In the sun-drenched landscapes of West Nusa Tenggara, a critical battle is being waged—not with swords or guns, but with maps, data, and policy. The region, where agriculture is the lifeblood of the economy, is grappling with rampant land conversion and soil degradation, threats that could undermine food security and economic stability. A recent study, published in the journal ‘Habitat’, offers a beacon of hope, demonstrating how Geographic Information System (GIS) tools can be harnessed to protect agricultural land and bolster food security.
The research, led by Imam Hidayat from The Graduate School at Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia, employed GIS tools like ArcGIS Pro and QGis to analyze the spatial suitability of Sustainable Agricultural areas. By integrating land capacity indices, satellite-derived land use data, and biophysical parameters such as slopes and soil type, the team created a comprehensive spatial overlay. This approach allowed them to align agricultural land suitability parameters with regional food security objectives.
The results are promising. The study found that most of the designated sustainable agricultural areas in West Nusa Tenggara are indeed aligned with the necessary parameters. This alignment is crucial for the region, which relies heavily on its agricultural sector. “The allocation of 282,062 hectares of sustainable agricultural area in West Nusa Tenggara Province was established through consensus between the provincial and municipal governments,” Hidayat explained. “This policy not only provides a legal framework for protecting agricultural land from land use conversion but also serves as an integrative instrument for sustainable cross-sectoral development planning.”
The commercial impacts of this research are significant. By protecting agricultural land from conversion, the policy ensures the continued productivity of the sector, which is vital for the region’s economy. Moreover, the use of GIS tools allows for precise and data-driven decision-making, reducing the risk of misallocation of resources and enhancing the efficiency of agricultural practices.
The study also highlights the importance of spatial planning policy in achieving sustainable development goals. By integrating biophysical conditions with spatial planning policy, the research provides a blueprint for other regions facing similar challenges. “This policy not only provides a legal framework for protecting agricultural land from land use conversion but also serves as an integrative instrument for sustainable cross-sectoral development planning,” Hidayat noted.
The research published in ‘Habitat’ by lead author Imam Hidayat from The Graduate School at Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia, offers a roadmap for balancing agricultural productivity with environmental sustainability. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and food security, such innovative approaches will be crucial in shaping the future of agriculture. The study’s findings could inspire similar initiatives in other regions, fostering a global movement towards sustainable and resilient agricultural practices.