In Dusun Baru, right at the end of the concrete road in Bontomanurung Village, there lived a farmer named Pak Maman. He is the head of the family and the father of two children who are still studying at junior high school. He is a thin man who is often called In the afternoon, is a persistent and enthusiastic farmer. Especially in managing agricultural land amidst climate change that is hitting the village.
Climate change with extreme temperatures, strong winds and erratic rainfall has a direct impact on the lives of farmers in Bontomanurung Village. The corn harvest season last April witnessed the severity of this challenge. Where many farmers experience losses due to declining corn quality. Prolonged hot temperatures damage plants, resulting in yields that fall short of expectations.
However, in the midst of increasingly pronounced climate change, Pak Maman is determined to realize his big dream: to be independent and increase the self-esteem of farmers. He wants farmers to live prosperously and improve their family's economy through the seeds and seedlings they plant and cultivate in the fields.
Since childhood, Pak Maman learned from his parents about how important land and agriculture are for the lives of indigenous people. "Land is our ancestor, without land we are nothing," said Pak Maman. Even though he did not receive formal education, Pak Maman is a persistent learner. He absorbed agricultural values from his parents. Understand that even though the knowledge he has is limited, land is still a source of life that must be protected.
Currently, Pak Maman serves as chairman of the Dusun Baru Community Forest Group (HKM), Bontomanurung Village. He realized that not all farmers in the village shared his views. During 2024, many farmers will be tempted by fraudulent investments that promise quick wealth without hard work. Pak Maman tried to provide advice and warnings about the dangers of this investment. But some farmers remain deluded, sacrificing their agricultural assets for fictitious profits.
Tempted by empty promises, Pak Maman remained loyal to the income he earned from his innovations in farming. Autodidactically, he studied the planting process through videos YouTube. Master new knowledge about staple crops such as rice and corn, as well as superior plants such as durian, avocado, jackfruit and cocoa. Pak Maman believes that farmers' self-esteem comes from their own land and fields.
Inspired by Pak Maman's persistence, the Estungkara-SCF Program Team has been pushing the Field School program since February 2024. This program is a joint initiative of SCF and indigenous communities to implement the method agrosilvopasture, namely a planting method that integrates livestock products, forest products and agriculture. It is hoped that this method can help farmers adapt amidst climate change and fluctuations in agricultural commodity prices.
At the first Field School meeting, Pak Maman felt he had gained new knowledge and habits. “I often hear that cow dung can be used as fertilizer. "But it was only at this Field School that I was able to witness firsthand how cow dung is processed into organic fertilizer," he said. The practice of making organic fertilizer by utilizing local microorganisms is useful teaching material for all participants.
The Field School Program, funded by Estungkara-Kemitraan Indonesia, provides a learning space for farmers. They not only receive theoretical material, but also carry out field practice on the demonstration plot. This program is expected to increase the agricultural business capacity of farmers by utilizing organic materials. Apart from that, the Field School also initiates adaptation of indigenous communities amidst climate change.
Pak Maman, with his enthusiasm and dedication, is an inspiration for other farmers. In the midst of challenges and difficulties, he still believes that the key to success is hard work, innovation and perseverance. Through the Field School program, he hopes to realize his dream: improving the welfare of farmers and maintaining their dignity through the produce of the land they love.
