Aim

WRI Indonesia aims to contribute to address the challenges of high-quality rice availability in Bali by strengthening supply chain management from farmers to consumers. Leveraging digital tools like regular monitoring platforms, the initiative will create a more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable rice supply chain, benefiting both farmers and consumers. 

 

Where

Bali Province

 

Why

The global and Indonesian food systems are facing severe challenges due to a growing population, leading to significant environmental issues such as deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and soil degradation. Despite advancements in agricultural production, many workers, especially small-scale farmers, continue to face economic instability and poor working conditions.

Recent data from the Indonesian Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows a decline in rice production to 53.63 million tons in 2023, a decrease of 1.12 million tons (2.05%) from 2022. Meanwhile, according to the Ministry of Agriculture reports, rice fields are being converted at 100,000 hectares annually. By February 2024, data from the National Food Agency showed that rice prices surged to record highs due to extreme weather events and disrupted seasonal patterns. In Bali, the traditional Subak irrigation system struggles with land use changes, water competition, socio-economic shifts, and farmer regeneration. Supporting and revitalizing this system is vital for maintaining traditional values, ecological balance, soil health, and community food resilience.

In response to these challenges, the 2022 Global Forum on Digital Agriculture Transformation in Denpasar highlighted Bali’s Governor ambitious plan to turn the island into an “Organic Island”, in line with Bali Provincial Regulation Number 8 of 2019. This initiative aims to address inefficiencies in Bali’s rice supply chain through better resource planning, incentive mechanisms, and infrastructure development. The strategy, detailed in the Pathway for Economic Transformation Kerthi Bali, focuses on modernizing agriculture and enhancing digital infrastructure, which are crucial for supporting organic farming and integrating digital technology into the agricultural sector.

WRI Indonesia will collaborate with Udayana University, CSIRO, Subak communities, government, and other local organizations to strengthen the sustainable management of rice supply chain in Bali. 

 

How

To achieve the project’s aim of developing and digitalizing sustainable rice supply chain management in Bali Province, WRI Indonesia and several partners, including Udayana University, CSIRO, the Subak communities, and other local organizations, are taking the following steps: 

1. Establishing baseline data on the rice supply chain in Bali 

We begin by conducting a comprehensive literature review, followed by primary data collection, and inclusive stakeholder network analysis. Additionaly, we identify data gaps while ensuring that Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) considerations are integrated throughout the process. 

2. Developing a digital platform for the rice supply chain 

We are creating a user-friendly information system that includes features for managing supply and demand with regular updates. Furthermore, we are incorporating analytical tools and algorithms to monitor the rice supply and generate actionable insights for stakeholders. 

3. Strengthening stakeholder engagement and capacity building  

We are organizing workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions designed to enhance governance of the rice supply chain by fostering stronger stakeholder engagement and building capacity.  

4. Conducting policy analysis and formulating recommendations 

We are focused on developing reports and recommendations that prioritize GEDSI within the rice supply chain management, ensuring that these considerations are central to policy improvements. 

 

PARTNERS 

  1. Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Udayana
  2. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIRO)