Farmers’ perception of critical land in Jatiyoso and Gempolan Villages, Karanganyar

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Abstract Land degradation is influenced by natural and anthropogenic factors, due to human behavioral activities. Studies on land degradation often focus on biophysical aspects and processes. Farmers’ perceptions and knowledge about land degradation are often ignored by researchers. The conservation behavior of farmers towards critical land needs to be studied. The purpose of this study is to analyze the level of farmers’ perceptions of critical land, as well as its influence on conservation actions in Jatiyoso and Gempolan villages, Karanganyar. This research is a quantitative descriptive study using the primary data obtained from the results of a survey of 61 farmer respondents in Jatiyoso and Gempolan Villages, Karanganyar, which was then analyzed by a simple regression analysis. The results of observations on the level of achievement of the respondents regarding the farmers’ perceptions that the land they work on is critically vulnerable is 59%, and the level of achievement of the respondents regarding Conservation Action is 55%. The relationship between farmers’ perceptions of conservation actions can be explained that farmers’ perceptions have a real influence on conservation actions of 63.8%. Further research involving the variables of Learning Experience, Knowledge, and Sense of Responsibility, needs to be carried out to get a comprehensive of Farmer Conservation Behavior on critical land. The strategy to increase the role of farmers in land conservation is to build farmers’ perceptions of critical land so that they are more aware of the threats to critical land, through agricultural extension.