TRANSFORMASI KOMODITAS PERKEBUNAN: DAMPAK ALIH FUNGSI USAHATANI KAKAO MENJADI KELAPA SAWIT TERHADAP KONDISI EKONOMI, SOSIAL DAN LINGKUNGAN PETANI DI DESA ALADADI KABUPATEN KOLAKA TIMUR

Abstract

The transformation of plantation commodities represents one of the adaptive strategies employed by farmers to cope with declining crop productivity, changing market conditions, and the need to improve household welfare. In Aladadio Village, East Kolaka Regency, the conversion of cocoa farming to oil palm cultivation has accelerated in response to declining cocoa productivity caused by aging plantations, pest and disease infestations, and fluctuating market prices. While this transformation offers opportunities to increase farmers' income, it also has the potential to affect social and environmental conditions. This study aimed to analyze the impacts of plantation commodity transformation through the conversion of cocoa farming into oil palm cultivation in Aladadio Village, East Kolaka Regency. The study employed a quantitative approach using a descriptive survey method. Respondents consisted of 25 farmers who had converted their cocoa farms to oil palm plantations and were selected using the census method. Data were collected through observation, questionnaires, interviews, and documentation, and were analyzed using descriptive percentage analysis based on the Likert scale index. The results revealed that plantation commodity transformation had a positive impact on farmers' economic conditions, with an index value of 81.8%, reflected in increased productivity, more frequent harvesting, higher income, and improved household economic stability. Furthermore, the transformation also generated positive social impacts, with an index value of 82.2%, as indicated by increased employment opportunities, more efficient work patterns, improved family welfare, and better household social conditions. However, the transformation had a negative impact on environmental conditions, with an index value of 77.8%, characterized by changes in soil fertility, reduced water availability, declining biodiversity, and environmental degradation. These findings indicate that the transformation of plantation commodities creates a trade-off between improvements in farmers' economic and social welfare and the deterioration of environmental quality. Therefore, the development of oil palm plantations should be accompanied by the implementation of sustainable cultivation practices to ensure that economic and social benefits can be achieved without compromising natural resource conservation and long-term environmental sustainability.