Unraveling the Impact of Social Innovation Based on Biocycle Farming: The Path to Sustainable Development

¹ School of Pascasarjana IPB University, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia
² Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution and Empowerment (CARE) IPB University, Bogor 16127, Indonesia
³ Department of Communication and Community Development Science, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia

^* Corresponding Author: adifirman@apps.ipb.ac.id.

Abstract

Social innovation is a community empowerment activity based on the community’s social needs to encourage the improvement of capabilities and social relations, as well as better utilization of assets and resources. Social innovation based on bio cyclo farming system aims to introduce the community to environmentally friendly agricultural businesses. This study aims to 1) analyze social innovations based on bio cyclo farming, 2) measure the impact of bio cyclo farming on social, economic, and ecological aspects, including contributions to achieving the SDGs. This research was conducted using qualitative methods supported by quantitative data. The social innovation analysis method includes aspects of the fulfillment of community needs, the element of novelty as a solution to community problems, the existence of social change, and the increase in community capacity. The research location is in Majalengka Regency. The results showed that bio cyclo farming was implemented through agricultural waste and household waste into agricultural inputs, optimization of the use of vacant land, and development of a businessoriented agricultural system. The economic impact of this community empowerment program includes producing several organic products that provide additional assistance to the group. The social impact of the program can be seen in the formation of new institutions, the change in science and skills, and the increasing cohesiveness of society. The perceived environmental impact is in the form of using agricultural waste and household waste as well as optimizing the use of vacant land. Bio cyclo farming-based community empowerment also contributes to achieving the SDGs, especially waste management and food security.