Livelihoods strategies of Seaweed Farming Households in North Buton of Indonesia
La Ode M Aslan1, M Rahim2, S A A Taridala3, Wa Iba1, Frederik D. Sangkia4

1Department of Aquaculture, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science, Halu Oleo University, Kendari 93232, Indonesia
2Department of Economics Science and Development Study, Faculty of Economics and Business, Halu Oleo University, Kendari 93232, Indonesia
3Department of Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, Halu Oleo University, Kendari 93232, Indonesia
4Faculty of Fisheries, Muhammadiyah University of Luwuk Banggai, Central Suawesi 94711, Indonesia

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to identify livelihood strategies of seaweed farming households in response to farming activities within the Kulisusu Bay, North Buton, Indonesia. A formal household survey was were administered to the households in the bay using a structured questionnaire covering the patterns of income from seaweed farming, fishing, and other activities of 62 selected respondents. The identified strategies used by the farmer are farming, fishing and non-farming. The results showed that educational levels, experience in seaweed farming, access to credit and extension services were possibly the major determinants of livelihood strategies. Policy implications for the farmers include the need for more public extension services and training to support farming households^ income.

Keywords: livelihood, strategies, seaweed, North Buton

Topic: Marine and Fisheries Socio - Economics and Culture (International)