Strategi Nafkah Rumah Tangga Petani Padi Sawah di Desa Bontoala Kecamatan Pallangga Kabupaten Gowa

Abstract

This study aims to provide an overview of lowland rice farming and the livelihood strategies employed by farming households to meet their daily needs. A qualitative descriptive research design was used, supplemented by quantitative data. The study involved 45 lowland rice-farming households, selected through purposive sampling. Primary data were collected via interviews and questionnaires, while secondary data were gathered through literature reviews and information from relevant institutions. The data were analyzed using a mixed-methods approach, combining descriptive, quantitative, and qualitative analyses to characterize both the lowland rice farming operations and the livelihood strategies adopted by the households. A 3-point Likert scale was utilized to assess the tendencies in the livelihood strategies employed. The resulting scores were then subjected to descriptive analysis to outline the various strategies used by the lowland rice-farming households in Bontoala Village. This analysis provides insight into how farmers leverage their available resources—from both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors—to satisfy their household economic needs. Data interpretation, the final stage, involves a systematic explanation of the patterns and trends in the households' livelihood strategies, offering a clear picture of the socio-economic conditions of the rice farmers in the study area. The findings indicate that the farming households employ three types of livelihood strategies: agricultural resource diversification, multiple livelihood patterns, and spatial strategies. The most dominant approach is the multiple livelihood pattern, practiced by 38 respondents (84.45%), in which farmers combine income from both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors to meet their household needs. Agricultural resource diversification is employed by 4 respondents (8.88%), while spatial strategies are used by 3 respondents (6.67%). These findings indicate that the majority of farmers no longer rely on a single source of income; instead, they engage in economic diversification to strengthen their households' economic resilience. The research confirms that limited land, production fluctuations, and rising economic needs are the primary factors driving farmers to adopt multiple livelihood strategies. Policy support—specifically in the form of improved access to capital and training—is essential to sustainably strengthen these livelihood strategies.