Climate Change Adaptation of Coastal Communities in Padang Through Family Food Gardens
Gugah Nurani Indonesia (GNI) designs an urban agriculture program to contribute to community preparedness for climate change. Capacity-building activities are designed for 470 families in the Padang Sarai and Pasie Nan Tigo Villages, Koto Tangah Subdistrict, Padang City, West Sumatra Province. The urban agriculture concept is designed to ensure food security and family resilience so that when fishermen cannot go to sea for an extended period, family needs for nutritious food are sufficient by their gardens.
Nine food crops are grown: chili, cayenne pepper, pumpkin, eggplant, tomato, cucumber, morning glory, spinach, and beans. The plant selection is based on the community's daily consumption and considers nutritional value. GNI trains 63 cadres to become facilitators to reach the target family. These cadres mobilized community members in the Padang Sarai and Pasie Nan Tigo Villages through dissemination, mentoring, and periodic monitoring of their neighbors. The grouping approach is considered suitable for the character of the residents.
“When GNI carried out this activity in early 2022, it coincided with the high prices of basic household commodities. For example, the price of chili in early 2022 reached IDR 100,000 to IDR 120,000 per kilogram. Or an increase of 500% compared to the price in 2021, around IDR 20,000 to IDR 30,000 per kilogram. Chili is a basic need in cooking for Padang people knowing that almost every home dish uses chili daily. When residents can meet their chili needs from their gardens, this result can reduce their burden of expenses”, says Rinawati, Padang CDP Manager.
The community's enthusiasm was very high; it exceeded the expectations and ability of GNI to accommodate the community's needs. The program leads a good practice in the community that they shared the seeds and equipment provided by GNI with their neighbors who had not yet benefited. Another positive impact is how the community can build solidarity by moving together in climate change adaptation programs to create family resilience.
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