Household Organic Waste Management and its Contribution to Sustainable Agricultural Productivity in Rural Indonesia: Evidence from Biru Village, South Sulawesi

Abstract

The increasing generation of household waste in rural areas presents both environmental challenges and opportunities for promoting sustainable agricultural development. Organic household waste constitutes a significant proportion of municipal waste streams and possesses substantial potential for conversion into compost as an environmentally friendly agricultural input. This study aimed to examine household waste management practices and evaluate the contribution of compost utilization to agricultural productivity in Biru Village, Tanete Riattang District, Bone Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. A quantitative survey approach was employed involving 120 farming households selected through purposive sampling. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to assess community waste management behavior, while simple linear regression analysis was applied to determine the effect of compost utilization on agricultural productivity. The findings indicate that 65% of households practice waste separation between organic and inorganic materials. However, only 30% actively process organic waste into compost. Regression analysis revealed that compost utilization significantly contributes to agricultural productivity (β = 0.12; p = 0.001), explaining approximately 42% of productivity variation (R² = 0.42). Households applying compost achieved higher crop yields compared with those relying primarily on chemical fertilizers. The results demonstrate that community-based waste management can function as an effective strategy for enhancing agricultural sustainability while simultaneously reducing environmental burdens. The study highlights the importance of integrating household waste management into local agricultural development policies through community empowerment, composting infrastructure, and environmental education programs. Such interventions may support the transition toward a circular economy and sustainable rural livelihoods.