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Social Integration in Cattle Farmer Groups in Banjarnegara District, Indonesia
Dissertation Abstract:
The study was conducted primarily to analyze the process and level of social integration in cattle farmer groups in Banjarnegara District, Indonesia. Specifically, it aimed to (1) describe the socioeconomic, socio-psychological, and organizational profile of farmers under various organizational development (OD) levels of farmer groups; (2) identify the variants in the process of social integration in the cattle farmer groups; (3) determine the level of social integration in cattle farmer groups; (4) differentiate the level of social integration among the three OD levels of farmer groups; and (5) determine socioeconomic, socio-psyschological, and organizational factors that influence the level of social integration of farmer groups. Multistage random sampling ws used to select a total of 145 respondents from eight farmer groups. In-depth and face-to-face interviews were conducted with the aid of structured questionnaires. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the data analysis.
Results showed three clusters of farmer groups identified as variants of the social integration process. These variants described the process of social integration based on aspects of adaptation, positioning, interaction, and identification. The level of social integration differed among the different levels of farmer groups. Advanced farmer groups had relatively higher level of social integration than beginner and intermediate farmer groups. Among the socioeconomic variables, farming experience and age of members showed significant relationship to and influence on the level of social integration. Social sensitivity and attitude toward farmer groups were the socio-psychological factors that had significant relationship to and influence on the level of social integration. Among the organizational-related variables, leadership performance, group norms, and communication had significant relationship to and influence on the level of social integration. In the beginner farmer group, norms must be considered to increase the level of social integration while in the intermediate farmer group, focus must be given to social sensitivity and communication. Advanced farmer groups must emphasize on leadership performance and institutional support to increase level of social integration sustainability.
Based on the findings, it was recommended that the farmer group be supervised more closely and regularly by the Department of Agriculture to develop and increase the level of social integration. Other factors affecting farmer groups should be given priority in order to enhance participation, empowerment, and sustainability.
