Empowering Women Farmers in East Java

The project adopted an integrated framework built on four interconnected strategies designed to create lasting impact at both grassroots and policy levels.

1. Interdisciplinary Research

The initiative began with an in-depth study titled “Closing the Gender Gap in Indonesian Agriculture through Traditional Community-Based Initiatives to Empower Women Farmers.” This research analyzed existing community practices and gender dynamics in agriculture, producing evidence-based recommendations to promote gender equality and systemic change within the sector.

2. Holistic Capacity Building

Building on the research findings, the project directly engaged 280 women farmers across seven districts in East Java (Sidoarjo, Malang, Blitar, Tuban, Pasuruan, Mojokerto, and Nganjuk) and one district in Bali (Pedawa). Capacity-building activities focused on three key areas:

• Social Empowerment: Training on women’s rights and the Right to Seed under Indonesian law, strengthening legal awareness and autonomy.
• Environmental Stewardship: Practical skills in seed breeding—covering crops such as mango, aubergine, and spinach—and the production of eco-enzymes for river rehabilitation.
• Economic Empowerment: In Bali, farmers received training on Intellectual Property Rights, particularly on securing Geographical Indication (GI) protection for traditional palm sugar to enhance market value and income.

3. Multi-Stakeholder Policy Dialogue

To ensure that grassroots experiences informed policymaking, the project facilitated inclusive policy dialogues through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) held in Surabaya (January 2024) and Labuan Bajo (July 2025). These forums brought together NGOs, policymakers, academics, and farmer representatives, bridging the gap between research insights and actionable policy solutions.

4. Global Knowledge Dissemination

The project’s impact extended beyond Indonesia through international engagement. Findings were presented at the International Conference on Food Law and Policy on November 20, 2024, featuring 26 experts from Malaysia, Belgium, Australia, the Netherlands, and Indonesia. The conference fostered global dialogue on SDG 2: Zero Hunger, and the launch of a book publication ensured that the project’s insights contribute to global academic and policy discourse.

A defining strength of the project was its inclusive and collaborative approach:

• Civil Society: The Women’s Division of the Indonesian Farmers Alliance (Aliansi Petani Indonesia – API) provided critical grassroots data and insights into the lived realities of women farmers.
• Government: The Ministry of Agriculture engaged directly with the findings, identifying regulatory gaps and opportunities for reform.
• Farmers: Women farmers were active partners rather than passive beneficiaries, shaping program design through their knowledge and experiences.

Over two years, the project achieved significant milestones. Through eight intensive capacity-building cycles, 280 women farmers emerged as Agents of Change, independently sharing knowledge on seed rights, environmental stewardship, and sustainable practices within their communities.

At the policy level, research-based recommendations were formally submitted to government stakeholders. As a direct outcome, the government is now in the process of drafting a gender-responsive agricultural policy, transforming traditional collective practices into recognized platforms for women’s empowerment and long-term agricultural resilience.