Pangandaran, West Java, Indonesia - JAMTANI held an "Agriculture YouthCamp and Action Research" which took place in Pangandaran Regency on September 10-12, 2024 with the theme "Sowing Seeds for the Future: Innovations to Empower Rural Youth for Climate Resilient Farming". The event involved 50 young farmers, a study association of Padjadjaran University (Unpad) students as well as a sharing session with the JIRP (Joint International Research Project) team of Humbolt University Berlin, Germany students who are conducting research with JAMTANI for 2 months in Indonesia. They participated in a series of activities promoting sustainable agriculture, building climate resilient farmers and discussions with successful farmers.
The Director of JAMTANI (Kustiwa Adinata) expressed his concern about the food crisis that will be faced in the future. In addition to the negative impacts of climate change caused by rising sea levels, higher temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns, we will experience water shortages that threaten crop cultivation. On the other hand, the interest of young farmers is a challenge in itself because the agricultural sector is increasingly unattractive. What will this nation eat if the empowerment of young farmers is not a concern. Therefore, through this activity we try to increase the enthusiasm of young people to become farmers, of course we also pack it into technological innovations such as agricultural digitalization and farmers who have the basis of Agropreneurship.
Initiated from the experience of Fisal Hafiz as JAMTANI staff who had attended the Young Farmer Camp and Agrilympic in Los Banos, Philippines, the Indonesian Farmer Community Network (JAMTANI) successfully held an Agriculture Youth Camp and Action Research which aimed to raise awareness and inspire young farmers to develop sustainable and climate-friendly agricultural innovations, inventory the experiences and ideas of participants, build collaborative networks between youth and stakeholders. The event lasted for three days, during which participants were invited to engage in various activities aimed at deepening participants' knowledge in the field of modern agriculture and action research. Participants were invited to collaborate and share experiences on effective agricultural practices and how to deal with problems that farmers often face, such as climate change, upstream to downstream managerial, and limited market access.
The YouthCamp also presented several expert speakers from academia, agricultural practitioners, government representatives, environmental activists, young entrepreneurs who have successfully created businesses in the agricultural sector who shared insights on agricultural technology, agroecology, opportunities for young farmers in terms of government support and marketing strategies for farm products. The young farmers and students actively discussed and worked in small groups to formulate relevant action research projects.
On the last day, participants were invited for outdoor activities and camping at Madasari Beach in Pangandaran. Agrilympics (Agriculture Olympics) was the highlight, where participants were divided into three teams and competed in five challenges that tested their agricultural skills. From the selection of superior seeds, efficient seeding, proper cultivation processes, to the creation of ready-to-sell products, each team had to demonstrate expertise at each stage of the agricultural cycle. The final challenge, the Advocacy Puzzle, asked participants to design an advocacy strategy to promote agricultural issues. Agrilympics not only hones technical skills, but also instills the values of leadership, cooperation and critical thinking, shaping innovative and resilient young farmers.
Action Research: Creating Grassroots Solutions
One of the main agendas of this event was action research, where participants were invited to identify climate change problems on agriculture and design innovative solutions through a research-based approach. Young farmers from Cilacap and Pangandaran shared their experiences in managing farmland with specific challenges such as flooding and erratic weather changes, while Unpad students provided input based on theory and academic research that can be practically applied in the field. The results of this action research are expected to be the foundation for sustainable projects that can be implemented in their respective communities after the event.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Future of Agriculture
This event is part of JAMTANI's efforts to empower young farmers and encourage them to become agents of change in their communities. By involving Unpad students, this event also became a venue for knowledge exchange between the academic world and field practitioners, creating synergies that are expected to encourage innovation in the agricultural sector.
This Agriculture YouthCamp and Action Research marks an important step in strengthening the role of the younger generation in building a more resilient and sustainable agriculture. Collaboration between young farmers and students is expected to continue to grow, creating an adaptive and innovative agricultural ecosystem in the future. With the end of this event, the participants went home with a new spirit and commitment to apply the knowledge and strategies they gained for the sake of farmer regeneration and sustainable agriculture.