Yayasan IAR Indonesia

Success in Raising Chickens: The Journey of a group of women farmers in Lampung

In the midst of efforts to improve food security and community welfare, the use of yard land is more creative. One of the innovations that began to be implemented was the assistance of free-range chicken livestock-not only to meet the nutritional needs of the family, but also as a promising business opportunity.

Entering early 2025, Gapoktan Wanatani Lestari (KWT), one of YIARI’s assisted gapoktans, built a chicken coop from local bamboo. The Program has three main goals: provide a more accessible source of protein, increase family income, and produce organic fertilizer for horticultural crops.

Then, how is this assistance carried out? Come on, look further!

Building A Chicken Coop In Mutual Cooperation

The Gapoktan Wanatani Lestari farmer women’s group at KPH Batutegi, Lampung, utilizes the land in their yard by implementing an integrated farming system. In addition to cultivating horticultural crops, this group is now developing a free-range chicken farming business as part of a farming diversification strategy.

The technical planning of this program has been started since the end of December 2024 and began to be implemented in the first week of January 2025. The first step was the construction of a chicken coop, which was facilitated by the IAR Indonesia Foundation (YIARI) with the active support of the local farming community. As a form of independence, members of the farmer group independently collect local bamboo to be used as the main material for the walls and floor of the cage.

In the spirit of mutual cooperation, the husbands of members of the farmer group participated in the construction of a chicken coop measuring 11 x 2 meters. This effort is expected to improve the welfare of group members through optimal utilization of local resources and encourage food security at the household level.

The cage construction process involved 15 people, including yiari staff, interns, and KWT members ‘ mothers. They work together to ensure that the cages built have a sturdy structure, are comfortable, and meet the needs of keeping chickens.

The construction was carried out in stages, starting from the manufacture of the frame, the installation of bamboo walls, to the completion of the floor and roof. To increase protection from wind and rain, the walls of the cage are sheathed with tarpaulin to keep the temperature inside stable. With a more awake environment, chickens can grow optimally and healthily.

The First Step Towards Quality Chicken Production

After the cage is completed on January 22, 2025, the next step is to create an optimal environment for the growth of chickens. The main factors that are considered include ventilation, placement of feed and drinking, lighting, and cleanliness of the cage.

Proper ventilation is a top priority to ensure smooth air circulation, reduce excess moisture, and prevent the spread of diseases. In addition, the placement of feed and drinking places is strategically designed to be easily accessible to chickens, minimize the risk of contamination, and reduce feed waste.

To keep the temperature of the cage warm, especially at night, a lamp is installed that serves as a source of lighting and heating. Adequate lighting helps chickens stay active while reducing stress that can affect their growth and health. With optimal cage management, it is expected that chickens can grow healthy and produce high quality production.

As part of the utilization of local resources, chicken feed containers are made from bamboo. The use of bamboo is not only environmentally friendly, but also more economical and easily obtained by farmer groups. With this approach, the free-range chicken farming program also reduces dependence on more expensive plastic or metal equipment.

At the initial stage, a total of 266 two-week-old village chickens that had been vaccinated began to be put into cages. In the next four weeks, the second Cage is planned to be completed to accommodate an additional 200 chickens. With this system, farmer groups can harvest every month, with a target of chicken weight reaching 1 kg within 2.5 months.

In addition to ensuring supportive housing conditions, nutritional aspects are also a major factor in the cultivation of free-range chickens. Chickens need quality feed with a balanced composition that includes protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to support optimal growth and maintain endurance.

In addition, regular monitoring of chicken health is very important to prevent disease, increase the success rate of cultivation, and ensure healthy and quality livestock. This step includes vaccination, monitoring of the symptoms of the disease, as well as the implementation of strict cage hygiene.

Various potentials and benefits of Free-Range Chicken

In addition to providing economic benefits from sales, raising free-range chickens also opens up opportunities for farmer groups to implement an integrated agricultural system.

One of the main benefits of this business is the utilization of chicken manure as an organic fertilizer. This fertilizer can increase soil fertility and productivity of horticultural crops managed by farmer groups. With the presence of organic fertilizers, the cost of purchasing chemical fertilizers can be reduced, making agricultural businesses more efficient and environmentally friendly. In addition, an integrated agricultural system creates a more efficient production cycle, in which livestock waste is reused to support the agricultural sector.

