Social Capital Pathways to Resilient Food Systems: Insights from Organic Rice Farming under Environmental Change

This article examines how trust, social norms, and social networks distinctly influence the four pillars of food security in the organic rice farming community of Lombok Kulon, East Java. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Importance-Performance Map Analysis (IPMA), the research investigates how these social components influence the four pillars of food security: availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability. The study emphasizes organic rice farming as a form of climate-smart agriculture that enhances soil fertility, reduces chemical dependency, and strengthens resilience to climate variability. It further situates the findings within the global challenges of sustainable agriculture, highlighting relevance to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Data collected from 100 farmers reveal that social norms have the broadest impact, particularly on accessibility, utilization, and stability. Trust significantly influences food utilization, while networks contribute to availability and system stability. IPMA highlights that norms are high-impact but moderately performing, suggesting a priority area for policy intervention. The findings underscore the importance of disaggregating social capital in food security planning and offer actionable insights for rural development strategies that prioritize relational infrastructure. The study advances empirical and methodological contributions to the evaluation of socially embedded food systems.