Analisis Ketahanan Pangan melalui Pemberdayaan Kelompok Tani di Desa Siharjulu Kecamatan Lintongnihuta Kabupaten Humbang Hasundutan

Abstract

Food security is a crucial issue in rural development, particularly in the agricultural sector, which serves as the main livelihood for rural communities. This study aims to analyze food security through the empowerment of farmer groups in Siharjulu Village, Lintongnihuta District. The research focuses on food security indicators, including food availability and accessibility, as well as direct and indirect impacts as proposed by Maxwell and Frankenberger (1992). This study uses a descriptive qualitative method with data collection techniques such as interviews, observations, and documentation involving informants including the village head, village officials, as well as the heads and members of farmer groups. The results show that farmer groups have contributed to improving the availability of agricultural facilities. However, challenges persist, such as the absence of written regulations, weak coordination and supervision mechanisms, delays in fertilizer distribution, and a lack of post harvest storage facilities and nutrition education. The findings reveal that the empowerment of farmer groups has had a positive impact on food seurity, particularly in terms of the availability of agricultural inputs such as tools, fertilizers, and seeds. However, food security through farmer group empowerment has not been fully effective due to several constraints, including the lack of formal regulations, weak oversight mechanisms, and irregular fertilizer distribution. These issues affect agricultural productivity and farmers’ income. Indirect impacts such as changes in farmers’ mindsets and a growing spirit of self-reliance are starting to emerge, though not evenly. Therefore, clear and systematic village regulations, institutional strengthening of farmer groups, and improvements in the distribution mechanism for agricultural assistance are necessary to support sustainable food security.