The Sustainability of Tobacco Agribusiness in Temanggung District, Indonesia: The Perspective of Young-Adult Family Members of Farmers in Three Tobacco Center Villages

Abstract

Tobacco agribusiness has contributed immensely to the economic, social, and cultural lives of the community of Temanggung district. The tobacco industry faces various challenges, such as government regulations regarding its health concerns, poor climatic conditions, decreasing agricultural land, price fluctuation of crops, and ageing farmers. However, the sustainability of tobacco agribusiness in Temanggung district still maintained by continuing their tradition, but threatened in the future by lack of farmers’ regeneration. This research is aimed at exploring and analysing the transmission of traditional knowledge in the framework of tobacco agribusiness sustainability from the perspective of young-adult family members of tobacco farmers. The focus is on: (1) aspects of social-culture and environment in the transmission of knowledge process; (2) the method of transmission of knowledge from older generation farmers; (3) the opinions of younger generation farmers in the transmission of knowledge process for the future; and (4) the role of younger generation in the transmission of knowledge. This study employed a qualitative case studies approach. Data for this research was acquired through literature review, direct observation, interview, and focus group discussions. A field study was conducted at three villages located in Temanggung district. Results indicated disparities in the level of optimism among young-adult family members of tobacco farmers towards the future of tobacco agribusiness. The high optimism among the young generation is one of the supporting factors of transmission and sustainability of traditional knowledge. This study also found important role of communications as additional points for Transactional Model proposed by Sameroff.