Food Security for Communities Around the Forest in Alleviating Poverty

This study aims to describe the condition of food security and economic activities of forest communities in reducing poverty by utilizing the availability of food resources. The subjects of this research was people who live in rural areas located around forest in Tiron Village, Kediri Regency, East Java Province, Indonesia. The research method was a descriptive method. Based on data collection using interview techniques and questionnaires, a sample of 10 people was obtained. These people have a livelihood as a farmer around forest and Mount Wilis in Kediri. The results of the study concluded that people used agricultural and forestry natural resources to grow rice, corn, cassava, sugar cane, ginger, soybeans, bananas, and mango trees. This type of plant becomes a food for the community and at the same time as an economic source for the village community. Existing economic activities include: growing crops, raising animals, mango sellers, farming, transporting agricultural products, transporting agricultural products, vegetable traders, food stalls, and small grocery stalls. Food security in rural communities was characterized by the economic activities in the agricultural sector based on the local wisdom of the community. At certain times there were events in the village that contained ritual, religious, ancestral, and cultural values. Local governments could provide adequate market access to support the continuity of economic activities in the countryside. Road improvements and street lighting are needed by the community to develop economic activities by utilizing the available natural resources.