Rasionaloitas Petani Dusun Wonomerto Pasuruan dalam Memilih Mempertahankan Kearifan Lokal atau Modernisasi Pertanian

Abstract

This research is motivated by the dilemma faced by farmers in Wonomerto Hamlet, Tosari Village, Tosari District, Pasuruan Regency in dealing with agricultural modernization amid the strong practice of local wisdom within the Tengger community. The Tengger community is closely associated with local wisdom, including in their agricultural practices. However, the presence of agricultural modernization brings changes in the use of technology, production patterns, and farmers’ economic orientation, while at the same time potentially affecting the sustainability of cultural values and ecological balance that have been passed down from generation to generation. This study aims to describe the forms of farmers’ rationality in determining choices between maintaining local wisdom or adopting agricultural modernization. The analysis of farmers’ rationality in this study uses the perspective of Samuel L. Popkin’s theory of peasant rationality which views farmers as rational actors who consider benefits, risks, as well as socio cultural sustainability in decision making.The research method used is qualitative with a phenomenological approach. Data collection techniques were carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation of several informants relevant to the research topic in Wonomerto Hamlet, with data analysis through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results of the study show that there are three forms of farmers’ rationality, namely traditional farmers, modern farmers, and modern farmers who return to the traditional system. Traditional farmers maintain local wisdom as a form of social, cultural, and ecological rationality based on long-term investment goals. Meanwhile, modern farmers adopt technology with considerations of efficiency and economic benefits. In addition, farmers who return to traditional practices demonstrate reflective rationality based on experience. The conclusion of this study shows that farmers’ rationality is contextual, influenced by economic, social, cultural, and ecological factors simultaneously. Therefore, agricultural modernization needs to be integrated with local wisdom in order to achieve a sustainable agricultural system while remaining aligned with the cultural values of the Tengger community. Keywords: lokal wisdom, Tengger comumunity, agricultural modernization, farmers rationality