Environmental Adaptation Strategies for Peatland Agriculture During Dry Season in Siak

Abstract

Peatland-based agriculture in Indonesia faces recurring environmental stress during the dry season, threatening food security and rural livelihoods. This study analyzes how women farmers in Siak District develop adaptive environmental strategies to sustain household food systems under seasonal constraints. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected from representative women farmers, village officials, and local leaders through interviews and field observations. The findings reveal that women farmers play dual roles in both domestic and productive spheres, cultivating peat-friendly crops such as pineapple and engaging in off-farm labor. Their adaptive strategies combine environmental management—such as land moisture retention and fire prevention—with livelihood diversification through processing agricultural products and small-scale trading. These adaptive behaviors strengthen food security and community resilience amid climate variability. The study recommends targeted empowerment programs focusing on agricultural innovation, microfinance access, and capacity building to enhance gender-responsive environmental adaptation and sustainable rural development.