Mapping analysis of farmers' perceptions of rice straw valorization in Indonesia

Abstract

Through Government Regulation No. 79, issued in 2014 on National Energy Development, the Indonesian government aimed to diversify raw materials from biomass, including rice straw, an abundant resource. To realize the national goals, farmers' participation in rice straw utilization and management plays an essential role in determining the direction and succession of these valorization programs by considering sustainability aspects. Statistical analysis by clustering methods using multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and hierarchical agglomerative clustering (HAC) was employed to visualize and extract information about farmers' willingness and participation. The survey results of 300 farmers in three regions of East Java found that most farmers utilized rice straw in small portions, depending on the weather, for animal feed and planting purposes, such as mushroom media planting, fertilizer, and mulch. More than 60% of farmers have a significant perception that better rice straw management, when complemented by the government's role in supporting physical and nonphysical facilities, will improve farmers' socioeconomic quality and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The findings of this study will help to minimize the challenges and barriers to bioenergy development and optimize their opportunities by continuing to synergize to set future strategies.