Sustainable and self-sufficient farming practices: A social perspective on action research implementation in agriculture development (a case study in Pamalayan, Garut, Indonesia)

Abstract

The introduction of new technology and innovation in agriculture development processes often unable to cope with the dynamics of field condition, which resulted in failures. This was due to the inability of development model to include the dynamic complexities of the field situation. Action research was then emerged as one of the solutions in order to reduce the gap between the 'lab' and 'real world'. This study was aimed to evaluate the dissemination process of sustainable and self-sufficient farming practices that was carried by Indonesian Institute of Science through Action Research Approach in Pamalayan Village, Garut, Indonesia. This paper stresses on the social part of the dissemination process to grasp understanding of how the dynamics of knowledge transfer took place in the process. The study was a case study, applying descriptive qualitative method through the application of outcome mapping approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with key actors (farmers, institutions, researchers), participant observation, and document analysis. The results showed that the characteristics of leader as vanguard and gate keeper was the main key of success of this program. Aside of that, the informal style of dissemination by living and doing things together was proved to be very effective in reassuring the process of development. Through those approaches, development actors could build trust, sense of belonging, and even enhance the social cohesions in situ. This study could provide better understanding for the policy/program designer, so that they will, in the future, take social dynamics into account. Furthermore, this study can also provide some bases for scaling up similar ideas in different areas.