2nd International Conference on Sustainability Development

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT THROUGH FACILITATION OF SOYBEAN FARMING IN KABARUAN SUBDISTRICT, , NORTH

Alfonds Andrew Maramis 1, Revolson Alexius Mege 1, Josephine Louise Pinky Saerang 2, Jouke Hendrik Manopo 2

Biology Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, State University of (UNIMA), Minahasa, Indonesia1 [email protected] Livestock Science Department, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Sam Ratulangi University (UNSRAT), Manado, Indonesia2

Abstract

Talaud Islands is the northernmost region of the Republic of which consists of four islands i.e., Nanusa, Karakelang, Salibabu and Kabaruan. Various crucial issue in this need to be taken seriously for the sake of the sovereignty of the State of Indonesia due to its location which is relatively remote and outlying regions. Agriculture is a basic sector and lead to the growth of other sectors and occupies a strategic position in the structure of the economy in Talaud Islands, more specifically in the District of Kabaruan. One of the agricultural crucial problems in this regency i.e., the lack of public knowledge about agribusiness management, particularly food crops, which resulted in the supply of food consumption needs to be brought in from other areas, like Manado and . This article is the documentation of problem solving through community service activities that aim to empowerment the community through facilitate of soybean farming for farmer groups in Kabaruan Subdistrict. The methods of this activity are the combination of the application of appropriate technology, adult learning approach (andragogic), a pilot project strategy, and training and practice field extension techniques. The results of this activity are the increased of knowledge, interests, and skills of the participants in soybean farming which affects directly in improving the community welfare both in terms of economic income as well as the need of healthy and quality food. This activity that was designed as a pilot project worth doing by sustainable manner in order to achieve food security for people in Talaud Islands.

Keywords: Community welfare, soybean farming, Kabaruan Subdistrict.

1. Introduction Talaud Islands is one of the regency in Province, Indonesia, with Melonguane as the capital (Figure 1). Talaud Islands as an autonomous region derived from the expansion of Sangihe and Talaud Regency, in accordance of Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 8 of 2002 on the Establishment of Talaud Islands in North Sulawesi Province. Talaud Islands is a maritime area with extensive sea

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2nd International Conference on Sustainability Development around 37,800 km2 (95.24 %) and a land area of about 1,251 km2. This regency consists of four islands i.e.: Karakelang, Salibabu, Kabaruan, and Nanusa Islands (Wikipedia, 2014).

Figure 4. A) Talaud Islands Regency in Map of Indonesia; B) Map of Talaud Islands; and C) Map of Kabaruan Subdistrict

Kabaruan Subdistrict as one of the subdistricts in the Talaud Islands located in Kabaruan Islands, directly adjacent to Damau Subdistrict in the South, and is surrounded by sea on the other side i.e.: the Karakelang Strait in the North, the

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Celebes Sea in the West, and the Pacific Ocean in the East. Kabaruan Subdistrict consists of 12 villages i.e.: Pantuge, West Pantuge, East Kabaruan, Kabaruan, Taduna, Mangaran, Rarange, Kordakel, Bulude, South Bulude, Pangeran, and Panulan. The total area of Kabaruan Subdistrict of 6,84 % of the total land area of Talaud Islands (Central Bureau of Statistics Talaud Islands, 2014). Talaud Islands are included in the 199 underdeveloped areas in Indonesia and still isolated due to a lack of basic infrastructure, economic, social, cultural, transportation, telecommunications and information, as well as defense and security. In accordance with the conditions and weighting criteria of underdeveloped villages by the State Ministry of Rural Development, in this district there are 48 very underdeveloped villages (34%), 72 underdeveloped villages (54%), and 17 advanced villages (12%) (Wikipedia, 2014).

