ABSTRACT
The success of regional development could be seen through the level of economic growth among its sectors. In case of Blitar City, although it has limited natural resources, but environmental issues and food securities were the main priorities. Agriculture, as one of the sectors with rapid growth in Blitar City, showed a positive trend which was strengthened by an increase in vegetable consumption, so that food should become the main issue in development priorities. This study aimed to map all economic sectors and formulate appropriate strategies for the agricultural sector as the main driver of food security in Blitar City. This study conducted quantitative descriptive method using secondary data in the form of GRDP in Blitar City and East Java during 2015- 2021. The data analysis method combined the Location Quotient analysis, Shift Share, Klassen typology, and SWOT analysis. The results of the study indicated that although the agricultural sector was not classified as the leading sector in Blitar City, but in the economic structure it was classified as a sector that has potential and is growing rapidly. This was the first sectoral competitiveness study before and during Covid 19 pandemic in Blitar City. Considering the urgency of maintaining food security, stakeholders should enhance the urban farming system, by utilizing digital technology in the business cycle so that the value of Blitar City's competitiveness would be higher in the agricultural sector. © 2023 EDP Sciences. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
As a primary agricultural commodity, cocoa is the essential commodity and source of income for farmers, workers, and companies in terms of its supply chain. In Indonesia, cocoa is a commodity number three after coconut palm oil and rubber. Therefore, it plays a crucial role in creating job opportunities, which focusing on agribusiness and domestic agroindustry, environmental conservation, and regional development. In conjunction with the significant contribution of cocoa as an agricultural commodity, this study seeks to investigate the cocoa commodity competitiveness dynamics in Indonesia and Ivory Coast before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. This study calculates the data of export using a four-digit Harmonized System (HS) on the basis of the United Nations' Standard International Trade Classification (SITC) from 2016 to 2020. In determining the country's competitiveness, this study applies the Balassa Revealed Comparative Advantage (BRCA). This study indicates that the competitive dynamics of cocoa commodities occurred in Indonesia and Ivory Coast before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. Thus, the chocolate industry network should promote good governance for improving sustainable agricultural resources, including fair and inclusive labour policy and green supply chains incentives. Also, creating a better policy climate for effective agricultural management and developing a downstream chocolate industry should be crucial for both countries. © IEOM Society International.