Modernisasi Pertanian dan Dinamika Kesejahteraan Buruh Tani

Abstract

This study aims to analyze farm laborers' responses to changes in the labor system resulting from agricultural modernization and the resulting welfare dynamics in Lakeya Village, Tolangohula District, Gorontalo Regency. The research employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach, where data were collected through field observation techniques, in-depth interviews with farm laborers and landowners, and documentation as supporting data. The results indicate that the application of modern harvesting tools, such as threshers and combine harvesters, has a significant impact on the agricultural production system. The use of these machines has proven capable of increasing work efficiency, accelerating the harvesting process, reducing labor costs, and minimizing harvest losses for landowners. This modernization is also considered capable of improving overall productivity and the effectiveness of farming management. However, behind this increase in productivity, there are socio-economic consequences experienced by farm laborers. The use of harvesting machines reduces the need for manual labor, thereby increasingly limiting employment opportunities for traditional harvest laborers. Consequently, the income of farm laborers has decreased, particularly for elderly laborers and gleaners who depend heavily on the conventional harvesting system. On the other hand, younger farm laborers tend to show an adaptive attitude by diversifying jobs, seeking employment in other sectors, or learning agricultural machinery operation skills. Overall, agricultural modernization brings a dual impact—namely increased productivity alongside the emergence of welfare inequality—thus requiring empowerment and training programs so that the benefits of modernization can be felt more fairly and evenly.