The Influence of Social Network Structure on the Farmer Group Participation in Indonesia

Alia Bihrajihant Raya

doi:10.5539/ass.v12n3p119

Abstract

<p>The development of farmer groups in Indonesia is being stagnant because of the function of farmer group could not afford the needs of farmer group members. Participation of members is crucial to be assessed in order to promote the development of farmer group. To increase the participation of members, the social network structure between members and leaders should be taken into consideration. In this paper, the function of local institution leaders together with the function of farmer group leaders are measured in the social network structure. Through the graph of social network, it found that members will access information easily through the routine meeting in the local institution (neighborhood association) while the farmer group leaders are functioning as a legitimate of farmer group agenda. This paper suggests that the relationship between member and leader on the social network structure influences the member participation in the farmer group.</p>

Highlights

Farmers’ participation is one of the important factors on group sustainability in Indonesia
Through the graph of social network, it found that members will access information through the routine meeting in the local institution while the farmer group leaders are functioning as a legitimate of farmer group agenda
This paper suggests that the relationship between member and leader on the social network structure influences the member participation in the farmer group

Summary

Introduction

Farmers’ participation is one of the important factors on group sustainability in Indonesia. Such farmer groups are founded based on farmers who share similar needs, socioeconomics, and solidarity in order to improve the farmer member’s activities. One of key that boost those farmers involve in a farmer group is the function of rural leader who share the experience on farming activities. According to Salifu et al (2010) rural leaders are more likely to have a significant influence in encouraging participation in farmer group. Raya (2014) found that communication between members and farmer group leaders could affect the commitment and satisfaction in which give a significant effect on the group performance and collective action. The pattern of communication and information exchange among farmers promotes collective behavior of farmers

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Conclusion