THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE ROLE OF FARMER GROUPS AND THE WELFARE OF THEIR MEMBERS IN BANYU ABANG VILLAGE, TELUK BATANG DISTRICT, KAYONG UTARA REGENCY

Farmer empowerment is expected to have an impact on increasing the role of wet-rice farmer groups, thereby encouraging the welfare of farmers and their families. The objective of this study is to ascertain the extent of farmer empowerment and the role of paddy rice farmer groups in Baruga Subdistrict, as well as to examine the relationship between the two. The study population consisted of all wet-rice farmers (N = 197) who were members of 13 wet-rice farmer groups. The sample size was calculated using the Slovin formula with an error rate of 15%, resulting in a sample size of 30 respondents for the study. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and document analysis with the assistance of questionnaires, which were administered via the media. The variables under investigation in this study are farmer empowerment and the role of farmer groups. The data were analyzed descriptively and quantitatively using the interval formula and the Spearman rank correlation formula. The results demonstrated that the empowerment of wet-rice farmers in Baruga Subdistrict has been effectively implemented. This is evidenced by the elevated levels of awareness and aspiration, the enhanced capacity to overcome challenges, and the elevated levels of ability to collaborate in farmer empowerment activities. The role of farmer groups in paddy rice farming has been fulfilled effectively, as evidenced by the fulfillment of each role of farmer groups, namely the role as a vehicle for learning, a vehicle for cooperation, and a production unit. The relationship between farmer empowerment and the role of paddy rice farmer groups is statistically significant, with a correlation coefficient value of 0.007. This indicates that as farmer empowerment improves, the role of paddy rice farmer groups in Baruga Village also improves.

The purpose of the research was to determine the relationship between the role of farmer groups and the income of chrysanthemum farmers in Pasirlangu Village, Cisarua District, West Bandung Regency. Verification survey research method, sampling was done by simple random sampling method, 20 samples from a population of 36 group members. The relationship between the role of farmer groups and income were analyzed by the Spearman rank test. The results showed that the role of the chrysanthemum farmer group in carrying out its functions as a learning class was included in the medium category, the function as a vehicle for collaboration was included in the medium category, and the function as a production unit was included in the high category, cumulatively included in the high category. Chrysanthemum farming income for farmers who were members of farmer groups in 2023 when used production costs is included in the high category, when farming activities were included in the high category, and when increasing production, it is included in the high category. Cumulatively, it is included in the high category, meaning that the income of chrysanthemum farmers had increased. The relationship between the role of farmer groups and increasing income, in carrying out its function as a learning class and as a vehicle for cooperation, had an insignificant relationship. The role of the group as a production unit had a real (significant) relationship to the income of chrysanthemum farmers in Pasir Langu Village, Cisarua District, West Bandung Regency.

Optimizing the area of oil palm plantations can be approached through the Cow and Palm Oil Integration System (SISKA), to increase efficiency and productivity through the integration of the plantation sub-sector with the livestock sub-sector. This study aimed to analyze the role of farmer groups and the institutional aspects of these groups in supporting the SISKA program in Pelalawan District. The approach used in this study was the institutional theory of Syahyuti. The role of farmer groups (as learning classes, production units and vehicles for collaboration) and institutional aspects of farmer groups (aspects of values, norms and behavior) were analyzed using Likert scale. The relationship between the roles and institutional aspects of the farmer groups was analyzed by Spearman Correlation test. The overall role of the farmer group is in the good category with a score of 3.49, most of the members (69.60%) answered in the fairly good and good category. The overall institutional aspects based on values, norms and behavior in the SISKA farmer group are in the good category with a score of 4.05. Correlation on sub-variable values, norms and behavior towards the role of farmers as units of production is a strong direct correlation. This shows that values, norms and behavior in groups affect, encourage and enhance the role of groups as learning classes that support the level of knowledge of farmers and the role of farmer groups as production unit.

