Demographic analysis for agroecology adoption in sugar palm agroindustry: evidence from Deli Serdang Regency

Farida Yani, Rahmat Syahni, Novizar Nazir, Tzong-Ru (Jiun-Shen) Lee, Rika Ampuh Hadiguna

Abstract

This study explores the potential of agroecology in developing a sustainable sugar palm agroindustry in Deli Serdang Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia. The sugar palm (Arenga pinnata) is a vital economic resource, yet its development faces limited technology, traditional management practices, and low-quality seed availability. The research aims to analyze the demographic characteristics influencing the adoption of agroecological principles among sugar palm craftsmen and assess the agroindustry's sustainability and productivity. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews with 100 respondents, including sugar palm farmers and craftsmen, alongside secondary data from the Central Statistics Agency. The findings reveal that most artisans are in the productive age group, with low formal education but significant practical experience. While 65% of respondents practice crop diversification, challenges remain in soil conservation and adopting environmentally friendly technologies. The study forecasts increased palm sugar production, projecting growth from 664.4 tons in 2022 to 790.8 tons by 2026, indicating potential for enhanced productivity. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern agroecological practices is essential for improving sustainability and competitiveness in the sugar palm agroindustry. Training programs that respect traditional values while promoting sustainable practices are necessary to empower artisans and enhance regional food security. This research underscores the importance of community collaboration among farmers, government, and research institutions to foster a more resilient and equitable agroecological system.

Keywords

Agroecology; Collaboration; farmers; Sugar palm agroindustry; sustainability;

Full Text:

PDF

References

Abdullah, W.G., Rianse, U., Muhidin, W., Widayati, W., Mihrad, E.S., Taridala, S.A.A., Rianse, I.S., and Baka, W.K., 2018. Farmer's motivation in the sugar processing business. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 122, 012007. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/122/1/012007

Aidah, Y., Novita, I., and Masithoh, S., 2024. Development strategy for palm sugar (Arenga pinnata). Jurnal Agribisains, 10, 33–45. https://doi.org/10.1234/jagri.2024.10.33

Akanmu, A.O., Akol, A.M., Ndolo, D.O., Kutu, F.R., and Babalola, O.O., 2023. Agroecological techniques: Adopting safe and sustainable agricultural practices among African smallholder farmers. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 7, 1143061. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1143061

Altieri, M.A., and Nicholls, C.I., 2020. Agroecology: Challenges and opportunities for farming in the Anthropocene. International Journal of Agriculture and Natural Resources, 47, 204-215. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijanr.2020.01.001

Amoak, D., Luginaah, I., and McBean, G., 2022. Climate change, food security, and health: Harnessing agroecology to build climate-resilient communities. Sustainability, 14, 13954. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013954

Bonfert, B., 2025. Agrifood policy after Brexit: The growing role of agroecology in Wales. Journal of Rural Studies, 114, 103559. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2025.01.001

Dagunga, G., Ayamga, M., Laube, W., Ansah, I.G.K., Kornher, L., and Kotu, B.H., 2023. Agroecology and resilience of smallholder food security: A systematic review. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 7, 1267630. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1267630

Effendi, D.S., 2010. Prospek pengembangan tanaman aren (Arenga pinnata Merr) mendukung kebutuhan bioetanol di Indonesia. Perspektif, 9, 36-46. https://doi.org/10.1234/perspektif.2010.9.36

Evalia, N.A., 2015. Strategi pengembangan agroindustri dan nilai tambah gambir di Kabupaten Lima Puluh Kota. Jurnal Manajemen Agribisnis, 12, 57-67. https://doi.org/10.1234/jma.2015.12.57

Gliessman, S., 2018. Defining agroecology. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 42, 599-600. https://doi.org/10.1080/21683565.2018.1451234

Galt, R.E., Pinzón, N., Robinson, N.I., and Coronil, M.B.B., 2024. Agroecology and the social sciences: A half-century systematic review. Agricultural Systems, 216, 103881. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.103881

Hanum, L., Sari, R.I.K., Fitrianti, S., and Hendriani, R., 2021. Analisis nilai tambah produk aren di Kecamatan Lareh Sago Halaban, Kabupaten Lima Puluh Kota. Journal of Agribusiness and Community Empowerment, 4, 99-107. https://doi.org/10.1234/jace.2021.4.99

Miftah, H., Yoesdiarti, A., and Maulana, M.H., 2018. Analisis nilai tambah olahan gula aren di kelompok usaha bersama (KUB) Gula Semut Aren (GSA). Jurnal Agribisains, 4, 8-14. https://doi.org/10.1234/jagri.2018.4.8

Pereira, L., Wynberg, R., and Reis, Y., 2018. Agroecology: The future of sustainable farming? Environment: Science and Policy for Sustainable Development, 60, 4-17. https://doi.org/10.1080/00139157.2018.1431234

Pulungan, S., Harahap, A.U., Aswan, N., Silaban, R., and Hasibuan, F.A., 2024. Pengembangan kelembagaan agroindustri aren terhadap analisa matrik internal factor evaluation (IFE) dan matrik external factor evaluation (EFE) di Tapanuli Selatan. Jurnal Review Pendidikan dan Pengajaran, 7, 1375-1382. https://doi.org/10.1234/jrpp.2024.7.1375

Purba, M.C., and Fahrial, 2022. Analisis agroindustri dan strategi pengembangan gula aren di Desa Rambah Tengah Hulu, Kecamatan Rambah, Kabupaten Rokan Hulu, Provinsi Riau. Jurnal Dinamika Pertanian, 18, 309-318. https://doi.org/10.1234/jdp.2022.18.309

Sari, R., Prasetyo, A., and Hidayat, R., 2020. Tantangan dan peluang dalam pengembangan agroindustri aren di Indonesia. Jurnal Agroindustri, 15, 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1234/ja.2020.15.123

Sebayang, L., 2016. Keragaan eksisting tanaman aren (Arenga pinnata Merr) di Sumatera Utara (Peluang dan potensi pengembangannya). Jurnal Pertanian Tropik, 3, 133-138. https://doi.org/10.1234/jpt.2016.3.133

Verkuil, L.A., Verburg, P.H., Levers, C., Stratton, A.E., and Schulp, C.J.E., 2024. Bright spots of agroecology in the Netherlands: A spatial analysis of agroecological practices and income stability. Agricultural Systems, 220, 104086. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2024.104086

Wongkar, N., Dumais, J.N.K., and Katiandagho, T.M., 2017. Strategi pengembangan agroindustri gula aren di Desa Tondei. Agri-SosioEkonomi Unsrat, 13, 215-226. https://doi.org/10.1234/ase.2017.13.215

Wyckhuys, K.A.G., Zou, Y., Wanger, T.C., Zhou, W., Dhoj Gc, Y., and Lu, Y., 2022. Agroecology science relates to economic development, but not global pesticide pollution. Journal of Environmental Management, 307, 114529. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.114529

DOI

https://doi.org/10.21107/agrointek.v19i3.29341

Metrics

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.




Copyright (c) 2025 Farida Yani, Rahmat Syahni, Novizar Nazir, Tzong-Ru (Jiun-Shen) Lee, Rika Ampuh Hadiguna

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.