Indigenous Food System & Ecological Regeneration

Reviving Indigenous Farming Traditions

Indigenous Food System & Ecological Regeneration / DEEP EnGender

The main goal of the Sustainable Agriculture Revitalization Program (SARP) was to help Indigenous SAD communities. It did this by teaching them and supporting small-scale farming methods. The program aimed to improve food security in Jambi while encouraging sustainable farming and protecting the culture of these communities.

In the past, Indigenous SAD communities lived by hunting animals and gathering plants from the forest to meet their needs, rather than practicing settled farming. Their way of life was deeply connected to the forest, which provided everything they needed for survival. However, over time, outside forces disrupted this way of life. One major issue was being forced to leave their ancestral lands, which not only removed them from the forest but also made it difficult for them to pass down their traditional knowledge to future generations.

This loss of connection to their land and traditions led to a decline in their understanding of farming practices, which were already limited due to their focus on hunting and gathering. The forced displacement also weakened their cultural identity and community bonds, making it harder for them to adapt to new challenges. As a result, they began to lose both their indigenous agricultural knowledge and their cultural practices, leaving their communities in a vulnerable position.

In response to these problems, DEEP EnGender worked diligently to bring back small-scale farming to help Indigenous SAD communities. The goal was to reconnect them with farming, which could provide a steady source of food and improve food security in Jambi. These efforts focused on addressing the loss of traditional knowledge and the challenges caused by displacement and cultural changes.

SARP played a key role by offering targeted support, education, and farming tools. The program worked to teach the communities simple but effective farming methods that could be easily adopted. This not only helped improve their daily lives by providing more reliable food sources but also supported their independence and ability to take care of their families.

Date: 2-3 March, 2024

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“Re-Grow” Initiative

Indigenous Food System & Ecological Regeneration / DEEP EnGender

"Re-Grow" Initiative Empowers Indigenous SAD Communities

After many talks with different groups, including Tumenggung, the leaders of Indigenous SAD communities, DEEP EnGender turned plans into action with a program called "re-grow." This program was made to bring real help. As part of it, they visited three areas where SAD groups lived. During these visits, they planted fruit trees like avocado, mango, and matoa. The goal was to support the Indigenous SAD communities in caring for their environment and to help them get more food.

The importance of the "re-grow" program was more than just planting trees; it was a complete way to help the communities grow. The team made sure to include the SAD groups in every step of the planting process. They worked together, and the communities took an active part. This plan helped the program succeed and gave the Indigenous communities a feeling of ownership and strength.

We built partnerships with local leaders and a SAD teacher to work more closely with the SAD communities. We visited their living areas often and held regular learning sessions. During these sessions, we shared important information and worked to build strong trust with the communities. By combining helpful actions with regular education, we aimed to make a lasting difference in the lives of the Indigenous SAD communities.

Date: 12-14 January, 2024

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Synergizing Multisector Collaboration

Indigenous Food System & Ecological Regeneration / DEEP EnGender

Dialogue Towards Synergizing Multisector Collaboration to Enhance Indigenous Suku Anak Dalam Livelihood

In Pamenang Selatan, Merangin District-Jambi, on January 3rd, 2024, DEEP EnGender held an important meeting to encourage teamwork between different sectors. These included leaders from the Indigenous Suku Anak Dalam (SAD), represented by five Tumenggung (SAD leader), six Village Chiefs, and representatives from the government sectors of Agriculture, Forestry, Health, Social Services, Community Empowerment, and Education. Local community members also joined, creating a strong and diverse group. This meeting went beyond formal talks and was a real effort to work together as a group. The main goal was clear: to coordinate actions in different areas, focusing on important issues like food security and restoring the environment. It was more than just following rules; it showed a shared promise to care for the community and the environment. The talks were lively and full of energy, with the Tumenggung, Chiefs, and ministry officials sharing ideas actively. They discussed both problems and opportunities, showing a strong and meaningful exchange. Each person’s voice was important, representing the hopes of the community and the need to care for the environment.

This teamwork led to a clear action plan: starting a pilot project. The plan focused on planting fruit trees in carefully chosen villages where the Indigenous SAD lived. This project was more than just farming; it stood for growth, sustainability, and working together.

The decision-making process was active, like planting a seed in the soil of Pamenang Selatan. This seed was meant to grow into real, positive change. Choosing the pilot project was not only a smart step but also a strong statement of the goal to improve the land and people’s lives.

DEEP EnGender, leading this important project, did not stop there. With the support of many groups, the organization showed its strong commitment to helping the Indigenous SAD in a lasting way. This promise was not short-term but a long-term effort to build community strength, share knowledge, and support independence.

Date: January 3, 2024

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Indigenous wisdom for food sustainability

Indigenous Food System & Ecological Regeneration / DEEP EnGender

Deep in the palm fileds of Merangin District, Jambi, the Suku Anak Dalam have honed the art of food sustainability for generations. During our fieldwork from December 14 to 27, 2023, we had the rare opportunity to witness their remarkable ability to sustain themselves using indigenous knowledge passed down through time. Their approach to food isn’t just about survival—it’s about maintaining a balance between nature and community.

One of the most striking moments of our visit was sitting inside a traditional wooden hut, where an elder passionately explained the principles of foraging, hunting, and cultivating native crops. His animated storytelling wasn’t just about food; it was about harmony with the land. These lessons, shared orally from generation to generation, ensure that the community’s food system remains resilient and self-sufficient.

Unlike modern food systems, where individual ownership often prevails, the Suku Anak Dalam operate through a deeply communal approach. Food belongs to everyone, reinforcing sustainability through collective effort, shared knowledge, and equitable distribution. Women, elders, and children all play a role in food preparation and management, ensuring that no one goes hungry.

A striking example of sustainability in action was a young girl skillfully grating cassava—a staple food. At just ten years old, she already possessed valuable knowledge of food processing, ensuring that cassava is preserved through drying and fermentation. These techniques prevent waste, extend food availability, and fortify the community’s food security, especially during scarce seasons.

Image: A young girl carefully grates cassava, demonstrating an essential food preservation technique passed down through generations

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Suku Anak Dalam diet is their reliance on wild and naturally resilient crops. We observed their use of wild yam and cassava, foods that grow abundantly in the forest without the need for fertilizers or pesticides. These plants provide essential nutrients and are a testament to the community’s deep ecological knowledge. Their ability to thrive without external intervention makes them a powerful model for sustainable agriculture.

In a world increasingly challenged by food insecurity, climate change, and environmental degradation, the wisdom of the Suku Anak Dalam offers a blueprint for resilience. Their food system, built on nature’s rhythm, traditional wisdom, and communal values, stands as a powerful reminder that sustainability is more than just a concept—it’s a way of life.

As modern societies seek sustainable solutions, there’s much to learn from these indigenous communities. By respecting traditional knowledge and embracing eco-friendly food practices, we can move toward a future where food isn’t just consumed—it’s truly understood.

Fieldwork Location: Merangin District, Jambi

Research Period: December 14-27, 2023

Focus: Traditional food sustainability of the Suku Anak Dalam

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