Optimizing the area of oil palm plantations can be approached through the Cow and Palm Oil Integration System (SISKA), to increase efficiency and productivity through the integration of the plantation sub-sector with the livestock sub-sector. This study aimed to analyze the role of farmer groups and the institutional aspects of these groups in supporting the SISKA program in Pelalawan District. The approach used in this study was the institutional theory of Syahyuti. The role of farmer groups (as learning classes, production units and vehicles for collaboration) and institutional aspects of farmer groups (aspects of values, norms and behavior) were analyzed using Likert scale. The relationship between the roles and institutional aspects of the farmer groups was analyzed by Spearman Correlation test. The overall role of the farmer group is in the good category with a score of 3.49, most of the members (69.60%) answered in the fairly good and good category. The overall institutional aspects based on values, norms and behavior in the SISKA farmer group are in the good category with a score of 4.05. Correlation on sub-variable values, norms and behavior towards the role of farmers as units of production is a strong direct correlation. This shows that values, norms and behavior in groups affect, encourage and enhance the role of groups as learning classes that support the level of knowledge of farmers and the role of farmer groups as production unit.

Farmer groups function as (1) a learning vehicle; (2) Cooperation Vehicle; and (3) Production units play an important role in agricultural development. This research aims to find out the role of farmer groups in increasing the productivity of rice farming. The research method used was a survey of farmer members of farmer groups in Bombana Regency using proportionate random sampling technique. The relationship between learning class and productivity obtained a Spearman rank correlation value which was moderately positive and significant, meaning that the more the role of farmer groups as a farming production unit increases, the more productivity of lowland rice farming will increase. The relationship between farming production units and productivity has a Spearman rank correlation value which has a strong and significant positive relationship, meaning that the more the group's role as a vehicle for cooperation increases, the more productivity will increase. The relationship between the role of farmer groups and productivity has obtained a Spearman rank correlation value which has a strong and significant positive relationship, meaning that as the role of the farmer group as a whole increases, the productivity of the group members' farming will also increase.

The objective of this study is to determine the level of productivity of paddy rice and the role of farmer groups in enhancing it in Ngkaring-Karing Village, Bungi Sub-district, Bau-Bau City. The research population comprised 231 wet-rice farmers in Ngkaring-Karing Village, out of which 39 respondents were randomly selected as the sample. Data was collected using survey and interview methods, with an interview guide as the research instrument. Descriptive analysis was used to analyze the activities and roles of farmer groups, and productivity analysis was used to determine the level of productivity of paddy rice. The results indicate that the farmer groups in Ngkaring-Karing Village have three roles: a learning class, a vehicle for cooperation, and a production unit. The role of paddy rice farmer groups is dominated by their function as a vehicle for farmer cooperation. The productivity of paddy rice in Ngkaring-karing Village averaged 4.1 tons/ha, which is lower than that of Kecamatan Bungi (4.61 tons/ha), Bau-Bau City (4.34 tons/ha), and Southeast Sulawesi Province (4.13 tons/ha).

Farmer groups help to manage the farm and overcome farming problems, as well as a place for the learning process for farmers to carry out farming activities optimally. This study analyzed the correlation between farmer groups’ role in rice farming productivity in Mijen District, Semarang City. The correlation test was carried out using the chi-square test. Data collection methods used questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling based on farmer groups who were active and less active in organizations. The sample collection method used the census method (complete enumeration), where all members of the farmer group based was interviewed, which amounted to 110 people. The role of the farmer group as a learning class, a vehicle for cooperation, and a production unit in Mijen District, Semarang City, was classified as very good. The productivity of rice farming of farmer group members has increased after joining the farmer group. There was a significant correlation between the role of farmer groups as a learning class, cooperation model, and also production unit with the productivity of rice farming. All stakeholders, including the government, community institutions, and farmers, are expected to take advantage of the factors that have been identified to improve farm productivity.

This study aims to determine the level of each variable of learning classes, cooperation vehicles, production units, and treatment of citronella waste and to determine the role of farmer groups in processing citronella waste into vegetable pesticides. The method used in study is a descriptive quantitative method using questionnaires as a research instrument. This study was carried out from November 2024 to March 2025 in Semoyo Village. The selection of the location was carried out by purposive sampling. The sample used in this study was a saturated sample totaling 56 people. The results of the study showed that the role of farmer groups in processing citronella waste into vegetable pesticides in Semoyo Village as learning class was with the value 65,3% and as a vehiche for cooperation was categorized as medium with values 57,6% and groups as production units in the medium category with value 67,3% and the level of processing of citronella waste in the category medium with values 71,1%. Simultaneously, the role of farmer groups as learning classes and cooperation vehicles does not have a significant of citronella waste, while groups as a production unit has a significant effect on the processing of citronella waste.

