Empowerment of the Srikandi Mrican Women Farmers Group (KWT) through Urban Farming in Mrican, Sleman, Yogyakarta

Abstract

The ongoing conversion of agricultural land into non-agricultural use has led to a significant decline in available farmland. Urban farming emerges as a viable solution to mitigate this issue and contribute to food security in densely populated urban areas. In the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY), a local initiative by the Women Farmers Group (Kelompok Wanita Tani/KWT) has adopted urban farming practices within compact residential neighborhoods. This study focuses on KWT Srikandi Mrican, located in Padukuhan Mrican, Sleman Regency, and aims to explore the empowerment strategies employed by the group’s leadership in facilitating urban farming among its members. Using a qualitative descriptive method, data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. The analysis is guided by the concepts of empowerment, women farmers groups, and urban agriculture. The findings reveal five key empowerment processes: initiating member engagement through meetings and awareness-building; planning collective activities; providing training to enhance members’ skills; teaching effective seedling techniques; and conducting regular monitoring and evaluation. These steps collectively support the successful implementation of urban farming within the community.