Kg Batu 3, Rompin Pahang | 26 February 2026
One for the picture with our farmers present during the latest Jaringan Akar episode in Batu 3
The 1st Jaringan Akar #1 in Kampung Guntom Minum Chempedak back in 2022
Jaringan Akar has always carried a meaning that extends beyond the gathering itself. Literally translated as a “network of roots,” it refers to the unseen systems beneath the ground, interconnected, and supportive for growth. It is an idea that closely mirrors the way our community of farmers has been developing over time.
The 16th Jaringan Akar, held recently, brought together farmers and committee members not only to reconnect, but to reflect on where the work stands today, and where it needs to go next.
Taking stock of the past quarter
The session opened with a review of the past few months. There was progress to acknowledge.
Several farms recorded strong harvest cycles, including the continued growth of markisa plots. Weekly supply to FAMA has also become more consistent, with deliveries now taking place every Wednesday. These are not small milestones. They represent discipline, and a growing level of reliability across different plots.
Recognition was also given to the Top 10 farmers. While such moments are often celebratory, they serve a deeper purpose, making visible the effort, and standards that are possible within the network.
What needs to improve?
Alongside these achievements came a more necessary conversation.
Our farmers and team discussed several areas that require greater attention moving forward. Among them was the question of motivation, how to sustain momentum beyond initial enthusiasm, and how to support farmers through the less visible, more demanding phases of the work.
We need to revive the farmers’ spirit by having experienced farmers mentor those who are newer, while continuing to monitor progress after training. It is equally important to identify each committee member’s strengths, especially in agricultural knowledge, so they can support other farmers on the ground through focused, 1 day engagements
Mamak Ali (Kg. Batu 3) – Jaringan Akar Secretary
Market direction was another point of focus. Rather than approaching buyers broadly, there is a growing need to be more intentional in identifying and targeting the right markets, those that can match both the scale and quality of what farmers are producing.
There was also a shared recognition that consistency remains a challenge. Variations in output, quality, and follow-through continue to affect the overall strength of the programme.
Looking ahead to 2026, one priority emerged clearly:
to strengthen what happens within each plot.
Because ultimately, the success of the network depends on the integrity of the individual farms that sustain it.
Visualising what comes next
The session then shifted into a more reflective exercise. Farmers were invited to step back and consider their own plots not as they are today, but as they hope them to become.
I started syntropic farming back in June 2022. Before that, I was using chemical fertilisers and pesticides, but the results were not good, especially when water was limited.
About 3 months after adopting syntropic farming, I began to see clear changes. The plants became greener, and the soil started to feel more fertile again
Mamak walter (Kg. Belangkap) – Jaringan Akar Chairman
Through simple drawings and written commitments, they outlined what they value, what they want to grow, and how they intend to shape their land. The exercise was lively, but focused. It required each farmer to articulate a direction, not just for their crops, but for their role within the larger network.
In many ways, it returned to a familiar idea:
the farm reflects the farmer.
A new space in the making, our latest Community Kitchen in Batu 3
The gathering also marked a moment of anticipation for the upcoming Community Kitchen in Batu 3.
Although still in progress, the kitchen represents more than a physical structure. It signals a shift toward strengthening post-harvest capacity in which we envision processing, handling, and creating value beyond the farm to be nurtured here.
Its development reflects a broader direction of the programme, moving from production alone toward a more complete system that supports farmers across the value chain.
Roots that extend beyond place
Amidst the discussions and activities, there was also a moment to acknowledge a transition.
Mia, who has been part of the journey for 5 years, will be moving on to a new chapter. While her role may shift geographically, her legacy to this work remains.
In the same way that roots extend beneath the ground often unseen but still connected, the relationships built through this work do not end with distance.
What remains
Jaringan Akar #16 did not present itself as just a milestone or a conclusion for what was done. Instead, it functioned as a pause, an opportunity to recalibrate, and realign.
The progress is visible in parts. The challenges are equally present.
But what continues to hold the work together is less visible:
a network of relationships, and commitments that run beneath the surface.
Like roots, it is not always seen.
But it is what sustains everything above it.
Note:
The progress of our syntropic farming programme has been made possible through the support of committed partners and funders. This work is part of a longer-term effort to build regenerative farming systems that integrate land restoration, farmer capacity, and market access for Orang Asli communities. We welcome conversations with funders interested in contributing to this ongoing development.
For partnership or funding enquiries, please contact us at info@globalpeace.org.my.
Building resilient communities, one village at a time.
