The Role of Social Capital of Women Farmers in Organic Waste Management Green Economy-Based Urban Farming

Urban organic waste management requires collective participation and effective social relationships to support environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. This study examines the role of social capital in sustaining green economy-based organic waste management at the Rezeki Bersama Women Farmers Group (KWT) in Beringin Raya Sub-district, Bengkulu City, Indonesia. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, drawing on in-depth interviews, non-participant observation, and documentation. Informants were purposively selected from group officers, active composting members, and surrounding residents. Data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman's interactive model, encompassing data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing, with source triangulation applied to strengthen credibility. The findings reveal that bonding social capital constitutes the strongest foundation for collective organic waste management, as interpersonal trust, solidarity, and shared responsibilities sustain composting activities despite limited resources and uneven participation. Bridging social capital facilitates relationships with surrounding residents through compost distribution and agricultural product exchange, although broader marketing networks remain underdeveloped. Linking social capital provides access to institutional recognition and agricultural assistance from the Bengkulu City Agriculture Office, but limited specialized training constrains technical capacity development. The findings further indicate that internal cooperation enables organizational continuity, while insufficient technical guidance and restricted external networks limit opportunities for further development. This study contributes to understanding the complementary roles of bonding, bridging, and linking social capital in community-based green economy initiatives. Strengthening institutional assistance and external partnerships alongside existing collective solidarity is essential for advancing the long-term sustainability of organic waste management and urban farming.