Economic coping strategies and food security in poor rural households

Abstract

Purpose. This study aims to analyze economic coping strategies and their relationship to the food security of poor rural households. Methodology / approach. This research was conducted by comparing food crop farming households with those who farm plantation crops. The used data were sourced from surveys in four sample rural areas in two districts of Jambi Province, Indonesia, namely Merangin Regency and Tanjung Jabung Timur Regency. The used analysis tool was Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results. The results show that poor rural households’ economic coping strategies are still low, both in the context of a passive strategy (cutting back expenses) and an active strategy (generating income). Plantation households have a lower economic coping strategy than food crop farming households. The level of food security in food crop households is relatively good compared to that of plantation crop households. Nearly half of food crop households are categorized as having good food security, while only around 20 % of plantation crop households are so categorized. Family characteristics and coping strategies significantly influence household food security in plantation crop households. On the other hand, the level of household food security in food crop households is not influenced by coping strategies, but only by family characteristics. Originality / scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of the study is in a study approach that links household food security with coping strategies and family socio-economic conditions. Furthermore, this study specifically conducted a comparative study of households of food crop farmers and plantation crop farmers, considering that these are the two main livelihood commodities for rural residents. Practical value / implications. Through this research, it is hoped that the concept/theory of improving the food security of poor households (especially in rural areas) can be developed based on the potential and real conditions of the households themselves, so that the formulated policies can be more effective and sustainable.