkable! Cucumber yields have reached 10 harvest cycles, with each harvest producing up to 100 kilograms. At a market price of IDR 15,000/kg, farmers earn around IDR 1,500,000 per harvest cycle, proving that even marginal lands can contribute significantly to livelihoods.

Globally, sustainable land use and food security are critical issues, with initiatives like the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) advocating for innovative agricultural practices in vulnerable regions. In Indonesia, where coastal areas with fluctuating water levels are abundant, efforts like those led by PT KLIA align perfectly with global calls for action. Optimizing land use while ensuring environmental harmony not only addresses local food security but also contributes to broader goals of reducing carbon footprints and adapting to climate change.

As part of its commitment to sustainable development, Nusantara Climate Initiative (NCI) supports such community-driven efforts. By providing capacity building, technical support, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaborations, NCI ensures that local innovations, like those in Desa Kubu, become models of resilience and sustainability.

This initiative serves as a reminder: When humans work in harmony with nature, the outcomes benefit both. It’s not just about harvesting vegetables—it’s about cultivating hope, resilience, and sustainability for future generations.

Author: Nur Ramdhani Ikhsan

Copy Edit: Yessi Agustina; Barakalla Robyn