Building Climate-Resilient Villages trough the Optimization of the Village Fund: The Importance of Institutional and Community Resilience

Abstract

Climate change and the frequency of disasters pose serious threats to rural development. This study aims to formulate an integrative strategy for building Climate-Resilient Villages through the utilization of Village Funds by strengthening institutional and community resilience. This research employs a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative approach analyses 2024 Village Potential data and 2025 Village Climate Risk Index data, while the qualitative approach employs a case study in Garut Regency through observation and in-depth interviews regarding the implementation of partnership programs and the role of local economic institutions. Quantitative analysis indicates a significant gap; high climate threats have not been matched by adequate village institutional capacity and citizen preparedness. Conversely, the qualitative case study proves that community resilience can be achieved through the integration of technical adaptation, circular ecosystems, and economic certainty from partnership schemes. Based on these findings, this study offers an integrative Village Fund-utilizing strategy model, consisting of participatory risk mapping, climate-based planning, adaptive budgeting, social capital strengthening, and local village economic institutional revitalization. This model combines institutional fiscal capability and community autonomy to achieve a resilient and sustainable village.