Figure 2. Basic Foodstuffs Imported from Manado

According to the data of the economic structure of Talaud Islands in 2007 showed that the agricultural sector is classified in the primary sector groups. The contribution of the agricultural sector in the formation of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Talaud Islands in 2007 ranks first at 48.86 %. Sub-sectors that contribute to the formation of GDP in 2007 i.e.: crop plantation of 34.06 %; fisheries of 6.69 %; food crops of 6.54 %; and animal husbandry of 1.42% (Wikipedia, 2014). Plantation indeed, dominate agricultural economic activities of Talaud Islands but food crops has the potential, it's just has not been explored to the fullest. Agricultural infrastructure is still not well managed. In fact, if the potential of crops cultivated with maximum food needs in Talaud can be directly fulfilled (Investment Coordinating Board, 2011).

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In Kabaruan Subdistrict, agriculture is the leading sectors even as the main source of income of the majority of the population. In 2013, the productivity of maize crops in the district amounted to 12 tons / ha, while sweet potato, cassava, and vegetables, amounted to 1,96; 1.73; and 0.78 tons / ha respectively (Central Bureau of Statistics Talaud Islands, 2014). Indeed, a variety of food crops can be produced but the area is still importing commodities and derivatives from Manado and Bitung (two other areas in North Sulawesi Province), due to the limited diversification of agricultural sector. For example, coconut which has the ratio of area and the number of trees larger than the other plantation crops commodities, but coconut oil as products derived from these commodities are still imported from Manado and Bitung (Investment Coordinating Board capital, 2011). Some of the main problems in the agricultural sector in Kabaruan Subdistrict are as follows: 1) Low level of farmers' income due to the lack of efforts to develop the potential of local biological resources in agriculture; 2) Low interest of the public especially young people to become farmers and tend to prefer to seek employment outside of his hometown; 3) High level of unemployment as a result of the lack of provision of technical knowledge and skills; 4) Lack of skills and knowledge of community in improving the production of potential agricultural crops such as soybean plants; 5) High dependence of farmers on inorganic fertilizers, otherwise the knowledge and skills of the people in the process of organic fertilizers based on agriculture and livestock wastes are low; and 6) Lack of entrepreneurship institution focused on agruculture effort that utilizing the local biological resources. To solve the problems that mention above, it has been carried out a community service activity which aims to empowering the community through facilitate of soybean farming for farmer groups in Kabaruan Subdistrict. In general, for the population of Indonesia, soy is a food commodity source of vegetable protein which is very important. Besides the price is relatively cheap, it nutritional value also high. Soybean demand continues to increase along with the growth and development of soybean food industry. In 2010, soybean production in the country meet approximately 40% of the national demand, which reached 2.2 million tons, making it increasingly dependent on imports. This dependence will be even greater if the increase in production through the expansion of planting areas and increased productivity is not done (Ghulamahdi, 2011). Domestic soybean production tends to decline from year to year due to the low participation of farmers in soybean crop farming (Zakaria et al., 2010).

2. Methods 2.1 Time and Place of The Activities

The activities of Science and Technology for the Region (Ipteks bagi Wilayah, IbW) held from April to November 2014. Given the vast area of Talaud Islands, the

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2nd International Conference on Sustainability Development activities have been carried out in Kabaruan Subdistrict with a target of 8 villages. Based on the results of the initial survey conducted it was determined the three villages as the locations of pilot project i.e.: South Bulude, Kordakel and Mangaran Village. The fundamental reason why the Kabaruan Subdistrict chosen because the potential of natural resources (food crops) and plantations (coconut, nutmeg and cloves) are very high as well as the development of the animal husbandry is a potential, so it is considered to be a center of growth and development of integrated livestock farming in the new economy area. Also, the development of the region in line with local government plans to make the Kabaruan Subdistrict as a new center of economic growth and economic pillar for the new territory.

2.2 Methods of The Activities

In order to achieve the success and sustainability of IbW program implementation in overcoming a series of social problems, then this activity using a combination of methods of application of appropriate technology (Department of Education, Government of Central Java Province, 2013) and adult learning techniques, known as andragogic (Suhud, 2005). Meanwhile, the approach to be applied is the approach based on ethics and culture of the local community. Another approach that is commonly used is the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA), which is a fundamental problem can be understood and revealed, and the planning process in addressing the problems as the fruit of thought together with the community itself (Chambers, 1994a; Chambers, 1994b; Chambers, 1994c). Approach to understanding the rural area, both PRA and RRA, have long been regarded as one of the approaches or methods of rural development in the most appropriate. The purpose of PRA application is to provide effective support in the planning and implementation of development and empowerment of communities in a sustainable manner with environmentally sound and based on local context (Supriatna, 2014). Related to the implementation of IbW, it has agreed that in order to support the productivity of activity then the implementation of the activities carried out or worked together, such as land clearing, planting, and maintenance of the plant, and the development of soybean production facilities, such as unit processing of organic fertilizer using local resources.

