The Self-Reliance of Member on Tea Smallholder Farmer Groups in West Java Province, Indonesia

Abstract

The existence of tea smallholder farmer groups as a social entity has an important and strategic role in
realizing the self-reliance of its members on tea farming activity. This study aimed at determining the self-reliance
of members on tea smallholder farmer groups in West Java Province, and the factors that influence toward the selfreliance
of members on tea smallholder farmer groups in West Java Province. The study used mixed method approach
with sequential explanantory strategy. Proportional stratified random sampling with 128 members of tea smallholders
farmer group (farmers) or 20% of the sample population with 643 members (farmers) sampling method was used.
Quantitative data were analyzed by using path analysis, while qualitative data were analyzed by using triangulation
of sources. The study showed that the level of the member’s self-reliance of tea smallholder farmer groups as a whole
in decision making, initiatives creative and innovative, and solving problems related to the tea farming is in moderate
category. The self-reliance of members needs to improve, especially on the initiative, creativity and innovation. From
path analysis, member’s self-reliance of tea smallholder farmer groups were affected from strongest to weakest by role
of tea farmer groups, extension, the availability of capital, farming experience, age, land size, market opportunities,
and work motivation. The self-reliance of members on tea smallholder farmer groups most effectively can be enhanced
through the improving the role of tea smallholder farmer groups.