Livelihood Features of Seaweed Farming Households: A Case study from Bungin Permai Village, South Konawe, South East (SE) Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the variations and structure of seaweed farming household incomes; to quantify the income coming from various income sources and to analyse the efficiency of seaweed farming. The study was conducted in the village of Bungin Permai, South Konawe from July to September 2016 using structured interviews. In total there were 96 household respondents involved. Income structures and strategies were analysed descriptively, while the amount of income was determined using income analysis. The results showed that most respondents worked in the fisheries sector as seaweed farmers (n=75; 77%) and also as fishermen. The average income generated by seaweed farming households was IDR. 29,154,121 annually; the income from seaweed farming was IDR. 10,556,724 annually, while the income obtained from non-fishing activities was IDR. 11,071,875 annually. The respondents generated additional income by catching crabs, fishing using traps and anchored lift nets (bagan). When all the depreciated assets (e.g. ropes, floats, and traditional boats) were included in the expenses, the mean C/R (cost-to-revenue) value of seaweed farming was 1.88. The lowest R/C was 0.96 while the highest was 21.04. Those R/C values mean that seaweed faming in Bungin Permai was generally efficient and profitable.