The Economic Resilience of Farming Households in the Face of Fluctuations in Coconut Sugar and Spice Prices in Kemawi Village, Somagede District, Banyumas Regency
Keywords:
farmer economic resilience, price fluctuations, coconut sugar, spices, post-harvest processing, Kemawi VillageAbstract
Agriculture remains the main livelihood source for rural communities, including in Kemawi Village, Somagede District, Banyumas Regency, where household economies depend on coconut sugar and spices. This dependence makes farming households vulnerable to seasonal and unpredictable price fluctuations, especially amid intermediary-dominated market structures and limited access to broader markets. This study analyzes the economic resilience of farming households in Kemawi Village in responding to fluctuations in coconut sugar and spice prices, as well as the adaptation strategies they use to sustain their livelihoods. Using a qualitative case study approach, data were collected through field observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation involving coconut sugar farmers, spice farmers, local collectors, and village officials. The findings show that price fluctuations directly affect household income stability. In response, farmers adopt post-harvest processing strategies to increase value added, extend shelf life, and gain flexibility in timing sales. Some coconut sugar farmers shift to crystal coconut sugar, while spice farmers dry their produce to preserve quality and delay sales. The study concludes that post-harvest processing strengthens household economic resilience and reduces dependence on raw commodity price fluctuations. However, this resilience remains adaptive rather than transformative due to weak bargaining power, limited direct market access, and insufficient support from local economic institutions
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