STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPING A PERMACULTURE MODEL AS A SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM DESIGN: A CASE STUDY AT RUMAH KAYU PERMAKULTUR BANDUNG (RKP)

• Main Author: Hikmatul Adha, Maghfira
• Format: Theses
• Language: Indonesia
• Online Access: https://digilib.itb.ac.id/gdl/view/87264
• Institution: Institut Teknologi Bandung

Sustainable agriculture using the permaculture approach, initiated by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren in the 1970s, offers a compelling solution to address the environmental degradation and social issues caused by the Green Revolution. The development of permaculture in Indonesia has been slow, facing challenges in education, environment, and economy. One of the permaculture development centers in Bandung, West Java, is Rumah Kayu Permakultur Bandung (RKP), located in Padaasih Village, Cisarua District, West Bandung Regency. The implementation of the permaculture system as a healthy lifestyle at the household level has been ongoing since 2010, demonstrating a life that synergizes with nature on a local scale. This study conducted a case study at that location in 2023. This research aims to identify the application of permaculture principles as a sustainable agricultural system design, analyze the benefits of the permaculture model, and determine strategies for developing the permaculture model as a sustainable agricultural system. This study employs descriptive analysis techniques based on the results of observations, interviews, questionnaires, and literature reviews. The determination of development strategies for the permaculture model as a sustainable agricultural system design is analyzed using SWOT analysis. Respondents were selected using a census technique, involving a total of 7 individuals consisting of the owner, employees, and volunteers. The results of the study indicate the implementation of permaculture ethics and principles at RKP through activities in production, education, and tourism. The production activities adhere to the twelve permaculture principles, which support educational and tourism activities, thereby fostering food self-sufficiency, effective use of natural resources, and income generation. The identification of the application of permaculture principles at RKP reveals the following: ? The third principle, 'Obtain a yield,' demonstrates the presence of a production system that meets basic needs through organic farming activities and business units that sell goods and services. ? The fourth principle, 'Apply self-regulation and accept feedback,' reflects the existence of activities that can evolve within a system that is self-regulating through educational and tourism programs. ? The fifth principle, 'Use and value renewable resources,' shows activities that maximize energy resources by converting them into renewable energy through the production of biochar (activated biochar). ? The seventh principle, 'Design from patterns to details,' illustrates a system designed based on natural patterns, specifically through zoning systems and polycultural agricultural practices using the raised bed method. ? The ninth principle, 'Use small and slow solutions,' highlights activities that respond to changes using simple local resources with long-term outcomes, such as the implementation of biopores in various areas. The application of permaculture principles at RKP demonstrates ecological benefits, evidenced by an increase in biodiversity as an indicator of environmental health. Social benefits are reflected in the improvement of family health and well-being, while economic benefits are demonstrated through business units selling organic products and services, contributing to increased income. Based on the SWOT analysis, alternative strategies for the development of the permaculture model were identified, resulting in eight strategies. These strategies encompass the development of permaculture in the areas of production, education, and tourism as components of a sustainable agricultural system design. Strategy 1, Capitalizing on the growing prospects for marketing organic products by actively engaging in digital information media. Strategy 2, Raising environmental conservation awareness through interactive educational tourism programs. Strategy 3, Developing practical agricultural kit innovations, available in various packages tailored to specific needs. Strategy 4, Providing opportunities for the community to enhance their knowledge through direct field experiences related to activities that support environmental conservation. Strategy 5, Implementing participatory partnerships to produce diversified products. Strategy 6, Conducting participatory community activities to raise environmental conservation awareness. Strategy 7, Building an empowered agricultural community. Strategy 8, Involving local communities in the management of permaculture activities to increase environmental awareness and care.