Women Participation in Horticulture activities: A case study on a Cucumis melo farmer contract-farming system
Rustinsyah RUSTINSYAH (a)*; Ratna Azis Prasetyo (b); Muhammad Adib (c)
(a) Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, *(rustinsyah[at]fisip.unair.ac.id)
(b) Department of Sosiology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, (ratna.azis.prasetyo[at]fisip.unair.ac.id)
(c)Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, (muhammad.adib[at]fisip.unair.ac.id)
Abstract
Several studies show that the intensive rice farming system has reduced involvement of women in agricultural activities because it is replaced by men and technology. But in the horticulture farming system, cucumis melo plants are intensively that the involvement of women is quite large from preparation to harvest. Careful, patient characteristics of women are needed for these agricultural activities. Therefore, the research conducted in January-May 2019 aims to describe the involvement of rural women in various cucumis melo farming activities.For this reason, research was conducted starting from planting preparation to harvest, in Magersari Village, Plumpang District, Tuban Regency. Cucumis melo planting in the village is as contract-farming between farmers and companies. This research is a qualitative research by collecting data through observation, interviews with female farm laborers, farmers who conduct contract-farming, and and documents related to the research theme.The results of this study that the involvement of women in cucumis melo cultivation began from preparation to harvest. The work includes sorting out melon seeds, planting seeds, propagating plants, hanging melons, picking or harvesting. The involvement of women in the farming system will increase family income is expected to improve welfare and support the SDGs program.
Keywords: contract-farming, cucumis melo, participation, women, rural area
Topic: Social and Economic Issues