STRATEGI PETANI PADI SAWAH DALAM MENGELOLA RISIKO KEGAGALAN PANEN AKIBAT PERUBAHAN CUACA DI DESA OPO KECAMATAN AJANGALE KABUPATEN BONE

Abstract

Increasingly unpredictable weather changes increase the risk of crop failure in rice farming and impact productivity and farmer income. This study aims to identify the form of crop failure risk due to weather changes and analyze the strategies implemented by rice farmers in managing these risks in Opo Village, Ajangale District, Bone Regency. The study used a qualitative approach with a case study method. The research informants consisted of one key informant and nine rice farmers selected purposively. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation, then analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study indicate that the main risk faced by farmers is drought due to reduced irrigation water availability, which impacts crop yields and income. In addition, farmers also face attacks by rats and planthoppers that affect crop productivity. In dealing with these risks, farmers implement technical strategies such as the use of water pumps, adjusting planting times, using appropriate varieties, and changing planting methods; social strategies through information exchange, utilization of farmer groups, cooperation between farmers, and assistance from extension workers; and economic strategies through income diversification, production cost savings, setting aside harvested capital, and utilizing government assistance. This study concluded that implementing integrated technical, social, and economic strategies helps farmers mitigate the impact of crop failure risks and increases their ability to adapt to weather changes, thus supporting the sustainability of lowland rice farming.