Indonesian Zakat Initiative (IZI) farmer empowerment program in increasing food security (study in Gempol Sari Village, East Sepatan District, Tangerang Regency of Banten Province)

Food Security is a significant and strategic matter. Law Number 18 of 2012 on food mandates that the government, together with the community, achieve food security for the entire Indonesian people. IZI, as a zakat management institution, is called to participate in achieving food security through a farmer empowerment program based on ZIS funds called Smartfarm Academy IZI, especially in Gempol Sari Village, East Sepatan District, Tangerang Regency of Banten Province. This study used a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach conducted through observations, interviews, and documentation. The results of this research are about the empowerment of farmers based on ZIS funds called IZI Smartfarm Academy Program in Gempol Sari Village, East Sepatan District, Tangerang Regency of Banten Province. The main supporting factors for the success of this farmer empowerment program are the presence of support from the local government, police, and TNI, as well as the intensive support of farmers from the Tangerang Regency Agriculture Department, in particular the involvement of agricultural extension worker in the farmer empowerments program conducted by IZI. This food security program has proven successful, by increasing farmers’ income compared to before the implementation of the program. In addition, there has been an increase in farmers’ knowledge and skills in farming, also the establishment of farmer community institutions assisted by IZI. The obstacles that occurred stem from the poor quality of human resources and the limited agricultural tools and marketing capabilities of agricultural products that need to be enhanced to continue supporting farmers’ empowerment programs to improve food security.