The Existence of the Mecula Haroano Laa Tradition for the Protection of Farming Communities

Abstract

The substantial demand for agricultural products promotes extensive land clearing. This has inadvertently resulted in a growing scarcity of land availability. Furthermore, to satisfy the rising demand for agricultural production, farmers are urged to utilize chemical products to accelerate harvest and achieve substantial yields. This behavior and habit will lead to latent and long-term issues concerning the quality and productivity of crops, resulting in challenges for the farming community in marketing and obtaining low selling prices. The social repercussions perpetuate farmers' entrapment in poverty and economic disparity. This study seeks to elucidate the opportunities and resources associated with the Mecula Haroano Laa tradition, which safeguards the agricultural community. The methodology employed is qualitative, utilizing a case study approach to elucidate the essence of the events that transpired. Data collection was conducted through interviews, with informants selected via a purposive sampling technique, where the researcher made intentional selections based on predefined criteria aligned with the research objectives. The interview results were analyzed using QDA Miner software. The study's findings indicate that Mecula Haroano Laa effectively mitigates farmers' socio-economic vulnerabilities. Through this tradition, farmers in North Buton Regency engage in positive social interactions and share a collective responsibility for environmental stewardship and agricultural sustainability.