Tay Juhana Foundation’s researcher presents Groundbreaking Research at ICSARD 2024

Tay Juhana Foundation proudly announces its continued commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural practices by supporting groundbreaking research. Our recent involvement in the 4th International Conference on Sustainable Agriculture for Rural Development (ICSARD) 2024, hosted by Jendral Soedirman University, Indonesia, on July 31, 2024, underscores our dedication to addressing critical challenges in the agricultural sector.

A key highlight of the conference was the presentation of a preliminary study titled “Defining Social Sustainability through Social Capital in the Small-scale Coconut Agriculture Ecosystem in Indragiri Hilir, Riau, Indonesia.” This research, conducted with the support of the Foundation, delves into the crucial role of social capital in promoting social sustainability within the coconut farming communities of Indragiri Hilir.

Sustainability Researcher of TJF, Ratu (far right), received the award as best presenter in presenting her research at ICSARD 2024

By examining the intricate relationships between farmers, middlemen, and community leaders, the study reveals the profound impact of social capital on various aspects of coconut agriculture, including finance, supply chain management, agriculture regeneration, and responsible land management. The findings emphasize the importance of strong social networks among farmers (bonding social capital) as a cornerstone for ecosystem sustainability. However, the study also highlights the need to broaden these networks to include external stakeholders (bridging and linking social capital) to address complex challenges and unlock new opportunities.

This research aligns perfectly with the Tay Juhana Foundation’s mission to empower rural communities and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Strengthening social capital can create resilient and prosperous agricultural ecosystems. The insights gained from this study will inform our future initiatives and partnerships to support small-scale farmers and enhance the sustainability of coconut production in Indonesia.

We are excited to share the results of this research with a wider audience and to collaborate with partners to translate these findings into actionable solutions. Stay tuned for further updates on our efforts to build a more sustainable future for Indonesia’s agricultural sector.