Agricultural downstreaming is an important strategy for increasing the added value of agricultural products while strengthening food security in rural communities. This study aims to analyze the role of local knowledge and village institutional support in promoting agricultural downstreaming as a strategy to strengthen food security in Buru Regency. The study employed a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach to understand community experiences and practices related to food management, livelihoods, and agricultural downstreaming. The research was conducted among farming and fishing households in seven villages: Parbulu, Seith, Waegeren, Waitele, Hatawano, Wamlana, and Waeperang. A total of 22 informants were purposively selected, and data were collected through in-depth interviews and participant observation. The data were thematically analyzed using MAXQDA 24. The findings indicate that agricultural downstreaming in Buru Regency is supported by three main aspects: local knowledge, community institutions, and technology adoption. Local knowledge contributes to maintaining food-processing practices and intergenerational knowledge transmission, while village institutions and community collaboration play an important role in supporting resource management and economic access. Technology adoption has begun to facilitate the processing of agricultural products into higher-value products, although product innovation and market access still need to be strengthened. Crop diversification also represents an important practice for maintaining ecological sustainability and supporting community livelihoods. The study concludes that strengthening food security through agricultural downstreaming requires synergy among technology, village institutions, local knowledge, and ecological protection. This strategy should focus on developing value-added innovations, expanding market access, and strengthening community capacity to adapt to environmental changes.