More than just financial benefits, raising free-range chickens also brings social benefits to the community. This activity strengthens the spirit of mutual cooperation among members of farmer groups and provides opportunities for them to develop new skills in raising livestock and managing businesses independently.

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Assistance in the cultivation of free-range chicken is a clear proof that community empowerment can run in harmony with environmental sustainability. With the support of various parties and the spirit of mutual cooperation, the program is expected to continue to grow and inspire more communities to use the yard productively.

In the future, the farmer women’s Group (KWT) Gapoktan Wanatani Lestari plans to increase production capacity and expand the chicken sales market. This step will open up greater economic opportunities for its members, as well as contribute to strengthening food security in their regions.

Assistance like this proves that innovation in the agricultural sector is able to provide broad benefits, both in terms of economic, social, and environmental. Let’s together support sustainable agriculture and empower more communities to be independent!

Farmers assisted by YIARI Comparative Study to kph Pesawaran: exploring the institutional knowledge of Farmer Group Business

One of the main economic sectors in Indonesia is agriculture.

This sector has become an integral part of the lives of Indonesian people. However, many farmer groups are still facing challenges in managing the business continuously. An understanding of the institutional science of farming group business is the key in building a stronger and independent farming business.

To support this, Yayasan Initiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) conducted a comparative study for farmers assisted by them to the Forest Management Unit (KPH) Pesawaran, Lampung.

How was the experience of the farmers assisted by YIARI in this comparative study and what are the benefits for more sustainable management of farming?

Check it out in the following article, Yes!

What Is Agroforestry?

Agroforestry is a method of land management that integrates the cultivation of forestry, agriculture, and livestock crops in a system that supports each other. This approach is intended as a solution to land conversion problems that often have a negative impact on the environment.

Unplanned land conversion can cause various ecological damages, such as floods, droughts, soil erosion, decreased land fertility, loss of biodiversity, and accelerated climate change.

By implementing agroforestry, the community can maintain the ecological function of the land while obtaining economic benefits from agricultural and forestry products.

Etymologically, the term agroforestry comes from English, namely “agro” which means agriculture and “forestry” which means Forestry. In Indonesia, this concept is also known as wanatani—a combination of the words “Wana” (forest) and “tani” (agriculture).

This term reflects the harmonization of agricultural activities and the preservation of forests in a single, sustainable ecosystem.

The importance of agroforestry Comparative Study for Yiari assisted farmers group

The comparative study activity held on December 17-19, 2024 was an important moment for eight farmers from the Sumber Makmur and Sustainable Agriculture Association (Gapoktan).

In this visit, they had a direct opportunity to learn from the institutional and agricultural practices implemented by farmer groups in the Forest Management Unit (KPH) Pesawaran, Lampung.

The main objectives of this activity are:

1. Strengthening farmers ‘ understanding of sustainable agriculture-based farming institutions

This comparative study is designed to improve the capacity of farmers in understanding the structure, role, and institutional functions in the context of farming. With a better understanding of the institutional system, farmers are expected to be able to carry out agricultural activities in a more organized and sustainable manner, both in terms of production, marketing, and resource management.

2. Learn directly from institutional farmer groups that have proven to be solid and collective

Kph Pesawaran was chosen as a learning location because farmer groups in this region have succeeded in forming strong institutions and are able to run collective farming. The hands-on experience of this farmer group is a concrete reference for yiari assisted farmers to understand how good governance can drive collective success.

3. Exploring the application of agroforestry systems that are integrated with the principles of Nature Conservation

Through this comparative study, farmers gain insight into how agroforestry systems can be applied on a group scale. This Model not only combines the functions of agricultural and forestry production, but also pays attention to environmental sustainability through the protection of soil, water and biodiversity.

4. Reviewing the impact of agroforestry systems in improving land productivity

Kph Pesawaran shows that the agroforestry approach can provide multidimensional benefits: increasing agricultural yields, maintaining environmental stability, and creating a sustainable source of income. This is important to be applied by other farmer groups who want to strengthen economic and ecological resilience.

