In a trip last year to Salassae, South Sulawesi, I had the opportunity to conduct a discussion with a local smallholder farmer community regarding their transition from chemical to natural farming, the mindset shift that comes along with it, and how it contributes to their food security. Initially they operated as individual farmers, and gradually developed a group that aspires to revive the spirit of farming. Based on a wide variety of learning sources, such as Youtube videos, the farmers developed a better understanding of different nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphor, Potassium and Calcium) required for different crop stages (pre-growth, growth, transition, reproduction). Their most significant adjustment is treating their crops as 'fighters' that needs a proper 'meal plan' to tackle different diseases and pests. Farmers then configured how to develop their own microbes for compost and determine different nutrition needs from natural resources. Through this phenomenal transformation, farmers have reduced their expenses by 1/10th for fertilizer and pesticide needs. Currently there is an estimate of 40,000 Ha of farmlands in South Sulawesi that has eliminated the need for chemical products. One of the best practices that the smallholder farmer group still upholds is the importance of knowledge transfer processes, where each farmers has the responsibility to teach another farmer in or outside of their area.

As an avid user of chemical fertilizer and pesticide over the years, the smallholder farmers' community faces a growing challenge of affordability, wide spread of crop diseases and decreasing yield. This has drove many farmers to seek better employment opportunities abroad as low-paid labor. Moreover, with the concealed ingredients of chemical components, they stated that they are uncertain on side effects towards crops, i.e. product A might provide solution to a stem problem but also reduces the nutrients it absorbs. Thus, they decided to reduce their reliance on chemical products through employing natural resources from their surrounding environment and developing a better understanding on each nutrient required for their crops. This innovation also aided in supporting the local economic growth in Salassae village, whereby the crop yield and quality have increased significantly since the transition to natural farming processes.

A mindset shift, in many occasion, has proven to be one of the fundamental principles in instilling large-scale behavior change. Additionally, a collective spirit and high enthusiasm has enabled better platform for learning and room for improvement. Every member of the village, from children to the elderly, are now able to identify natural ingredients needed for different crops at varying stages. The important role of education is highlighted through this particular innovation, to enable knowledge transfer and replication to other communities outside of the area. Moreover, seemingly unconnected impact such as reducing the environmental burden from chemical products and improving soil fertility are several identified potential long-term impact from small gestures of learning and reflection.