The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted national and household food security in Indonesia. The objectives of this study were to: (1) identify the socio-economic characteristics of Indonesian households related to food security, (2) analyze the factors that have affected household food security during the COVID-19 pandemic, and (3) provide recommendations for improving programs to increase household food security. The study was conducted in eight provinces in Indonesia, namely North Sumatra, Lampung, West Java, Central Java, East Java, South Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, and West Nusa Tenggara. Data collection was carried out from April to July 2020. The results showed that 50.63% of the households surveyed were food insecure. The binary-logit-regression-model results showed that variables of gender, age, family size, education, occupation, income, and expenditure on food had a significant effect on household food security status. Variables that had a positive influence on household food security were gender, age, education, occupation, income, and food expenditure. On the other hand, household size had a negative effect on household food security. The marginal effect of gender was 0.035, age was 0.058, education was 0.192, type of work was 0.016, income level was 0.521, and food expenditure was 0.114, while for the number of family members the marginal effect was 15.725. This study was conducted in eight provinces affected by COVID-19, using the Household-Food- Insecurity-Access-Scale and binary-logit model approaches, which had never been performed before. Policy and program recommendations for increasing household food security in Indonesia are presented.

The sustainability of the Arabica coffee agribusiness is increasingly urgent as global demand grows while environmental and socioeconomic challenges intensify. North Toraja, renowned for its high-quality Arabica coffee, faces significant barriers to sustainability, including poor infrastructure, limited adoption of modern agricultural technologies, and socioeconomic disparities among coffee farmers. These issues threaten the long-term viability of the sector, which is a critical contributor to local livelihoods and the regional economy. This study evaluates the sustainability of the Arabica coffee agribusiness in North Toraja using a Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) approach, assessing five key dimensions: ecological, economic, social, infrastructure and technology, and institutional. Data were collected through Focus Group Discussions with stakeholders across the coffee value chain and secondary sources. The results reveal a moderately sustainable overall index of 73.78, with the economic and institutional dimensions performing strongly at 87.53 and 84.91, respectively. However, the infrastructure and technology dimension scored the lowest at 55.77, highlighting significant deficiencies in road conditions, postharvest handling, and access to advanced farming technologies. To enhance sustainability, this study recommends strategic investments in rural infrastructure, training programs to promote technology adoption, and strengthening institutional frameworks such as cooperatives and government programs. Inclusive social policies that address equity and community engagement are also crucial. By addressing these gaps through a comprehensive, multidimensional approach, North Toraja’s Arabica coffee sector can achieve greater sustainability, improving farmer welfare and ensuring competitiveness in the global market. These findings serve as a model for sustainable coffee production in similar regions.

Climate change-induced floods and droughts pose significant threats to rice farm development in Indonesia, particularly in regions reliant on pump-based irrigation systems. The urgency of this study lies in the increasing vulnerability of rice production to extreme weather events, necessitating institutional adaptations to enhance irrigation sustainability and financial risk sharing. This study examines the role of irrigation institutions in supporting sustainable rice farming in Wajo District, Indonesia. Using a case study approach, qualitative data were collected from four irrigation service provider (ISP) units across three subdistricts through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The analysis focuses on institutional mechanisms, including irrigation payment structures, input credit systems, and cost-sharing arrangements. The findings reveal that institutional frameworks are crucial in mitigating financial risks by promoting adaptive payment schemes and equitable cost-sharing mechanisms. Farmers’ access to critical agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides, is enhanced through collaborative financing models, ensuring resilience against climate-induced production risks. However, variations in institutional support led to disparities in irrigation fees, credit access, and financial sustainability across study sites. This study underscores the need for risk-based irrigation pricing models and public–private partnerships to invest in climate-resilient infrastructure, such as water storage facilities and sustainable irrigation systems. In conclusion, it is important to remember that each of us, including agricultural policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders, plays a crucial role in implementing these solutions. By strengthening institutional governance, promoting flexible financial mechanisms, and integrating climate-adaptive pricing models, we can all contribute to enhancing the long-term sustainability of rice farming in Indonesia.

Recurrent flooding near Tempe Lake, Indonesia, exacerbated by climate change, presents significant challenges for rice-farming communities, threatening their livelihoods and food security. This study explores the adaptive strategies employed by farmers to mitigate flood-related risks and evaluates the role of institutional frameworks in risk-sharing mechanisms. Using a mixed-methods approach, we analysed primary survey data from 140 rice farmers and conducted interviews with irrigation pump operators. The study viewed 30 years of historical flood records to identify environmental patterns affecting agricultural practices. The findings indicate that farmers employ various adaptation strategies to enhance resilience, including irrigation technologies, risk-sharing agreements, and livelihood diversification. Informal co-operative structures play a crucial role, with landowners covering 50% of production costs and farmers receiving 60% of profits after deducting operational expenses. However, flood-related income disruptions and shifting environmental conditions threaten long-term sustainability. This study emphasizes the need to formalize risk-sharing agreements, promote flood-resistant crop adoption, and improve water management infrastructure to address these challenges. Additionally, policies should support the development of community-led co-operative models and flexible contract structures, as well as training and access credit to ensure fair compensation for climate-induced losses. Integrating institutional support, technological advancements, and community-driven adaptation strategies can enhance economic stability, strengthen food security, and ensure the long-term viability of rice farming in flood-prone regions.

As a staple food and a key component of livestock feed, the growing demand for maize in Indonesia has spurred the expansion of hybrid maize cultivation. However, despite advancements in seed technology and government initiatives to boost maize production, farmers in rural areas continue to face obstacles in accessing high-quality seeds. This study explores the influence of the marketing mix—encompassing product, price, promotion, and distribution—alongside personal factors on farmers’ purchasing decisions for hybrid maize seeds in Soppeng District. Utilizing structural equation modeling (SEM) and survey data from 100 respondents, the findings indicate that product quality and price are the most critical determinants, with farmers prioritizing seed performance and affordability. Distribution also plays a vital role in rural areas, ensuring that farmers can readily access high-quality seeds. At the same time, personal factors such as farming experience and income significantly shape purchasing behavior. Notably, promotional efforts appear to have a limited impact, suggesting that traditional marketing approaches may not be the most effective in this context. Seed companies should focus on product development, refine pricing strategies, and strengthen distribution networks to enhance market penetration. In parallel, policymakers can facilitate access to agricultural credit, invest in rural infrastructure, and promote farmer education programs to improve purchasing power and awareness. Ultimately, adapting marketing strategies to align with local economic and cultural conditions can drive greater adoption of hybrid seeds, boost agricultural productivity, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of rural farming communities.