KARAKTERISTIK SOSIAL EKONOMI PETANI JAGUNG DI DESA KILAMBIBITO KECAMATAN KONTUKOWUNO KABUPUBATON MUNA

Abstract

The socio-economic characteristics of farmers constitute an essential aspect of agricultural development as they reflect human resource capacity and household economic conditions that influence farm management. Information on these characteristics is required as a basis for formulating agricultural development policies, designing agricultural extension programs, and implementing farmer empowerment strategies that are tailored to local conditions. However, studies specifically describing the socio-economic characteristics of maize farmers at the village level remain limited, particularly in Muna Regency. This study aimed to analyze the socio-economic characteristics of maize farmers in Kilambibito Village, Kontukowuna District, Muna Regency. A quantitative approach employing a survey method was applied in this study. The study population consisted of 75 maize farmers, from which 43 respondents were selected using the Slovin formula through simple random sampling. Primary data were collected through structured interviews using questionnaires and complemented with secondary data obtained from relevant institutions. Data were analyzed using descriptive quantitative techniques, including frequency distributions, percentages, and categorical classifications for each variable, namely age, educational attainment, farming experience, landholding size, labor utilization, farming capital, and farm income. The findings revealed that the majority of maize farmers were of productive age (54%), had completed senior high school or its equivalent (51%), and possessed more than ten years of farming experience (81%). Most respondents cultivated land ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 ha (79%) and employed four to five workers (49%). From an economic perspective, the majority of farmers had low farming capital (56%) and low farm income (56%). These findings indicate that maize farmers in Kilambibito Village possess considerable human resource potential, as reflected by their productive age structure, moderate educational attainment, and extensive farming experience. Nevertheless, limited access to capital and low farm income remain major constraints to farm development. Strengthening farmers' access to financial resources, enhancing farmers' capacities through continuous agricultural extension services, and optimizing the utilization of local resources are therefore essential to improve farming efficiency and the welfare of maize farming households.