Abstract ID: 160
Authors:
Eka Lestari Mahyuni
Muhammad Daniel Azlan bin Mahadzir
Mengieng Ung
Eu Zai Feng Elliot
Reni Novia
 Achmad Siddik Thoha
Renzo R. Guinto
Affiliations:
Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia; Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Indonesia; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Singapore General Hospital; SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore.
Abstract:Background: Health-Sustainable Precision Agriculture (H-SPA) offers a transformative approach for Indonesian smallholder farming and environmental sustainability. Its adoption is often hindered by top-down technology transfer models, overlooking farmers’ realities, local knowledge, and ecological context. This leads to unsustainable practices and minimal community impact. Objectives: This research explores how participatory methodologies empower farmers as change agents for planetary health in H-SPA implementation for honey guava cultivation in Langkat, Sumatera Utara. It examines how bottom-up engagement fosters local H-SPA stewardship, promoting eco-friendly practices and community resilience. Methods: A Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach engaged Teluk and Karang Gading communities via extensive socialization and co-learning from February to August 2025. Six of 25 initial farmers committed long-term participation. Data included participatory observation during engagement and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Thematic analysis evaluated shared H-SPA understanding, PAR principles, team roles, and initial motivations. Results: The project established a multi-stakeholder PAR team, rooted in mutual respect and inclusive dialogue, evidenced by six farmer volunteers. Iterative FGDs dismantled traditional hierarchies, fostering shared H-SPA understanding and leading to co-developed roles as co-researchers and positive role models. Strong initial commitment, driven by solving agricultural challenges and reducing environmental impact via H-SPA, was demonstrated. Capacity-building within the PAR framework enabled farmers to adopt drone and sensor technology, promote ecological pest management, and become continuous community learning providers for planetary health. Conclusions: This study highlights PAR’s profound value in promoting H-SPA adoption. This good practice is crucial for fostering climate-friendly food systems, integrating health, Agri-Technology, and building farmer community resilience in Indonesia.
Keywords: Climate Change and Planetary Health, health sustainable precision agriculture, participatory action research, community resilience, honey guava, planetary health
