Agricultural Land Transformation and Its Implications for Socio-Economic Welfare in Aimas District
Keywords:
Agricultural Conversion, Food Security, Land TransformationAbstract
Agricultural land conversion is a strategic issue with a direct impact on sustainable development and community welfare. This study examines the phenomenon of agricultural land conversion in Aimas District, Sorong Regency, and its implications for the socio-economic aspects of the local community. Changes in land use influenced by population growth, infrastructure development, and the expansion of the non-agricultural sector have triggered shifts in livelihood patterns and the community's economic structure. This study used mixed methods: a quantitative survey of 120 farming households and qualitative interviews with local stakeholders, such as government officials and community leaders. Descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between changes in cultivated land areas and income levels, food security, employment opportunities, and community social welfare. The results indicate that agricultural land transformation has ambivalent impacts. On the positive side, land conversion opens new economic opportunities in the services, trade, housing, and transportation sectors, thus boosting non-agricultural income growth for some communities. However, on the negative side, the reduction in agricultural land reduces local food production capacity, narrows smallholder farmers' access to livelihoods, and increases social vulnerability due to the loss of traditional agricultural identity. The decline in local rice production has also led to increased dependence on food supplies from outside the region. The policy implications highlight the importance of spatial planning and strict regulations on land conversion to prevent long-term food security disruptions. Furthermore, we need to implement farmer empowerment strategies through business diversification, technology-based productivity improvements, and expanded market access. Development in the Aimas District can support economic growth without compromising the social welfare of the farming community through balanced land transformation management.
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