Seaweed farming households and their livelihood strategies in North Buton, Indonesia

Abstract

There is limited information on the livelihood strategies practiced by seaweed farmers in Southeast (SE) Sulawesi. This study aims to describe the livelihood strategies of seaweed farmers in Langere village, North Buton district, SE Sulawesi, Indonesia as they cope with poverty by cultivating and producing seaweed. A three-stage approach was applied to determine the impact of seaweed culture on the livelihood strategies of seaweed farmers. This was followed by in-depth interviews with formal and informal community leaders in the village, officials from government agencies, and selected households. The data were then analyzed descriptively. The results of the study suggested that farmers used various strategies, such as common culture practices, fishing, and non-fishery activities. Furthermore, to prioritize seaweed culture in Langere as a regional priority in the fisheries sector, certain constraints and opportunities must be addressed, particularly production, fluctuating prices, market instability, institutionalization, and policy-making. These challenges must be discussed thoroughly to ensure the continuous the seaweed culture development.