5. Explore the institutional managerial aspects of farmer groups

In addition to the technical aspects of Agriculture, participants are also equipped with an understanding of institutional governance that includes collective work Systems, Marketing Management, and transparent and accountable administrative records. This is an important foundation for farmer groups to be able to develop professionally.

6. Encourage self-reliance and competitiveness of farmers

Armed with knowledge and experience from comparative studies, assisted farmers are expected to adopt institutional practices that have proven successful. This step is important to improve the group’s operational efficiency, strengthen member solidarity, and expand market access and economic opportunities independently.

Synergy of various parties to increase the capacity of farmers

The success of this comparative study can not be separated from the active role of various parties involved in the planning process to implementation. Cross-sectoral collaboration between assistance agencies, experts, and farmers is key in strengthening the capacity of farmer groups.

The parties involved in this activity include:

• Yayasan Initiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) as the initiator and organizer, is responsible for the coordination and facilitation of activities.
  
• Kph Pesawaran as the main partner and host of comparative studies, sharing real experiences in the institution of farmer groups and the application of agroforestry systems.
  
• Kph Batutegi, who assisted farmers during the learning process.
  
• Forestry Department of Lampung State University, which also acts as a field companion and liaison between academic aspects and field practice.
  
• Farmer groups in kph Pesawaran, who act as the main speakers, provide inspiration and share good practices in the management of agroforestry-based farming.

Eight participants of the comparative study came from two active Gapoktan, namely Sumber Makmur and Wanatani Lestari, which have been participating in the farmer empowerment program initiated by YIARI.

Through this activity, farmers are expected to be able to replicate successful institutional practices and build a stronger, independent, and sustainable farming system.

A series of Comparative Study activities in kph Pesawaran

During the comparative study, participants participated in various activities ranging from discussions, field trips, to agricultural processing practices. The following is a series of activities carried out by eight farmers assisted by YIARI at KPH Pesawaran:

Day One: Introduction and Field Trip

The activity began with an introduction session on kph Pesawaran, including an interactive discussion that discussed the goals and institutional benefits of farmer groups in supporting the sustainability of agricultural businesses. The participants then discussed directly with the management of Gapoktan at KPH Pesawaran to understand the organizational structure, business management system, and dynamics of farmer groups that have been running.

After the break and Asr prayer, the activity continued with a visit to agricultural land owned by local farmers who have implemented agroforestry patterns. Some of the commodities observed include nutmeg, hazelnut, cocoa, and cardamom. Participants also attended a special session on complex agroforestry combinations, which featured plant diversification strategies to increase productivity while maintaining ecosystem balance.

In the evening, the participants participated in the ‘chatting Pintar (Ngopi) Petani’, a casual forum that opened a dialogue space between farmers. In this informal setting, participants can exchange experiences, ask questions, and explore deeper insights into environmentally friendly agricultural practices implemented at KPH Pesawaran.

Day two: Discussion and deepening of the material

The focus of activities on the second day is the deepening of the material through intensive discussions. Participants studied the institutional history of farmer groups in kph Pesawaran, especially regarding the transition of Land Management from monoculture to agroforestry systems. They also explore various agroforestry patterns, including land management techniques, harvesting, and Produce Marketing.

Furthermore, participants learn institutional strategies in managing agricultural products, such as processing, packaging, and distribution. The discussion also included the active role of kph Pesawaran in fostering farmers through institutional strengthening of marketing and cooperative development.

In the afternoon, participants conducted a reflection session to evaluate the knowledge and insights gained. This activity is a space for participants to identify important lessons that can be applied in their respective farmer groups. In the evening, ‘Ngopi Petani’ session was held again as a follow-up forum to deepen the discussion and strengthen the relationship between participants and local farmers.

Day three: product processing practices and closures

On the last day, participants attended a hands-on practical session on agricultural processing. Some of the activities carried out include:

• Processing hazelnut into high-quality oil, which has great economic value in the food and cosmetic industries.
  
• Processing nutmeg into derivative products, such as sweets or ready-made seasonings, to increase the marketability of these commodities.
  
• Making charcoal briquettes from hazelnut shells, as a form of utilization of agricultural waste that is environmentally friendly and economically valuable.

