Pandansari, November 12, 2024 — The Universitas Brawijaya team has partnered with the Baran Sukosari Farmers Group in Pandansari Village, Poncokusumo District, to enhance agroforestry conservation skills among coffee farmers and provide organic farming training for the PKK women’s group. This initiative aims to strengthen community resilience in the face of challenges posed by dry mountainous lands, which are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Through training in the cultivation of coffee and hardwood plant nurseries, as well as the introduction of sustainable coffee farming techniques, a mixed coffee-based agroforestry system—more resilient to extreme weather—has been revived and restored.
Under the leadership of Dr. Yusron Sugiarto, Ph.D., from Universitas Brawijaya, this Community Service Program, funded by the Directorate of Research and Community Service (DRPM) at Universitas Brawijaya, also includes organic farming training for the PKK women in the farmers’ group. “In addition to reviving traditional coffee gardens, we aim to empower women with organic farming skills that they can apply to their own land. Organic farming is expected to provide healthy and eco-friendly food sources for their families.,” explained Dr. Yusron. Participants learned about compost management, the utilization of organic waste, and planting techniques that minimize the use of chemical pesticides. These practices can be applied in both home gardens and community plots. Suaji, the Head of the Baran Sukosari Farmers Group, welcomed the training series with enthusiasm. “This program is very meaningful for our community. We’re not only learning how to enhance the productivity of our coffee gardens, but the women are also acquiring skills to manage small plots around their homes organically. This positively impacts family health and food security,” he said.
The activities have been underway since October 2024 and are set to enter the planting phase during the rainy season at the end of the year. Through ongoing training, the residents of Pandansari Village aim to preserve their sustainable farming traditions while adapting to current climate challenges. This program not only strengthens the village’s economy but also promotes a better environmental balance for the future.