Faedah Atas Jerih Payah: Pertimbangan Petani Tembakau Tentang Regenerasi Usaha Tani di Desa Pakusari

Abstract

The phenomenon of declining interest among the younger generation in continuing tobacco farming in Pakusari Village, Jember Regency, is influenced by shifting farmer perceptions regarding the utility derived versus the drudgery involved in the farming enterprise. This study aims to analyze how the assessment of utility relative to drudgery shapes tobacco farmers' mindsets regarding farm succession. A qualitative approach utilizing phenomenology was employed. Informants were selected via purposive sampling and included tobacco farmers, their children, and their spouses. The analysis draws upon Alexander Chayanov’s concept of the "art of farming," which posits that farm household decisions are based on weighing the utility gained against the drudgery (labor effort) required to sustain the farm. The results indicate that farmers' considerations regarding farm succession are not based solely on income levels but also on the magnitude of labor effort, high production costs, and the various risks and challenges inherent in tobacco farming. Conversely, extensive experience in farm management has made tobacco farming an integral part of the farmers' sense of self and social identity. Although tobacco farming continues to provide utility—such as meeting family needs and preserving social identity—increasing workloads and business risks have led some farmers to stop viewing farming as a primary career choice for the next generation. These findings demonstrate that farmers' decisions regarding farm succession result from a rational assessment of the utility received versus the drudgery endured, consistent with Chayanov’s concept of the balance between utility and drudgery. Keywords: benefits, effort, farmers' mindset, farm succession, tobacco farmers.