Synergy of governance and sustainable food security on North Sumatra - SIGAP
The SIGAP project aims to strengthen sustainable food production, food and nutrition security, and agricultural governance in North Sumatra, Indonesia. Implemented under the RVO Combi Track Horticulture programme, the project supports government institutions and other stakeholders in improving the management and development of the region's food estate initiative.
The project focuses on strengthening the capacity of government staff, improving policy development and promoting cooperation between public institutions, private sector actors, farmers, civil society and educational institutions. By addressing governance challenges and strengthening coordination between stakeholders, SIGAP aims to contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural sector in North Sumatra.
Project activities
The project combines needs assessments, capacity building, stakeholder engagement and action planning.
Needs assessment and situational analysis
The project starts with an assessment of the existing food estate initiative in North Sumatra, including its progress towards food and nutrition security, the institutional environment and the challenges and opportunities for further development. Through desk research, interviews and field visits, the assessment identifies capacity gaps and training needs among government staff and agricultural value chain actors.
Capacity building and training
Based on the assessment findings, the project provides training and coaching to government staff involved in the development and management of the food estate initiative. Training topics include:
- Governance, leadership and change management
- Policy development for sustainable food systems
- Stakeholder management and public-private cooperation
- Spatial planning, land suitability, and monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL)
- Gender equality and social inclusion
- Smart and innovative agricultural value chains
Multi-stakeholder cooperation
To strengthen communication and cooperation across the agricultural sector, the project establishes a multi-stakeholder platform connecting government agencies, private sector organisations, farmer groups, civil society and educational and research institutions. The platform supports dialogue, knowledge exchange and coordinated action towards more sustainable food systems.
Action planning for long-term impact
An important project outcome is the development of a practical action plan to guide government institutions in strengthening food estate governance beyond the project duration. Building on the needs assessment and capacity building activities, the plan addresses intergovernmental coordination, policy implementation, regulatory processes and future activities.
Role of MSM
MSM's Expert Centre on Emerging Economies (ECEE) contributes its expertise in institutional capacity building, governance, leadership development and multi-stakeholder cooperation. Together with the project partners, MSM supports the needs assessments, training and coaching activities, stakeholder engagement and the development of an action plan to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the initiative.
Expected results
The project aims to contribute to stronger institutional capacities, improved coordination between agricultural stakeholders and more effective governance of the food estate initiative in North Sumatra. Through practical training, cooperation and action planning, SIGAP seeks to support sustainable and inclusive agricultural development and improved food and nutrition security in the region.
The project is funded by RVO. MSM is the project lead and works in close collaboration with Aeres, IPB and IT DEL.
