Farmers' food security in the volcanic area: A case in Mount Merapi, Indonesia

Abstract

Although Mount Merapi is the most active volcano in Java Island, many people still opt to stay there, with most of them working as farmers. This study aimed to analyze the food security of farmers living in the Mount Merapi area. A total of 303 farmers from four different surrounding areas in Mount Merapi were randomly interviewed, and the factors that affect their food security were determined. The findings indicated that Glagaharjo has the highest mean score for food availability variable; it seems effected by the farmers that have livelihood diversification such as sand miner. With regard to food utilization, rice and vegetables are commonly consumed. Farm size has a significant effect on food availability and food utilization. Effort to increase the farm size is less likely possible, therefore other effort such as controlling the number of family member through family planning program can be implemented to support food security in the study area. People, especially farmers, who live in the hazardous areas in Mount Merapi seem to be unwilling to leave their current lives.