Southeast Asia is increasingly feeling the effects of climate change, prompting countries like Singapore and Indonesia to adopt community-based agricultural practices to enhance resilience. Singapore, heavily reliant on food imports, is focusing on climate-resilient farming as part of its Singapore Green Plan 2030, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. Meanwhile, in Indonesia, smallholder farmers are supported by local alliances and civil society groups to implement sustainable farming practices.
In the Mentawai Islands, a collaboration between Aliansi Kolibri and Yayasan Citra Mandiri Mentawai (YCMM) is empowering local communities with adaptive farming techniques. Since 1995, YCMM has protected over 237,000 hectares of forest, promoting agroforestry and climate-resilient crops. Yohanes, a 44-year-old farmer from Madobak Village, exemplifies this initiative by cultivating Songer bananas and areca nuts on his one-hectare plot. He emphasises the importance of protecting customary forests as both a livelihood and cultural heritage.
Yohanes encourages his community to participate in “goro,” a tradition where villagers plant trees and organise group harvests, fostering solidarity and environmental stewardship. “Through goro, we plant trees together and protect our village ecosystem. This collective spirit gives us strength to face everyday challenges,” Yohanes shared.
YCMM’s efforts highlight the importance of indigenous rights and forest sustainability in environmental protection. By promoting community-driven solutions, these initiatives aim to strengthen agricultural resilience across Southeast Asia, offering a model for other regions facing similar challenges.
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