IPB University Facilitates Women Farmers’ Voices in Climate Change Adaptation: National Reflection on Farmers’ Day 2024
Women farmers once again got the space to speak in the National Discussion of Indonesian Farmers with the theme ‘Reflection of Nusantara Farmers on Adaptation to Climate Change and Agricultural Policy’.
The discussion was held in commemoration of National Farmers’ Day 2024 held by Tani Nelayan Center (TNC) IPB University in collaboration with Gerakan Petani Nusantara and People’s Coalition for Food Sovereignty. The event was held on 26/9 at the Faperta Conference Room, IPB Darmaga Campus, Bogor.
In the discussion, Etik Linawati, a female farmer from Kulonprogo, revealed the direct impact on female farmers due to climate change. She revealed that there are six areas that are directly affected to women farmers from climate change, namely in terms of economy, health, relationships with family, institutions, environment, and social.
Responding to this, Prof Ernan Rustiadi, Vice Rector of IPB University in the field of research, innovation and agromaritime development, said that the role of women farmers is so great. “ All this time, farmer figures are often assumed to be male figures. In fact, there is a significant role by women farmers so that the six fields need to be voiced,” he said.
Regarding the future direction of agricultural development in the face of climate change, Prof Ernan said that, in accordance with the National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), agriculture will be directed towards regenerative agriculture.
“Regenerative agriculture is aimed at improving land quality by rehabilitating and revitalizing the entire ecosystem, such as soil and water. In addition, this approach also reduces the use of chemical fertilizers and encourages the use of fertilizers based on biological agents,” he said.
He continued, currently at IPB University has developed many varieties that are friendly and adaptive to climate change. IPB University has 130 new varieties that are oriented towards climate resistance. Including rice that is resistant to dry land.
“We will pay special attention to gender-friendly innovations. In addition, in the future IPB University is very concerned about modern agriculture with new technology, for which IPB University established the Smart Agriculture Study Program,” he added.
Prof Hermanu Triwidodo, Chief of the Tani and Nelayan Center (TNC) IPB University hoped, “TNC can be a link between farmers and fishermen with researchers and academics so that collective work is born in encouraging improvements in the agricultural sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Roza Yusfiandayani, chairperson of the national discussion organizing committee, said that, “Refleksi Petani Nusantara consists of four main activities, namely perception survey of Indonesian farmers, women farmers’ meeting, national discussion of Indonesian farmers, and socialization of results.” (IAAS/ZQA)
