Participation level of farmers in wetland rice farmer groups to support MP3MI Program in Paser District of East Kalimantan

Abstract

Rizal M, Rahayu SP. 2015. Participation level of farmers in wetland rice farmer groups to support MP3MI Program in Paser District of East Kalimantan. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 1 (2): 352-357. This research was conducted in 4 wetland rice farmer groups, Paser District, East Kalimantan. The purpose of this research was to assess participation levels of farmers in the farmer group to support the Innovation-based Development Model for Rural Agriculture (MP3MI) program in Paser District, East Kalimantan. Primary and secondary data were collected from observation, interview and recording, using simple random sampling (at least 4 persons from each group, 40 persons in total). Collected data was analyzed using qualitative analysis. Components of participation, namely awareness, involvement, and benefits obtained by becoming a member of the farmer group, were scored ranging 1-3, to examine the level of farmer participation in the farmer groups. Research result showed that the level of farmer participation, in terms of awareness, was high, because up to 85% of the respondents stated that they willingly wanted to join the group. Regarding involvement, 62.50% of the respondents were involved in the group’s activities. In addition, all respondents believed that they get to benefit from the group. Therefore, farmer participation in MP3MI program can increase farmer’s capacity in their farming system, increase farmer’s welfare, added value and competitiveness, which are necessary for sustaining agriculture in East Kalimantan.