Chili farming in disaster-prone zones offers moderate to high feasibility and manageable risks.

Why It Matters

This research provides critical insights for designers and engineers involved in agricultural technology and disaster preparedness. Understanding the economic resilience of farming in hazardous environments can inform the development of more robust and adaptable agricultural systems, as well as risk mitigation strategies.

Key Finding

Chili farming is a viable economic activity in areas at risk from volcanic eruptions, with the most vulnerable zones showing the highest income and lowest production risks.

Key Findings

• Chili farming is feasible across all four disaster-prone zones, with R/C ratios ranging from 2.40 (Zone I) to 1.16 (Zone IV).
• Zone I, despite having the highest disaster risk, yielded the highest income and lowest production risk.
• Zone IV, the farthest zone, had the lowest costs, revenue, and income.

Research Evidence

Aim: To assess the agroecosystems, costs, income, feasibility, and risks associated with chili farming across four distinct disaster-prone zones around Mount Merapi.

Method: Quantitative analysis using R/C ratio for feasibility and risk assessment.

Procedure: Data was collected from 163 chili farmers across four zones surrounding Mount Merapi. The study analyzed production costs, revenue, income, and calculated the R/C ratio for each zone. Production and income risks were also evaluated.

Sample Size: 163 farmers

Context: Agricultural practice in disaster-prone volcanic regions.

Design Principle

Resilience in design accounts for environmental hazards to ensure sustained functionality and economic viability.

How to Apply

When designing agricultural solutions for regions prone to natural disasters, consider the specific economic activities and their risk profiles to ensure the proposed designs are both practical and beneficial.

Limitations

The study focuses on chili farming and may not be generalizable to all agricultural practices. The risk assessment primarily considers production and income risks, not the direct impact of disaster events on infrastructure or farmer safety.

Student Guide (IB Design Technology)

Simple Explanation: Even though it's dangerous, growing chilies near a volcano can still make money, and the closer you are to the danger, the more money you might make, with less risk to your crops.

Why This Matters: This shows that even in risky places, smart design can lead to useful and profitable solutions, which is important for many design projects.

Critical Thinking: How might the design of agricultural infrastructure be adapted to not only withstand volcanic hazards but also to enhance the economic benefits observed in Zone I?

IA-Ready Paragraph: This research highlights the feasibility and economic benefits of chili farming in disaster-prone areas, demonstrating that even in high-risk environments, well-managed agricultural practices can yield significant income and manageable risks, offering a model for sustainable livelihoods in vulnerable regions.

Project Tips

• Consider the environmental context of your design project and how natural forces might impact its success.
• Analyze the economic feasibility of your design, especially if it's intended for challenging or resource-scarce environments.

How to Use in IA

• Use this study to justify the economic viability of a design solution in a challenging environment, or to inform risk assessment for a new product.

Examiner Tips

• Demonstrate an understanding of how environmental factors influence design choices and economic outcomes.

Independent Variable: Disaster-prone zone (Zone I, II, III, IV)

Dependent Variable: Chili farming feasibility (R/C ratio), costs, revenue, income, production risk, income risk

Controlled Variables: Type of crop (chili), general location (Mount Merapi region)

Strengths

• Directly addresses the economic viability of agriculture in a high-risk environment.
• Provides quantitative data on costs, income, and feasibility across different risk zones.

Critical Questions

• What are the long-term implications for soil health and sustainability in these zones?
• How do social factors and community resilience influence the success of chili farming in these areas?

Extended Essay Application

• Investigate the potential for designing disaster-resilient agricultural technologies or community support systems for regions facing similar environmental challenges.

Source

Feasibility and Risks of Chili Farming in Disaster-Prone Areas of Mount Merapi, Indonesia · Agro Ekonomi · 2023 · 10.22146/ae.82362