3. Result and Discussion

3.1 Soybean Farming Based on Local Resources

The initial steps have been carried out by the IbW implementation is to disseminate programs that focused on efforts to overcome the problem of the soybean farming, with the target output in the first year, include: 1) development of potentially local resources in agriculture, in an effort to increase the income of farmers through a pilot project of soybeans cultivation with a land area of 1.5 ha; and 2) facilitating the construction of one unit of organic fertilizer processing plant by utilizing potential organic materials such as agricultural wastes and livestock, in order to overcome the problem of scarcity and high prices of inorganic fertilizers. In an effort to realize these targets and outcomes, then the steps or stages of activity that has been done is to hold meetings with people who are already incorporated in the soybean farming. This meeting in addition to intend socialize IbW activity, also to get a comprehensive

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2nd International Conference on Sustainability Development overview of the problem and determine concrete steps to overcome the problems described above. This activity also equip the society theories like land clearing and preparation, introduction of seeds, planting, maintenance, harvesting, and post- harvest. The given theory strengthened with practice through pilot projects of soybean cultivation area of 1.5 ha, as noted earlier.

3.2 Lessons Learned from Community Empowerment

This IbW activity in the form of a pilot project provides a positive impact for the citizens of Kabaruan Subdistricts, in the form of increased knowledge, interests, and skills, especially in the cultivation of soybeans. Community needs for food products processed from soy, such as tofu and tempeh, are quite high. During this time, soybeans needed as raw materials of tofu and tempeh still imported from outside the region. Kabaruan society has never been thought to cultivate soybeans. Kabaruan community perceived that soybean plants can only grow in the land of Java. Things like this are encouraging people to behave consumerism in food needs. Initially, people tend to be skeptical even apathetic, when the executors of IbW socializing the cultivation of soybeans. Farmer groups for the village which originally consisted of about 80 people at the time of initial dissemination activities, reduced to around the 30s when the activity is running. Another reason which is encouraging the incidence of rejection of some people is due to the activities of the previous community empowerment which they have been involved in practice, tend to be merely the project alone without taking into account the benefit to society. Heaviest constraints experienced by implementing activities at the beginning of the implementation is to change the way of thinking or mindset that has been crystallized in people's minds. This pilot project have an impact on changing people's behavior which initially tends to consumerism changing the direction to productivism. Along with the ongoing activities, knowledge and skills of the community related to soybean cultivation increased through a variety of outreach and field practice. Stigma in society relatedto soybeans which can only be cultivated in Java tends to disappear along with the disappearance of skepticism and apathy. Utilization of local resources as raw material for organic fertilizer to be used in soybean cultivation of course provide additional benefits for the farmer groups because it reduces the cost of production. Qualitatively, the productivity of soybean plants were cultivated in this activity is high. In fact, when the first harvest took place, the need of soybean for the whole Kabaruan Islands within a few weeks can be fulfilled. Quality soybeans produced was also recognized by the market.

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Figure 3. Variety of Activities: A) Socialiszation of Program; B) Idle Land Opening; C) Extension of Soybean Cultivation; D) Organic Fertilizer Production Plant Construction; E) Land Preparation for Planting Soybeans; F) Organic Fertilizer Production; G) Soybean Harvesting; and H) Soybean Yields Processing

These advantages that make the farmer group members' interest in the cultivation of soybeans increased drastically. Sluggishness in improving the welfare of society changed, even the public becomes more wriggle. Efforts made by the public on an ongoing basis, supported by interest and practice of the knowledge and skills

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2nd International Conference on Sustainability Development acquired, like a domino effect that stimulates people to independently and continually strive to optimize their welfare improvements either through increased economic returns and meeting the needs of healthy and quality foods. The success of the activities of a pilot project in this first year began ogled by members of farmers who resigned at the beginning of the event even by people from other villages. The benefits perceived by farmers' groups in this activity becomes the driving force for members of farmers who resign or other rural communities in seeking the same thing. In the future, when the cultivation of soybean plants using organic fertilizer made from local resources is running on an ongoing basis, of course, it would be a major capital attainment of food security at the grassroots level.

