Socio-Cultural Transformation of Seaweed Farmers in Ghone Balano Village, Muna Regency

Abstract

This study aims to determine the socio-cultural aspects of seaweed farmers in Ghone Balano Village, Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi. Seaweed farmers on the coast of Ghone Balano Village, Muna Regency, especially people who work as fishermen, are changing from traditional to more modern lifestyles with a focus on sea utilization or seaweed cultivation. This change can be seen in the production process of seaweed cultivation which is more characterized by household business activities dealing with marketing processes that have capitalistic value. However, this change was hampered by funding from government and private financial institutions. Although technology has begun to be applied in seaweed cultivation, it has not been optimal in increasing production because it is very dependent on the contributions of family members. As a result, slow capital formation and suboptimal use of technology hamper the progress of seaweed cultivation among these farmers.