The Integrated Farming (IF) program is an initiative that is transforming the lives of marginalized communities in Riau, Indonesia. This farming program aims to implement a sustainable farming method focused on breeding ikan gabus (snakehead fish). The snakehead fish was chosen for its marketability. There is a significant public demand due to the health benefits, market price, and the fact that you can even breed it with limited space.  Communities can utilize their land for planting a variety of vegetables, including chilies, tomatoes, and other produce. The water from the fishponds is useful as fertilizer and as water for the plants.

The Integrated Farming Project does not only improve the communities’ economy; but it is also a platform for empowerment.  The communities that have partnered with Yayasan Pendar Pagi are trained and coached to set up the same farming concept to develop their surrounding land in marginalized communities. The goal is not just to assist several families but also to help communities grow their own sustainable farms.

This program is an effective way to help the communities reach their full potential. Through this program, farmers are encouraged to recognize their own potential and enable them to make the most of their available resources. They are encouraged to gather regularly to share and learn from each other as they engage in running their farming program. They are also encouraged to actively participate in finding solutions when facing problems in the implementation process. This empowerment program is all about helping the community become independent and become agents of change for the marginalized communities in Riau.