The Strategy of Organic Farming Development for Environment, Social, and Economic Improvement from Farmers Perspective

Abstract

The increase in the sustainability of environmental and health awareness is a huge driving factor for the increasing demand of organic products in various countries. Thus, many countries are competing to expand organic agricultural land to accommodate market needs. However, in Indonesia, the practice of organic farming is relatively low, as indicated by the land conversion for organic production is relatively small compared to several countries in Southeast Asia. The key factors and challenges for organic farming development are explored, and an effective strategy is formulated as the main objective of this study. This study deals with a case study in Bandung Regency as one of the main agricultural producer areas in Java. A qualitative approach is employed to ensure in-depth information and analysis. This study utilized SWOT (Strength Weakness Opportunity Threat) to formulate the strategy for the development of organic farming to improve the environment, economic and social aspects. The interview and survey were conducted with a random sampling with a total of 30 respondents from a total of 87 population organic farmers. The result of the SWOT analysis shows that the S-W value is -0.29 and the O-P value is 0.04. The analysis result shown in the cartesian coordinate confirms that the most relevant strategy for Organic Agriculture Development is to enhance guidance and assistance from the government and private parties related to funding and certification, as well as the establishment of a reliable quality assurance system with the enforcement of regulations or policies related to organic farming.