Analysis of Maize Reserves as a Local Food Resource at the Community and Village Government Levels in Duruka District, Muna Regency

Abstrak

Abstract Food security at the local level is largely determined by the ability of communities and village governments to manage food reserves based on local commodities. Maize is one of the local food commodities that has historically been part of the food system of communities in Duruka District, Muna Regency. This study aimed to analyze the condition of maize reserves as a complementary food, their management by village governments, and their role in supporting food security. The study was conducted from April to May 2026 using a descriptive quantitative and qualitative approach. Primary data were collected through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and observations involving 179 maize farmers selected using a total sampling technique, as well as interviews with village/urban village government officials. The results showed that all respondents (100%) stored maize reserves, with 37.99% having reserves of 60–150 kg and 63.13% obtaining them from their own harvests. A total of 77.09% of respondents allocated their harvest for both consumption and sale, while 41.34% had reserves sufficient to meet their needs for more than five months. Although 51.40% experienced a shift in consumption from maize to rice, maize remained a complementary food and household reserve. Village governments had no specific programs, policies, or storage facilities for maize reserves. This condition indicates that maize reserves still depend on household initiatives. Strengthening policies, institutions, and storage facilities is needed to support sustainable food security and strengthen community food self-reliance at the village level.

Kata kunci

• Food security
• food reserves
• local food
• maize
• village government