After the practical session, the participants again did a final reflection to develop a realistic follow-up plan and in accordance with the conditions of their farmer groups. This comparative study ended with an official closing session, where the participants expressed their commitment in implementing the knowledge and skills acquired during the activity.

Expectations and follow-up plans

As a follow-up of this comparative study, the participants are expected to be able to adapt and apply knowledge about the institutional business of farmer groups into the local context in their respective communities.

The establishment of stronger institutions is a top priority, by adopting a model that has been proven to be successfully applied in kph Pesawaran. Through this process, farmer groups are expected to be able to build a solid organizational structure, oriented to cooperation, and support collective business growth.

Agroforestry-based business development is also a major focus in the participants ‘ follow-up plan. With this approach, they not only pursue increased productivity and income, but also contribute to maintaining environmental balance through sustainable agricultural practices. The implementation of agroforestry system is believed to be able to answer modern agricultural challenges that require integration between economic and ecological aspects.

In terms of post-harvest processing, participants are committed to applying the various techniques that have been learned during the comparative study. Among them are the use ofdryersto maintain the quality of crops and the processing of commodities into value-added products, such as hazelnut oil, processed nutmeg, or briquettes from agricultural waste.

These measures are designed to expand the market potential and increase the group’s revenue, while reducing waste and negative impact on the environment.

Appreciation to all parties involved

The success of this comparative study activity can not be separated from the contribution and synergy of various parties. We express our highest appreciation to kph Pesawaran for opening a learning space for yiari assisted farmers, as well as sharing best practices in institutional management and application of agroforestry.

The support of kph Batutegi as a companion and local farmer groups as field resource persons, has become an important foundation in the success of this program.

Through this activity, yiari assisted farmers gain knowledge and skills that can be applied to strengthen Group institutions, expand cooperation networks, and improve the effectiveness of farm management.

Hopefully, with a more organized system and a solid collective approach, farmer groups can produce more valuable products, expand market access, and build a competitive and sustainable business. The knowledge gained is also expected to be transmitted to other members of the group, so that the benefits of this comparative study can be widely felt at the community level.

Forest security with kph Batutegi: mission to protect the heart of Sumatra’s forests from encroachment

Batutegi protected forest located in Lampung is one of the most vital forest areas on the island of Sumatra. This area is a natural habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, including endemic species found only in Indonesia.

However, the threat of increasingly massive forest encroachment has the potential to damage the ecological balance and disrupt the survival of species in it. If not treated immediately, this damage can have long-term impacts on environmental sustainability.

To overcome this problem, Batutegi Forest Management Unit (KPH) together with Yayasan Initiasi Alam Rehabilitasi Indonesia (YIARI) implemented a technology-based conservation approach. Joint teams in the field continue to carry out security and surveillance against potential destruction.

What is the strategy and implementation like? Check out the following description!

Getting To Know Batutegi Forest Management Unit 

Batutegi protected forest spans an area of 58,174 hectares in Lampung Province, covering three districts: Tanggamus, West Lampung, and Central Lampung. In addition to functioning as a priority watershed, this area also stores high biodiversity which has outstanding ecological and conservation value.

Since 2008, YIARI has been actively conducting conservation activities in the area, with an initial focus on wildlife protection as well as habitat rehabilitation. Regular patrols and monitoring of animal populations are part of the protection effort.

The collaboration between YIARI and kph Batutegi was further strengthened as the threat of forest encroachment increased. In response to this, in 2025, YIARI continues the forest Security program with kph Batutegi as a form of long-term commitment in maintaining sustainable forest ecosystems.

With the support of modern technologies such as GPS-based monitoring systems, surveillance drones, and rapid reporting applications, teams in the field are able to respond more efficiently to potential threats. This strategy not only reduces the number of encroachments, but also strengthens the ecological function of forests as a buffer for life and sustainable biological resources.

Tracing the trail of encroachment in the Rindingan Forest

Understanding the conditions and threats on the ground is a crucial first step in efforts to preserve forests. One of the main areas of concern is the Rindingan core block, a strategic conservation area in the Batutegi protected forest.

This area is not only an important habitat for a variety of rare species, but also provides vital ecosystem services to the surrounding environment.

