From Food Producer to Landscape Preserver: A Swiss Perspective on the Future of the Balinese Subak

Abstract

The future of Bali�s agriculture is at a cross-roads. Tourism and urbanisation are slowly but steadily dismembering one of the cornerstones of Balinese culture, the subak and its distinct ways of sharing water, cultivating rice and beautifying the landscape. A combined eff ort is required of farmers, the government and society to rethink and reappraise the value of agriculture for the Balinese people and the economy. Such a change of perception needs to consider the question of adequate compensation for the work farmers do in the fi elds, grooming 1000 year old rice terraces, and planting, irrigating, and celebrating rice. To place Bali in a global context, I examine Switzerland�s protective agricultural policies, rural development planning and community-led initiatives which may off er some unconventional but pragmatic solutions to turn the tables for Bali�s rice sector protecting the subak institution. At last, I envisage a future for the subak and its members, an active and proud farming community, not only famous rice producers and fair water sharers but also recognised and appraised for their services to society as cultural landscape preservers. Show more