Analysis of horticulture farmers' welfare from a sustainable development perspective

Abstract

The horticultural sector in Solok Regency faces significant problems that undermine farmers' welfare, including restricted agricultural inputs, financial constraints, and ineffective distribution routes, all of which hinder the achievement of sustainable development goals in agriculture. This study investigates the influence of production, distribution, and social capital on the welfare of horticulture farmers in the sub-districts of Lembah Gumanti and Lembang Jaya, utilizing the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (SLF) to provide measures for resource optimization aimed at economic enhancement. This research employed route analysis within a probability sampling framework, especially proportionate cluster random sampling, to survey 236 farmers from a total population of 573, as calculated using Slovin's formula with a 5% margin of error. Quantitative data were subjected to descriptive analysis and Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to assess variable relationships. Results demonstrate substantial impacts of production, distribution, and social capital on farmers' welfare, underscoring their critical functions in augmenting income via enhanced output, effective distribution, and fortified social networks. The research additionally recognizes social capital as a driver of socio-ecological resilience and enhanced market access. The findings highlight the SLF's significance in enhancing the welfare of horticulture farmers by maximizing production, distribution, and social capital, hence promoting a resilient and sustainable agricultural model in Solok Regency. The broader implications indicate that SLF-based sustainable development strategies may tackle analogous challenges in various regions, strengthening economic and social resilience within agricultural communities against climate variability, market instability, and resource scarcity, thus providing essential insights for national agricultural policy development.