The Untapped Potential of Permaculture Research for Social Scientists in Indonesia and Malaysia

By, Sohela Mustari

Permaculture, a holistic approach to sustainable agriculture and ecological design, is increasingly recognised for its potential to address pressing environmental and social challenges. For social scientists, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia, studying permaculture offers a unique opportunity to explore its transformative impacts on communities, economies, and ecosystems. While much of the focus has been on its environmental benefits, there is growing recognition that permaculture’s social dimensions—community empowerment, cultural integration, and economic resilience—warrant in-depth research.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOU) signed between two universities, the International Islamic University Malaysia and Universitas Padjadjaran, paved the way for comparative fieldwork settings for starting a research project on green sustainability. 

A Social Laboratory for Rural Development

Bandung (Indonesia) and Gombak (Malaysia) provide fertile ground for permaculture research with their rich natural resources and diverse populations. Both countries face significant environmental degradation due to deforestation, land conversion for monoculture plantations, and unsustainable agricultural practices. These issues disproportionately affect rural communities, where livelihoods are closely tied to the land.

For social scientists, permaculture presents an opportunity to study alternative development models that emphasise community-based solutions. Permaculture encourages local, small-scale food production, which can reduce dependency on global food markets and promote food security. This, in turn, empowers rural communities to take control of their food systems, fostering a sense of autonomy and resilience. Research in this area could explore how permaculture strengthens social ties, promotes collective action, and supports rural economic development.

Additionally, permaculture’s focus on self-reliance and cooperation resonates with cultural values deeply embedded in Indonesian and Malaysian societies. In Indonesia, for example, the practice of gotong royong—cooperation— aligns well with permaculture’s emphasis on community-driven initiatives. Social scientists can investigate how such cultural principles influence the adoption and success of permaculture projects.

Gender, Youth, and Social Inclusion

Permaculture also has important implications for social inclusion, particularly regarding gender roles and youth engagement. In many rural areas of Indonesia and Malaysia, women play a crucial role in agriculture, yet they often face barriers to land ownership, financial resources, and decision-making. Research on permaculture’s impact on gender dynamics could reveal how sustainable agricultural practices provide women opportunities for leadership, entrepreneurship, and income generation.

Furthermore, permaculture’s low-cost, high-impact model can empower marginalised groups with limited access to agricultural inputs or education. Women-led cooperatives or community gardens based on permaculture principles could become case studies for social scientists interested in gender equality and rural development.

For young people, permaculture offers practical skills in sustainable farming and a platform for environmental stewardship and social entrepreneurship. As rural-to-urban migration becomes a growing issue, research into how permaculture can engage and retain youth in rural areas could provide insights into reversing this trend and revitalising rural economies.

Policy and Governance Implications

Social science research into permaculture can inform more effective and sustainable agricultural policies for policymakers and development practitioners. Governments in Indonesia and Malaysia have shown increasing interest in promoting organic farming and agroecological practices as part of their environmental and economic development strategies. However, the success of such policies depends on local adoption and community involvement.

Social scientists can examine how existing government policies either support or hinder permaculture initiatives and provide recommendations on creating enabling environments for sustainable agriculture. This might include policy analysis on land rights, financial support for small farmers, or market access for organic products.

In Malaysia, where palm oil plantations have caused widespread deforestation, research into the social and environmental benefits of transitioning to permaculture could offer valuable insights for policymakers aiming to balance economic development with ecological sustainability.

A Multidisciplinary Approach

The potential for research on permaculture goes beyond traditional social science disciplines like anthropology, sociology, and development studies. It invites a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating ecology, economics, and political science insights. Social scientists can collaborate with environmental scientists to assess the broader socio-ecological benefits of permaculture, such as improved biodiversity, soil health, and water management. 

Studying permaculture in Indonesia and Malaysia presents many opportunities for social scientists. By exploring how permaculture influences social structures, gender dynamics, youth engagement, and policy development, researchers can contribute to a deeper understanding of sustainable development practices. As the world faces increasing challenges related to climate change, food security, and social inequality, permaculture offers a promising model for creating resilient and inclusive communities. Social scientists have a crucial role to play in unlocking its full potential.***

( The writer, Dr. Sohela Mustari, is an academic in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, AbdulHamid AbuSulayman Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia).