In the heart of Central Java, Indonesia, a battle is being waged against the encroaching impacts of climate change, and the frontline is a vast expanse of rice fields. Mohammad Rondhi, a researcher from the Department of Agribusiness at Universitas Jember, has been studying how local communities are adapting their irrigation practices to cope with these challenges. His findings, published in a recent study, offer a glimpse into the future of sustainable agriculture and have significant implications for the energy sector.
The Klambu Kanan Irrigation District (KKID), spanning over 11,000 hectares across three regencies, is a microcosm of the struggles and innovations taking place in rural water management. Rondhi’s research, which focused on 40 local Water User Associations (WUAs), revealed two distinct models of irrigation management: the “self-governance model” (SGM) and the “auction model” (AM). The SGM, which emphasizes community participation and social capital, is the preferred choice for over 77% of WUAs. “The self-governance model is deeply rooted in local wisdom and community involvement,” Rondhi explains. “It’s a testament to the power of collective action in the face of climate change.”
The SGM’s success is evident in its longevity and productivity. WUAs employing this model operate for 180 days more per year than those using the AM, which is based on capital availability and provider-based management. This increased operational period translates to higher productivity, a crucial factor for the energy sector, which relies heavily on agricultural biomass for bioenergy production.
The AM, on the other hand, is a form of “network governance” that emphasizes the role of external providers in irrigation management. While it has its merits, the AM’s shorter operational period and lower productivity raise questions about its long-term viability in the face of climate change.
Rondhi’s research, published in the journal Caraka Tani: Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, which translates to ‘Farmer’s Friend: Journal of Sustainable Agriculture’, underscores the need for a shift in irrigation management strategies. As climate change continues to disrupt traditional agricultural practices, the SGM’s emphasis on community involvement and local wisdom offers a promising path forward.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. As the demand for sustainable energy sources grows, so too does the need for reliable and productive agricultural practices. The SGM’s success in KKID suggests that community-based models could play a pivotal role in meeting this demand.
Moreover, the study’s findings highlight the importance of understanding and leveraging local knowledge in the fight against climate change. As Rondhi notes, “Local wisdom is a valuable resource that should not be overlooked. It’s a key component of sustainable agriculture and a powerful tool in the battle against climate change.”
As we look to the future, Rondhi’s research serves as a reminder that the solutions to our most pressing challenges often lie in the communities most affected by them. By embracing community-based models and leveraging local wisdom, we can build a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector, one that not only feeds the world but also powers it.
The energy sector would do well to take note. As the demand for bioenergy continues to grow, so too does the need for innovative and sustainable agricultural practices. The SGM’s success in KKID offers a blueprint for how this can be achieved, one that prioritizes community involvement, local wisdom, and long-term sustainability.