This study aims: 1) Knowing the role of farmer groups on the capacity of rice farmers (2) Knowing the capacity of farmers in lowland rice farming (3) Knowing the relationship between farmer groups and farmer capacity. rice fields in Lamomea Village, Konda District, South Konawe Regency. This research was conducted from April to 2021. The sampling technique used was the census method, and the data analysis used was the class interval formula and Spearman Rank Correlation. The results of the farmer group research in Lamomea Village, Konda District, South Konawe Regency have been carried out quite well, whereas a learning class, as a vehicle for cooperation and production units, there are 23 (95.83%) respondents. The capacity of Rice Paddy Farmers in Lamomea Village, Konda District, South Konawe Regency has been carried out sufficiently, which is possible from the technical ability, problem-solving ability, adaptability, and ability that has been carried out sufficiently by farmers in this research area as many as 23 (95), 8%) respondents. The role of farmer groups on the capacity of lowland rice farmers there is a very close relationship between the role of farmer groups and the capacity of rice farmers with a correlation coefficient value of 0.919 with a significant level of 0.000. Where the increase in both the role of farmer groups will increase the capacity of lowland rice farmers.

The role of farmer groups as a learning class, a cooperation vehicle, and a production unit in the implementation of organic vegetable farming is important to produce quality and safe-to-consume products. This research aims to describe the role of the Bangkit Merbabu Farmer Group, describe the implementation of organic farming SOP by the Bangkit Merbabu Farmer Group, and analyze the influence of farmer group roles on the implementation of organic vegetable farming SOPs. The study was conducted from November 6 to December 28, 2023. The research location was the Bangkit Merbabu Farmer Group located in Kaliduren Hamlet, Batur Village, Getasan Sub-district, Semarang Regency, Central Java. The research method used was a census method with saturated sampling involving all 53 members of the Bangkit Merbabu Farmer Group. The analysis methods used were quantitative descriptive and multiple linear regression analysis. The research shows that the Bangkit Merbabu Farmer Group has characteristics such as: the average age of members is 19-59 years old, the majority have only completed elementary education, and farming is their primary occupation. The results of this research indicate that the role of farmer groups as a learning class, a cooperation vehicle, and a production unit falls into the good category with percentages of 58%, 53%, and 60% for the production unit falling into the rare category. The implementation of organic vegetable farming SOPs has a percentage of 49% and falls into the rare category. Based on the SPSS output results in multiple linear regression analysis, the learning class, cooperation vehicle, and production unit have simultaneous effects on the implementation of organic vegetable farming SOP. The factors from the independent variables contribute 39.6%, while the rest is influenced by other factors. Based on the t-test, there is a significant influence for the role of the learning class and cooperation vehicle, while there is no influence for the production unit.

The aims of the research were to identify the role of farmer groups and the application of organic vegetable farming system and to analyze the influence of the role of farmers groups on the application of organic vegetables farming system in Batur village. The research was conducted at farmer group of Tranggulasi, Batur village on December 2017. Survey method was used and samples were conducted with the criteria of active members in farmer group and producing organic vegetables as many as 32 people. Observation and interviews were used to collect data. Data analysis used quantitative descriptive analysis. The results showed that the role of farmer groups as learning class, cooperation activities and unit of production including good category with the percentage of 100%, 97%, and 50%. The application of organic vegetable farming is also including good category with percentage 69%. Based on multiple linear regression test, learning class, cooperation activities, and unit of production, was no effect simultaneously on the application of organic vegetable farming. These factors affect performance by 22%, the rest is influenced by other factors such as. Based on t test there was significant influence for unit of production, while for class study and cooperation there is no significant influence.