3.3 Action Plan for The Next Year

Stages of activities to be carried out in the next year is the expansion of soybean crop production so that the production of these crops can be done continuously. Besides that, during this time, the need of fertilizer for agriculture in Talaud Islands are still very dependent on inorganic fertilizers. The problem, in addition to frequent scarcity, the price of fertilizer is also sometimes not affordable by small-scale rural farmers. In fact, the available resources in the form of agricultural and livestock wastes are abundant.

Conclusion

The results achieved in this activity i.e., improving the welfare of society either through increased economic income and obtaining quality and healthy food. Other results that are no less important i.e., the increased of knowledge, interests, and skills in soybean farming based on local resources which is the main asset in achieving food security at the grassroots level.

Acknowledgement

Author would like to thanks to Directorate General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Culture, Republic of Indonesia, for supporting this Community Services through Knowledge and Technology for Region Grant (first year, 2014).

References

Capital Investment Coordinating Board, 2011. Kajian Pengembangan Investasi Wilayah Perbatasan [Development Studies of Border Regional Investment]. Jakarta: Capital Investment Coordinating Board [Bahasa Indonesia]. Central Bureau of Statistics of Talaud Islands, 2014. Statistik Daerah Kecamatan Kabaruan 2014 [Regional Statistics of Kabaruan Subdistrict 2014]. Talaud: Central Bureau of Statistics [Bahasa Indonesia]. Chambers, R., 1994a. The Origins and Practice of Participatory Rural Appraisal. World Development, 22(7), pp.953-969. Chambers, R., 1994b. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA): Analysis of Experience. World Development, 22(9), pp.1253-1268.

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Chambers, R., 1994c. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA): Challenges, Potentials and Paradigm. World Development, 22(10), pp.1437-1454. Department of Education, Government of Central Java Province, 2013. Panduan Program Penerapan dan Pengembangan Teknologi Tepat Guna Perguruan Tinggi Provinsi Jawa Tengah [Program Guidelines of Application and Development of Appropriate Technology of Higher Education of Central Java Province]. Semarang: Department of Education, Government of Central Java Province [Bahasa Indonesia]. Ghulamahdi, M., 2011. Best Practice dalam Budidaya Kedelai di Lahan Pasang Surut [Best Practice in Soybean Cultivation at Tidal Land]. The 10th National Congress of Sciences and Knowledges, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, Bogor Institute of Agriculture [Bahasa Indoensia]. Suhud, M. A., 2005. Pendekatan Andragogi dalam Pengembangan Masyarakat [Andragogy Approach in Community Development]. Aplikasia, Jurnal Aplikasi Ilmu-ilmu Agama, 6(1), pp.1-13 [Bahasa Indonesia]. Supriatna, A., 2014. Relevansi Metode Participatory Rural Appraisal dalam Mendukung Implementasi Undang-Undang Pemerintahan Desa [The Relevance of Participatory Rural Appraisal Method in Supporting the Implementation of Rural Administration Law]. Jurnal Lingkar Widyaiswara, 1(10, pp. 39-45 [Bahasa Indonesia]. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 2014. Kabupaten Kepulauan Talaud [Talaud Islands Regency]. [online] Available at: http://id.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabupaten_Kepulauan_Talaud [Accessed 20 February 2015] [Bahasa Indonesia]. Zakaria, A. K., Sejati, W. K., & Kustiari, R., 2010. Analisis Daya Saing Komoditas Kedelai Menurut Agro Ekosistem: Kasus di Tiga Provinsi di Indonesia [The Analysis of Competitiveness of the Soybean Commodity According to Agro Ecosystem: The Case in Three Provinces in Indonesia.

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