ANALISIS STRUKTUR JARINGAN KOMUNIKASI KELOMPOK TANI PADI SAWAH DI KELURAHAN BARUGA KECAMATAN BARUGA KOTA KENDARI

Abstrak

Rice farming, as a strategic sector for food security in Indonesia, is determined not only by technical cultivation factors but also by the effectiveness of farmers' group communication networks. These networks influence information distribution, member participation, and the successful adoption of innovations. However, in practice, there remains a tendency toward centralized communication and suboptimal use of digital media. The objective of this study is to analyze the communication network structure of irrigated rice farmer groups in Baruga Village, Baruga Subdistrict, Kendari City. The research approach employs a qualitative descriptive method supported by social network analysis (SNA). The study population consists of all irrigated rice farmers who are members of farmer groups in Baruga Village, with a total of 230 individuals distributed across 16 farmer groups. The selection of informants from each group was conducted through a small-group census technique, resulting in a total of 46 farmers who participated in this study. The data collection process involved the implementation of three primary techniques: participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. The research focus was on the communication network structure within irrigated rice farming groups. The analysis was conducted in stages, integrating qualitative approaches and communication network analysis. The results indicate that the communication network structure of the irrigated rice farming groups in Baruga Village, Kendari City, tends to be cohesive but remains influenced by the dominance of central actors. The Gapoktan network is divided into two components, with cross-group connectivity facilitated by key actors acting as bridges. At the group level, Watumeai and Maccina Baji exhibit more equitable and participatory networks without isolated members, whereas Samaendre and Gapoktan are more centralized around specific hubs. The role of key actors is proven to be crucial in facilitating the flow of information, supported by a combination of digital and face-to-face communication. The effectiveness of farmer group communication is highly determined by the balance between actor centrality and network connectivity.

Kata kunci

• Central Actors
• Farmer Groups
• Information Flow
• Social Network Analysis