United Kediri People's Union (SRKB) Builds a People's Economy Based on Local Resources through Collective Enterprises

Serikat Rakyat Kediri Bersatu (SRKB) focuses on the struggle for agrarian rights and the development of a people-based economy in Kediri, East Java. With a membership of around 600 heads of farmer families and farm laborers who manage a total of 200 hectares of land, SRKB is involved in resolving agrarian conflicts and defending land management rights. In this struggle, SRKB prioritizes solidarity and organizational strength through regular meetings and training to develop member capacity. In addition to managing land for various commodities such as rice, corn, sugar cane, and cassava, SRKB seeks alternatives to overcome the constraints of access to chemical fertilizers by producing organic fertilizers from goat manure. Starting from a commitment to building economic independence and agricultural sustainability, SRKB initiated a collective goat farming program supported by the Nusantara Fund Direct Funding.

The United Kediri People's Union (SRKB) carries out various integrated activities to strengthen organizational capacity and achieve community-based economic independence. The initial step of the program is a series of management consolidation activities, to strengthen the organization in supporting people's economic development. Consolidation is carried out through routine meetings involving management, community members, and supporting partners.

In addition to consolidation, SRKB held True Agrarian Reform Education (RAS) to provide members with an in-depth understanding of the principles of agrarian reform and the importance of sustainable land management. Education plays an important role in educating community members about their agrarian rights. During the education session, practical techniques in collective business management were introduced. One of the main focuses of education is training in collective economic business management, including goat husbandry, pen management, and the production of organic fertilizer from livestock manure.

After the members received training, SRKB began building a collective goat pen as the main facility in the program. The construction of the pen was carried out through mutual cooperation by community members, emphasizing the spirit of togetherness and collaboration in achieving common goals. The pen was built measuring 2 x 15 meters, designed to accommodate up to 20 goats with a breeding system. A total of 5 male goats and 10 female goats were purchased to start the breeding business. Collective goat farming not only aims to produce goat kids or goat meat, but also to produce organic fertilizer from goat manure. The collective breeding system allows members to continue to increase the goat population over time, maintaining the availability of livestock manure as a basic ingredient for organic fertilizer that can be used by farmers in their community.

The production of organic fertilizer from goat manure is an important component of the program. Fertilizer is produced through the management of livestock manure processed using simple methods without sophisticated tools, so that community members can independently maximize the potential of their resources to produce fertilizer. Organic fertilizer is then distributed to SRKB members' agricultural land to improve soil quality, increase fertility, and reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers. With organic fertilizer, community members can manage their land in a more environmentally friendly way, maintain soil quality for the long term, and avoid the negative impacts that chemical fertilizers often cause on soil structure.

SRKB conducts regular evaluations of program implementation through monthly meetings. The evaluation aims to monitor the progress of each activity, ensure that the program is running according to plan, and resolve challenges faced by members in implementing the program. For example, in the evaluation, the community discusses the effectiveness of organic fertilizer production and the condition and health of goats in the collective pen. Members who face obstacles in fertilizer production or livestock maintenance receive guidance and advice from other more experienced members.

Through collective goat farming and organic fertilizer production, SRKB supports environmentally friendly agricultural practices and strengthens members' ability to utilize surrounding resources without damaging the ecosystem. From this effort, around 1,5 hectares of land of 30 member farmers can be fertilized with organic fertilizer from collective goat pens. The production of organic fertilizer from goat manure replaces the need for chemical fertilizers which are not only expensive but also have a negative impact on the soil. Chemical fertilizers can cause a decrease in the quality of soil structure and disrupt micro ecosystems, impacting soil health in the long term. In contrast, organic fertilizer from goat manure enriches the soil with natural nutrients, supports the balance of micro ecosystems, and improves soil structure.

SRKB strengthens members' skills in managing resources independently through collective efforts, while raising awareness of the importance of maintaining ecosystem balance. Collective goat farming efforts managed together by SRKB members create independently managed resources, strengthen community economic resilience, and promote shared prosperity.