Institut Shanti Bhuana

REASONS BEHIND GROWINGFIELD RICE DESPITE LOSSES

This research aims to find the reasons why people continue to grow field rice despite the loss. This
study uses qualitative paradigm with the acquisition of information through interviews and
observations in a small village in West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Apractice observed in this small, poor
village is the starting point for this research: why these group of people still maintain their livelihoods
by planting field rice,which clearly cannot economically sustain their lives in this modern era. It turns
out they are unaware that they continue to be at lossand how they want to preserve the tradition that
was passed on by their ancestors. The thing that makes them able to survive is none other than the
spiritual capital embedded in the community. This article provides recommendations for agricultural
field farmers in Indonesia to think about alternative livelihoods besides planting field rice. Therefore,
they can get out of the cycle of poverty that has shackled them all this time.