Land conversion from coffee to citrus and changes of farmers livelihood strategies (case in Pal 7 village, Bermani Ulu Raya subdistrict, Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu)

Abstract

The development of agricultural commodity in rural areas has changes farmers’ livelihood strategies. This study aims to analyse the process of coffee to citrus conversion in Pal 7 village and changes in the farmers’ livelihood strategies that accompany it. The study was conducted in April to June 2019 through a survey of 116 citrus farmers. The data collected is emphasised on the process of developing citrus areas, conversion from coffee to citrus, and farmers’ livelihood strategies. Interviews were also conducted with key informants to confirm and deepen the results of the survey. Data were analysed descriptively. The results showed that the development of the citrus area in Pal 7 occurred since 2014 which was driven by the existence of pioneering farmers as movers, the motivation of farmers to plant citrus, credit facilities from the bank, and seed assistance from the government. Farmers’ high motivation caused them to convert coffee into citrus plantations through three patterns, namely insert, gradually, and direct cutting caused by economic considerations. The development of citrus areas causes changes in farmers’ livelihood strategies. As many as 35.34% of farmers changed their main source of income, mainly from coffee farming and artisan/worker to citrus farming.