Bridging the gap: The role of geographic proximity in enhancing seed sustainability in Bandung District

Abstract

Climate change poses mounting challenges to agriculture in the Bandung District, Indonesia, and across the Global South. Seeds are the foundation of resilient food systems, and sustainable seed systems are essential for adaptation. This study offers a unique, holistic investigation of seed sustainability within the Bandung District. Utilizing multidimensional scaling and an independent t-test on a surveyed sample of 100 farmers across 8 villages, we analyze the interwoven social, economic, ecological, institutional, and technological dimensions shaping seed sustainability within the region. A core finding reveals the impact of geographic proximity to the government center on economic sustainability within the seed systems. Further, this analysis demonstrates the importance of policies promoting decentralized agricultural support, enhanced seed-saving infrastructure, and accessible farmer education programs to promote farmer agency, food security, and district-wide agricultural resilience. Findings transcend the context of Bandung, informing sustainable seed development practices in both regional and global contexts.