In the heart of Probolinggo Regency, Indonesia, a quiet revolution is brewing. Women farmers from the Tengger Tribe are stepping into the spotlight, challenging traditional roles and driving change in the potato sub-sector. A recent study, led by Dwiyana Anela Kurniasari from the Department of Agribusiness at the University of Wijaya Putra in Surabaya, is shedding light on the empowerment strategies that could transform not only their lives but also the broader agricultural landscape.
The research, published in Jurnal Agrisep, focuses on the 5th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), which emphasizes gender equality and women’s empowerment. Despite their significant contributions to agriculture, women often face gender inequalities that hinder their full potential. Kurniasari’s study aims to address these disparities by analyzing the role of Tengger Tribe women farmers and formulating strategies for their empowerment.
The study, conducted in Sukapura Village, involved 78 women rice farmers. Through observation, in-depth interviews, and questionnaires, Kurniasari and her team gathered data to understand the workloads in potato production and assess the social capital of these women farmers. “We wanted to go beyond just identifying the problems,” Kurniasari explains. “We aimed to provide actionable strategies that could be implemented to empower these women.”
The results of the study are both insightful and inspiring. The researchers identified several key strategies for empowerment, including the establishment of a women farmers’ group in Sukapura Village, facilitated by stakeholders. This group would serve as a platform for women to share knowledge, resources, and support. Additionally, the study recommends training and assistance in food crop cultivation suited to local conditions, and the organization of a women’s farming school to enhance farmers’ knowledge and skills.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. By empowering women farmers, the potato sub-sector could see increased productivity and innovation. Women, who often have a keen understanding of local conditions and resources, can drive sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and the economy. Moreover, the empowerment of women farmers can have a ripple effect, leading to improved livelihoods, increased gender equality, and a more inclusive agricultural sector.
Kurniasari’s work is a call to action for policymakers, agricultural stakeholders, and the broader community. “We need to consider various aspects, including beneficial innovations for women farmers in Sukapura Village and mechanisms for implementing and financing empowerment initiatives,” she emphasizes. The study’s findings, published in Jurnal Agrisep (Journal of Agricultural Socio-Economics), provide a roadmap for these efforts, highlighting the importance of gender-oriented empowerment programs in achieving the SDGs.
As we look to the future, the empowerment of women farmers like those in the Tengger Tribe could shape the trajectory of the agricultural sector. By addressing gender inequalities and providing women with the tools and support they need, we can unlock new levels of productivity, innovation, and sustainability. The journey is just beginning, but with leaders like Kurniasari at the helm, the future looks bright for women farmers and the agricultural sector as a whole.