Rooted in Wisdom: Exploring Indigenous Agroecological Knowledge in Upland Java

Abstract

This study explores the embedded indigenous agroecological knowledge of Sundanese farming communities in the upland regions of West Java, Indonesia. Drawing on a qualitative ethnographic approach, the research investigates how traditional ecological knowledge is practiced, preserved, and adapted in the face of modern agricultural interventions. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with elder farmers, participatory field observation, and village-level focus group discussions. The findings reveal that indigenous practices such as terraced planting, intercropping, the use of local seed varieties, and customary rituals are not merely agronomic techniques but are deeply rooted in cosmological beliefs and community values. These agroecological systems emphasize ecological balance, biodiversity conservation, and social reciprocity. However, this wisdom is increasingly under threat due to state-led agricultural modernization, youth outmigration, and the commodification of land. The study highlights the urgency of safeguarding traditional farming systems not only for cultural heritage preservation but also for contributing to sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. It concludes by proposing pathways for policy integration, participatory learning, and intergenerational knowledge transfer to support agroecological transitions grounded in local contexts.