The objectives of the research are to find out: (1) the socio-economic problems
of the brown sugar farmers, and (2) solutions to answer those socio-economic
problems. This is done through a case study. The location of the research is selected
through purposive sampling area and it gives the villages of Rancamaya and Pageraji,
Cilongok Subdistrict, Banyumas Regency. The respondents were chosen by purposive
sampling metode, i.e. choosing 50 farmers among about 1.200 brown sugar makers in
the two village. The variables observed were the problems on social and economic
aspect in them. The data collected were then arranged and analyzed with quantitative
and qualitative tecniques.
Based on the analysis, the problems of the brown sugar makers identified are:
(a) they are about 49,7 year-old with a average periode of work in sugar about 22,11
years, and the average product they make is 5,47 kg, and most of them have only
finished and elementary school. (b) among 74% of farmers have a loan around Rp.
1.024.000,-.(c) molded sugar is made by 70% farmers and is sold with an average
price of Rp. 10.530,- and crystal sugar is chosen by 30% samples which is sold Rp.
13.140,-. (d) only 18% of the farmers has been treined to increase their income, and
fewer farmers (4%) do efforts to fertilize the coconuts, and more farmers (20%) make
effort to improve their income by joining a social group/ an organization. Most
farmers (58%) do not do anyhing to increase their income. Form interviews, the
farmers do not try to plant seeds with more quality.
The solutions of the socio-economic problems for the farmers in rural areas are:
to establish an institutions of farmers as the motor to drive education and training, to
support the socio-economic rights of the farmers, to change the bad behavior among
them, to elevate their bargaining power, and to diverse the products along with the
demand. Thus, the measures will increase their income and their life quality.