1 - Towards an Integrated Approach to Systemic Change in Asian Food Systems: Insights from Indonesian Case Studies

Presentation Abstract
This presentation will explore the reasons why smallholder agriculture continues to serve as a bastion of food security and economic resilience in Indonesia and elsewhere in Asia. At the same time, this sector is coming under significant pressures from diminishing livelihoods and a corresponding lack of young farmers. The paper explores the policy dimensions of this crisis in agriculture, the role of academia, the development of innovative production and market access solutions by small business, as well as attempts by farmers to self-organize in order to create more secure, sustainable livelihoods. Most importantly, the barriers preventing knowledge flow and cooperation across sectors will be highlighted, as it is these barriers that ultimately prevent a systemic transition to sustainable and resilient food systems in Indonesia and beyond. The paper draws on extensive ethnographic research in Indonesia over the last seven years.