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Marlin Ndun Helps Rote Agriculture Thrive with a Unique Sustainable Garden System
In designing an award-winning agricultural system for farmers in Rote, Marlin Loriana Ndun combined her knowledge of sustainability from Australia with inspiration from local tradition.
The unique forage garden system is known as Umahenuklain. Drawing inspiration from Rote’s traditional houses, the integrated approach offers three layers of benefits for both nature and the community.
The first layer features a living fence adorned with native trees that serve as forage and provide shelter for livestock. The second layer introduces leguminous trees, such as lamtoro, which can be harvested and play a crucial role in enriching the soil. Finally, the third layer is a variety of seasonal crops like corn, nuts, and more, all designed to support local farmers.
"The concept of the Umahenuklain forage garden revolves around agricultural diversification. It's a concept rooted in the knowledge I gained while studying in Australia," said Marlin, an Australia Awards alumna who has dedicated her 18-year career to enhancing agriculture in Rote.
"While I was at the University of New England, I couldn't help but notice how seriously Australia's agricultural and livestock sector prioritised sustainability. In my final semester, I delved deep into the concept of sustainability in Australian agricultural development strategies. I then applied this knowledge to create Umahenuklain, a concept that promises benefits for all living organisms."
This mix of crop and livestock systems has yielded tangible results, with 25 groups of local farmers attesting to its effectiveness.
"My most significant challenge in this project was conveying the advantages of the three-layer system to the local farmers,” Marlin shared. “They were fixated on simply planting crops. So, I went the extra mile to introduce them to the concept of sustainability, making them see that this diverse array of plants benefits all living beings, including their livestock."
In 2021, Umahenuklain won third place in the regional innovation competition at the Ndao regency level, an achievement celebrated by the local government, the local community and Marlin herself.
Recent budget limitations from the government have paused its activities. However, Marlin is determined to channel her confidence in Umahenuklain in new directions.
“The flexibility of Umahenuklain's concept allows it to thrive in various projects. I firmly believe I can continue this initiative, even without additional budgetary support,” she said.
Growing the Next Generation of Scholars
Despite her demanding role as the Head of Livestock Infrastructure (Land and Water), Finance, Investment, Forage, and Feed Division at the Rote Ndao Livestock Office, Marlin still finds time to give back to her community.
She is an active member of English Assistance Rote (EAR), a community initiative launched by Sherwin Ufi, Adi Patola, and Rahma Taqwa, her fellow English Language Training Assistance (ELTA) alumni in Rote.
EAR works to enhance the academic English skills of undergraduate students and inspire them to apply for scholarships to pursue masters degrees, Marlin explained.
"We make the most of all the resources at our disposal to mentor college graduates. We are committed to motivating and guiding them through the scholarship application process."
Marlin and other Australia Awards alumni—Jeremi Haning and Maria Dolorosa—who all work in the government sector, designed a project entitled "REACTION" (Rote English Assistance Creating Brighter Generation).
To date, REACTION has assisted 40 participants. Remarkably, six of them have secured the LPDP Scholarship, with two destined for Australia and four pursuing studies within Indonesia.
Currently, REACTION is in its second batch, boasting 22 participants. Marlin acknowledges the challenges of juggling multiple activities but quickly highlights that it's a collective effort. She's grateful for the shared commitment among the team members.
"It's a team effort, and I'm thrilled that we all share the same passion for empowering Rotenese students to study abroad," she shared.
The Transformative Impact of Studying in Australia
Studying in Australia not only propelled Marlin's career in Indonesia but also profoundly impacted her daily life. Marlin noticed positive changes in herself, particularly in her ability to tackle complex issues.
Her skill development unfolded during her university studies, where she engaged in discussions with professors and peers about challenging topics. Through these interactions, she recognised the influence of the Australian education system and thinking style. This experience made her a more critical thinker, enabling her to excel in advanced problem-solving. She became adept at critically analysing, evaluating, and applying scientific principles in agricultural management.
Marlin shared, "I believe that all the courses I took during my studies played a pivotal role in enhancing my skills. They not only sharpened my communication and leadership abilities but also boosted my self-confidence. I am confident that these acquired skills will be invaluable in the future, especially as I consider pursuing higher academic degrees."
A Vision for More Resilient Agriculture
Looking ahead, Marlin remains dedicated to championing the concept of sustainability, aiming for long-term positive impacts on Rote's livestock and agricultural development programs. Her strategy will primarily target government-level initiatives to enhance community resilience.
In the more distant future, Marlin aspires to continue her studies. She acknowledges the challenges of balancing her academic pursuits with her responsibilities as a parent.
"I'm mindful of not overextending myself at this moment, especially with the demands of caring for my three kids,” she said. “Nonetheless, I'm hopeful that all will proceed as planned despite this challenging schedule."
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