This research was conducted in Cangkring Village, Talang District, Tegal Regency. The objectives of this study are to determine the profile and characteristics of rice fields vulnerable to conversion in Cangkring Village, identify the factors causing its conversion, understand the process of its conversion, and determine the impact of the conversion on rice farming productivity in Cangkring Village, Talang District, Tegal Regency. The study used a descriptive case study method and sampled 20 respondents using census sampling.
The research results are as follows: 1) Most rice farmers are unproductive aged 65, mostly male respondents with elementary education. Most have 0-2 dependents, use personal capital, and own land privately, with land area ranging from 100-1,000 m and converted land area mostly from 26-1,026 m. The vulnerable characteristics of converted land are in the yellow and green zones, characterized by land close to settlements, near roads, and less fertile. 2) Common factors causing rice field conversion include economic, social, and environmental factors. 3) Cangkring Village has a land area of 120 Ha consisting of wetlands, yards, and settlements, with the majority being residential land covering 60 Ha. The main cause of this conversion is its strategic location, making it preferred by contractors or potential buyers. The most strategically located land is ricefield, which is relatively cheaper than built-up land, easily accessible, and has readily available transportation. 4) Rice production in Cangkring Village has decreased total production and productivity. Before wetland conversion, the total land area owned by all rice farmer respondents was 48,404 m, with production of 33,802.5 kg and productivity of 14.362 kg/m. After its conversion, the total land area owned by rice farmer respondents was 10,624 m, with production of 6,989.5 kg and productivity of 11.83 kg/m. Total income before and after the conversion was Rp.189,116,050 and Rp.30,520,550, respectively. The decrease in productivity has led to a reduction in the number of farmers due to insufficient rice field area. The impact includes increased non-agricultural economic activities and decreased productivity.