Moral Ekonomi Petani dalam Memilih Sistem Pertanian di Desa Karanganyar Kabupaten Jember

Abstract

There are two agricultural systems practiced in Karanganyar Village, namely the independent farming system and the partnership farming system. The independent farming system refers to farmers cultivating their own corn and selling the harvest to middlemen, while the partnership farming system requires farmers to conduct their farming activities under a contractual agreement for one planting season. This study aims to describe and explain the moral economy of farmers in determining their agricultural system using James C. Scott's theory of the moral economy of the peasant. The research was conducted in Karanganyar Village, Ambulu District, Jember Regency. This study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach to understand the phenomenon from the perspectives of the participants. Informants were selected using a purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. Data validity was ensured through source triangulation, method triangulation, and time triangulation. The data analysis process consisted of data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and data interpretation. The findings reveal that the moral economy of farmers in Karanganyar Village is shaped by the ethics of subsistence and the norm of reciprocity. In this context, farmers tend to avoid the seed partnership system due to the risks of lower harvest yields, delayed payments, and crop failure. Furthermore, the long-standing relationship between farmers and middlemen provides farmers with a sense of security through flexible marketing arrangements, immediate cash payments, and access to cash loans.