Development and Evaluation of the ALICA Education Model for Community-based Application of Green Infrastructure in Riverbank Protection
Asnita Virlayani *
Department of Water Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah Makassar, Indonesia.
Nurlita Pertiwi
Department of Building Engineering Education, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia.
Mithen Lullulangi
Department of Building Engineering Education, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Riverbank degradation caused by land-use change, conversion of riparian vegetation, and uncontrolled utilization without conservation practices accelerates erosion, sedimentation, and increases flood risk. The loss of protective vegetation weakens river morphological stability and reduces ecological functions. Green infrastructure, as a nature-based solution, provides a sustainable approach through vegetation-based and bioengineering techniques to stabilize riverbanks and enhance ecosystem services. However, the effectiveness of green infrastructure implementation strongly depends on community knowledge, attitudes, and active participation. Therefore, an appropriate educational model is needed to strengthen community capacity in sustainable riverbank management.
Aims: To develop and evaluate the effectiveness of the ALICA (Attention, Learning, Instruction, Coordination, and Action) education model in enhancing community knowledge and attitudes toward riverbank protection through green infrastructure.
Study Design: This study employed a quasi-experimental design using a one-group pretest–posttest approach within a Research and Development (R&D) framework based on the ADDIE model.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Kale Bentang Village, involving community members living along the riverbanks. The research was carried out during the 2025 academic year.
Methodology: The sample consisted of 60 community members living along the riverbank. Data were collected using pretest and posttest instruments that measured knowledge and attitudes regarding river ecology, erosion and landslide mitigation, protective vegetation, and elephant grass (Pennicentum purpureum cv. Mott) cultivation as part of green infrastructure practices. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and explicit paired sample t-tests at a significance level of α = 0.05.
Results: The findings revealed marked improvements in knowledge scores (from 0.35 to 0.82) and attitude scores (from 34.74 to 84.14) after the intervention (p < 0.05). The paired-sample t-test confirmed meaningful differences between pretest and posttest results across all indicators, indicating a positive impact of the ALICA model.
Conclusion: The implementation of the ALICA model has had a significant impact on community-based riverbank management programs. Specifically, planned measures including awareness-raising, technical instruction, and field implementation can directly improve community readiness to implement plant-based stabilization methods, such as the cultivation of elephant grass (Pennicentum purpureum cv. Mott) to reduce erosion risk. This model can be integrated into environmental training programs as a standard guide to strengthen the implementation of green infrastructure and support long-term riverbank conservation efforts.
Keywords: Education, green infrastructure, module, elephant grass cultivation, Pennicentum purpureum cv. Mott