In Girimulyo Village, Tanggamus Regency, stands an exemplary farmer group that has become a model for many across Lampung Tunas Lokal. Established more than 10 years ago, this group has been a driving force for positive change, particularly in rehabilitating degraded land and transforming farming practices to become more sustainable. Rehabilitating Degraded Land with Agrowforestry. One of Tunas Lokal’s main missions is restoring degraded land through agrowforestry. By combining forestry trees and cash crops, the group has successfully created a productive and environmentally friendly farming system. This approach not only restores the ecological function of the land but also generates sustainable economic value for its members. Hardwood trees such as sengon are grown alongside coffee, pepper, and cacao, creating a healthy agroecosystem and supporting biodiversity. Self-Reliance Through Seedling Production and Composting. Tunas Lokal’s success stems from its independence in meeting production needs. They built their own nursery, producing high-quality seedlings for a variety of crops. This reduces reliance on external suppliers and keeps costs under control. Moreover, they actively produce organic compost from agricultural waste. This practice improves soil fertility, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and supports environmentally friendly agriculture. Agrowforestry as a Catalyst for Upgrading Farmers. This initiative is not just about planting trees it’s about empowering farmers. Through knowledge sharing and strong group management, Tunas Lokal has been able to raise the capacity of its members. They learn farm business management, sustainable cultivation techniques, and post-harvest marketing strategies. As a result, farmers who once focused only on short-term yields are now thinking strategically, oriented toward value creation. This transformation has turned them into upgraded farmers more prosperous, tech savvy, and committed to environmental sustainability. An Inspiration for Other Regions The success of Tunas Lokal Girimulyo proves that collaboration, community spirit, and local innovation can drive real change. Their program can serve as a replicable model for other regions, particularly those facing degraded land challenges.
