Penglibatan komuniti dalam pembangunan komuniti karbon rendah Felda Taib Andak Johor

Abstract

The development of FELDA Taib Andak Low Carbon Community (FTAKKR), implemented by community involvement, is considered new in Malaysia. The success of the community engagement approach in achieving KKR initiatives depends on the capabilities and continuing commitment of community members as well as effective co-operation among various stakeholders. The study aims to explore and investigate the level of FELDA Taib Andak community involvement and factors leading to their involvement in developing KKR and in contributing to KKR achievements. The study was conducted using a mixed-method approach. The collection of the qualitative data involves two methods, namely participatory observation and in-depth interviews with informants. During the participatory observation, the researcher was directly involved in the process of planning and implementation of KKR initiatives with the community. The processes involved in planning, implementation and gathering important information during the participatory observation were recorded. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 informants, of which14 were actively involved in KKR while 9 were not. The quantitative data was collected through a household survey on 172 households before KKR initiatives were initiated in 2012 and followed by another survey on 155 households after the implementation of KKR initiatives in 2019, to identify the level of practice of low carbon living and the effects of KKR initiatives. Questionnaire data was processed using SPSS software for a descriptive statistical analysis. The results indicate that there are positive changes in the low carbon lifestyle practices among the FELDA Taib Andak community especially in 3R practices and in energy consumption. Community participation is the key element in ensuring the success of the implementation of a KKR project. The overall participation level of the Felda Taib Andak community was largely dependent on the party providing the guidance and the extent of time the community was given the guidance. The study found that projects receiving continuous guidance from expert groups or government agencies gained more attention and community involvement. However, when the guidance was no longer provided, the project could not run smoothly, and stopped. The implication is the implementation of projects involving community participation requires an ongoing commitment not only among members of the community, but also from expert groups and coaching agencies.