Unfortunately, the Rindingan core block is facing heavy pressure due to ongoing illegal encroachment activities. Unlicensed land clearing, illegal logging, and hunting disrupt the natural balance and accelerate the destruction of ecosystems.

If left unchecked, the impact can be far-reaching: from disruption of water sources, to a decline in biodiversity, to the destruction of ecological systems that sustain the lives of local communities.

In response to these conditions, KPH Batutegi and YIARI continue to strengthen forest security efforts. One concrete form of this commitment is realized through joint patrols that are carried out periodically.

On January 22, 2025, a joint team consisting of Forest Police (Polhut) KPH Batutegi and yiari field staff conducted intensive patrols in the Rindingan core block. 

The rugged terrain and limited access did not dampen the team’s enthusiasm to reach areas prone to encroachment in order to conduct data collection and direct observation of forest conditions.

Patrol results show, some areas have been damaged due to illegal activities. The team found a number of evidence such as wild huts built clandestinely, traces of heavy vehicles, the remains of logged wood, as well as land that began to be cleared without official permission.

These findings confirm the practice of encroachment is still a real threat and urgent to be addressed immediately.

Surveillance and patrolling are therefore not only important as preventive measures, but also as a form of consistent law enforcement.

Concrete and sustainable measures are needed so that the preservation of the Batutegi protected forest, especially the Rindingan core block, can be maintained for future generations.

Technology and Rapid Action in Forest security

To respond effectively to the field findings, the patrol team conducted data collection on the affected areas while immediately taking measurable security measures. Armed with the support of advanced monitoring technology, the surveillance process is now carried out more systematically, accurately, and responsively.

One key technology being leveraged is Global Forest Watch—GFW)-a satellite imagery-based platform that enables real-time detection of forest cover changes.

With this system, encroachment activities can be monitored early on, so the team can directly direct patrols to vulnerable points.

To reach areas that are difficult to access, the team also operates drones that provide a thorough visual overview of the forest conditions from the air.

Meanwhile, the SMART Patrol application is used to record and analyze findings in the field. The Data collected through this application becomes an important basis in decision making, from determining patrol patterns to formulating follow-up strategies.

The use of technology not only accelerates the response to encroachment, but also allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of forest safeguards. This data-driven approach is expected to reduce the risk of damage while supporting sustainable and adaptive long-term conservation planning.

A step in protecting the environment

The joint patrol carried out on January 22, 2025 is one of the important steps in continuing efforts to protect the Batutegi protected forest habitat.

This activity not only aims to stop the practice of encroachment, but also becomes an integral part of the grand strategy in preserving forest ecosystems.

However, habitat protection does not stop at patrols and enforcement alone. Once the points of encroachment have been identified, the next stage is the restoration of the affected ecosystem. Rehabilitation processes-such as replanting trees on open land—are becoming an important component in improving the structure of forests and restoring their ecological function.

Moreover, community involvement around forest areas is key in creating sustainable protection. Education and empowerment of local communities continue to be carried out so that they not only understand the importance of preserving forests, but also have alternative livelihoods that do not depend on illegal exploitation of forest resources.

Protect The Forest, Protect Life

Protecting Batutegi protected forest is not a momentary effort, but a long-term commitment to ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem and the lives that depend on it. These efforts cover a wide range of aspects—from routine patrols, to the implementation of monitoring technology, to the empowerment of local communities as the vanguard of preservation.

KPH Batutegi, YIARI, and other stakeholders continue to strengthen synergy and collaboration. This cross-sectoral collaboration is a strong foundation in preserving the ecosystem as a whole.

However, protecting the forest is not only the task of those on the front lines. This is a shared responsibility. Every individual has a role, no matter how small, to support forest conservation. Some simple steps that can be done include:

• Disseminate information about the importance of forest conservation to people around.
• Support the use of environmentally friendly and sustainably produced products.
• Reduce paper consumption by choosing digital documents or using recycled paper.
• Participate in tree planting activities or support local reforestation and conservation programs.

Every small step has a big meaning for the future of our forests. Do not let the practice of encroachment continue to damage such a precious natural heritage. Now is the time to move together—taking care of the forest means taking care of life itself!

Featured image: a blue illegal hut in the middle of the Batutegi protected forest encroachment site

Editor: Hasna Latifatunnisa