Farmer groups are play an important role in solving the farmers’ problems, especially about their farming activities. This study aims to find out the role of farmer groups in the development of dry land farming in Ketos Village using qualitative descriptive methods. The results showed that Ketos Village farmer groups conducted activities such as farmer deliberation, farmers group gathering, agricultural counselling, and gotong-royong. Based on these activities, Ketos Village farmer group is able to act as a learning class, production unit, and cooperation. Farmer group as a learning class is a farmer group as place that provides information needed by its members related to the issue of farming activities. Farmer group as a production unit means that farmer groups play a role in the provision of agricultural facilities and tools, especially subsidized seeds, and fertilizers. Farmer groups as a medium of cooperation is not only between internal groups but also for external. Then this role is able to help farmers’ activities in solving problems in dry land.

This research was carried out from August to October 2019. The aims of this study were 1) to find out the role of farmer groups in Tuatuka village, 2) to find out the income earning of rice farmer’s in Tuatuka Village, and 3) to find out the relationship between the role of farmer groups and the income of rice farmers. This research was conducted by survey method, the 97 respondents from 128 farmers were by Simple Random Sampling. Data were analyzed descriptively by using Likert Scale and Spearman correlation. The results were, 1) the role of the paddy farmer groups in study site an average score as was 3,7 or 74,7%, it means that the learning class included the good category. As a collaboration working has an average of 3,60 or 72,0%, it means that a collaboration working included the good category. After that a unit were of production has an average of 2,85 or 57,03%. It means that, were production unit was included the moderate category.2) the average income of rice farmers in study site 2018 was Rp.10.383.703,- the highest income was Rp.21.562.300, and the lowest Rp. 5.103.100. and average in 2019 was Rp.11.845.444,- the highest was Rp. 23.262.444, and the lowest Rp. 6.102.700. 3)there is no relationship between the role of farmer groups and the incease in income earning of rice farmers in the study site.

The purposes of this study are to examine the role of cassava farmer groups, factors related to the role, the level of cassava farming income and the relationship between the role and the income in Siswo Bangun Village, Seputih Banyak District, Central Lampung Regency. Respondents were 87 cassava farmers involved in 18 farmer groups. This research was conducted in January 2018 and used a survey method. Data analysis used descriptive analysis and Rank Spearman correlation test. The results showed that the level of the role of farmer groups was classified as moderate. Factors significantly related to the role of cassava farmer groups were the role of extension workers and leadership of farmer group leaders. Cassava farming income in Siswo Bangun Village, Seputih Banyak District, Central Lampung regency was classified as moderate, which was Rp21.925.801 per ha per season. There is no significant relationship between the role of farmer groups and the level of cassava farming income Key words: cassava, farming income, role of farmer groups

Strong social capital is key to increasing the empowerment of farmers and the effectiveness of farmer groups in facing various structural challenges in the agricultural sector, including weak institutional capacity, land fragmentation, and low levels of trust at the rural level. This study aims to determine the level of farmers' social capital, the role of farmer groups, and the relationship between social capital and the role of farmer groups in the development of rice farmers in Kasumeia Village, Konawe Regency. The population size of each farmer group varied, so the sample size was determined using purposive sampling. Three farmers were selected as samples from each farmer group, consisting of the farmer group leader, an active farmer, and a passive farmer. A total of nine farmers were selected as respondents for the study, three farmers from each farmer group. Data collection for the research was carried out using several methods, namely a survey method using questionnaires, interviews, and documentation. The variables in this study included social capital and the role of farmer groups. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis methods. The results showed that the social capital of farmers in Kasumeia Village was relatively high, particularly in terms of trust, social networks, and social norms or values. Farmer groups in Kasumeia Village have played a significant role as learning classes and vehicles for cooperation. However, the role of groups as production units still faces challenges in terms of resource management efficiency, market access, and information distribution. There is a significant (0.005) and strong (0.681) relationship between farmers' social capital and the role of farmer groups. Social capital such as trust, norms, and networks has proven to be a determining factor that strengthens cooperation and the effectiveness of farmer group functions. However, despite this strong relationship, the implementation of farmer group functions has not been fully maximized because there are still members who participate only to a limited extent.