Building Food Self-Sufficiency Through the Empowerment of Women Farmers Groups in Lampung Province

This article examines the role of Women Farmer Groups (KWT) through the ASKOWANI association in Lampung as a grassroots mechanism to enhance productivity and empower rural women in Central Lampung Regency and Metro City. Adopting a descriptive qualitative approach, the research was conducted across four villages in Central Lampung and two villages in Metro City, utilizing in-depth interviews, participant observation, and documentary analysis. These locations were purposively selected due to the high level of KWT activity and their diverse initiatives in driving sustainable community development. The research findings demonstrate that KWTs play a pivotal role in augmenting household income, strengthening agricultural and entrepreneurial proficiencies, and fostering community leadership and participation. Women involved in KWT activities reported increased financial autonomy, greater confidence in decision-making processes, and enhanced access to local networks. Furthermore, KWT empowerment contributes to the stability of economic and food supply chains, thereby ensuring local economic resilience and societal well-being. Nevertheless, the study identifies persistent structural challenges, including restricted access to capital, inconsistent training support, market dependency, and intergenerational gaps. To maximize the impact of KWT activities, this research recommends integrated interventions that promote institutional support, financial inclusion, digital literacy, and youth engagement. Ultimately, this study contributes to the evolving discourse on gender, collective action, and rural development in Indonesia.