Agen Ganda dan Perubahan Praktik Pertanian

Abstract

This article aims to explain the role of agents in bringing about changes in agricultural practices. Departing from the phenomenon of changing plant types from secondary crops - coffee - rubber - coffee which occurred in a short span time in Parbotihan Village, Onan Ganjang District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency. Those Changes, besides changing the cultivation pattern, also requiring farmers to relearn for they lack experience in cultivating those new plants. Through observation and in-depth interviews, the writer found that those phenomenons occurred due to the role of agents who had different capacities simultaneously related to the farming community. This research also shows that social arenas as a public space are effective arenas for sharing knowledge which contribute to changing practices.This article aims to explain the role of dual agents in bringing about changes in agricultural practices.  Starting from the phenomenon of changing plant species that occurred in Parbotihan Village, Onan Ganjang District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency.  Changes in these types of crops often occur in a short period of time and are followed by most farmers.  These changes sometimes occur without considering the adequacy of land, cultivation knowledge, and capital capacity.  So, often the changes that occur are not profitable for them.  On the other hand, these changes also change the cultivation pattern which requires farmers to learn from the beginning as a consequence of changing the types of plants.  This research was conducted during the research period of my thesis by collecting data through observation and interviews. The selected informants are farmers who are involved in changing practices. The author found that the role of multiple agents such as relatives, friends, skippers, and group leaders with different capacities had a role in influencing farmers' actions. Multiple agents act as initiators, motivators, introductors, educators, and interventors. This research also shows that the social arena as public space becomes an effective arena in exchanging information and influences that encourage practice change.