Village Government Policy Strategies for Building Food Security (A Case Study of Cimerang Village,Padalarang Subdistrict, West Bandung Regency)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the strategy of the Cimerang Village Government in building food security, identify the obstacles encountered in implementing the food security strategy, and analyze the efforts made by the Cimerang Village Government to overcome these obstacles. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive-analytic approach. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation involving the Village Government, Village Consultative Body (BPD), community leaders, farmers and farm laborers, as well as the people of Cimerang Village. The analysis applies Steven Lukes’ Three Dimensions of Power Theory to examine authority in decision-making, policy agenda setting, and the formation of community orientations.The results show that the strategy of the Cimerang Village Government in building food security is implemented through the use of village development planning instruments, support for the agricultural sector, provision of agricultural production facilities, improvement of irrigation channels, development of village food reserves, and efforts to encourage the community to utilize land and increase food self-sufficiency. The implementation of the strategy still faces several obstacles, including the absence of a specific Village Regulation on food security, inconsistent support for farmers, limited assistance, and inadequate protection of the sustainability of agricultural land. The efforts undertaken by the Village Government include plans to formulate a Village Regulation on food security, involving the BPD, Gapoktan, village institutions, community leaders, and the community, collecting data on assistance recipients, supporting agricultural activities, developing village food reserves, and increasing public awareness of food self-sufficiency. Based on Steven Lukes’ Three Dimensions of Power Theory, the Village Government’s strategy is reflected in its authority to determine programs and policy decisions, its ability to establish food security as a development agenda, and its efforts to shape community orientation toward food self-sufficiency. Overall, the food security strategy in Cimerang Village has a clear direction but remains in the stage of institutional and implementation strengthening. Therefore, stronger regulations, consistent support for farmers, and protection of agricultural land are needed to ensure that food security can be implemented in a more systematic and sustainable manner.