THE ROLE OF WOMEN'S FARMING GROUPS IN IMPROVING FARMERS' WELFARE IN LIMAU LUNGGO VILLAGE, LEMBANG JAYA DISTRICT, SOLOK REGENCY, WEST SUMATRA

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of Women Farmers Groups (KWT) in improving the welfare of farmers in Limau Lunggo Village, Lembang Jaya District, Solok Regency, West Sumatra. The study used a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. The informants in this study numbered 52 people consisting of all active members of the Sejati Women Farmers Group and the Caniago Baruah Women Farmers Group. Data collection techniques were carried out through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, while data analysis used the Miles and Huberman model which includes data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing. The results of the study indicate that the Sejati Women Farmers Group and the Caniago Baruah Women Farmers Group have carried out their roles as learning classes, collaboration platforms, and production units. As learning classes, the groups play a role in increasing the knowledge and skills of members through extension, training, and agricultural product processing practices. As a collaboration platform, the groups are able to build cooperation, mutual cooperation, communication, and active participation among members. As production units, the groups have succeeded in developing productive businesses through the utilization of yards, plant cultivation, and agricultural product processing, thereby providing added value to the resulting products. The existence of the group contributes to improving the welfare of its members through increasing household income (an average of Rp2,665,000 per month), improving family food security, developing members' skills, and increasing women's self-confidence and participation in social and economic activities. However, there are still obstacles such as limited capital, suboptimal marketing access, and the need for increased mentoring from agricultural extension workers. It can be concluded that KWT Sejati and KWT Caniago Baruah have an important role in improving the welfare of farmers through women's empowerment, strengthening group institutions, developing productive businesses, and improving household food security.