SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS ON FARMERS RESULTING FROM THE CONVERSION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND IN BUDURAN DISTRICT, SIDOARJO REGENCY

Abstract

The conversion of agricultural land has become an increasingly prevalent phenomenon alongside population growth, urbanization, and the expansion of industrial and residential sectors. The transformation of land use from agricultural to non-agricultural purposes not only reduces the area of land available for food production but also generates significant social and economic impacts on farmers. Buduran District, Sidoarjo Regency, as a peri-urban area, has experienced considerable pressure from agricultural land conversion due to its strategic location and proximity to regional growth centers. This condition has led to various issues related to the sustainability of farmers’ livelihoods, changes in social interaction patterns, and income uncertainty. The main problem addressed in this study is how agricultural land conversion affects the social and economic conditions of farmers in Buduran District. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the social and economic impacts of agricultural land conversion on farmers in Buduran District, Sidoarjo Regency. The research was conducted from December 2025 to January 2026 using a survey method. The sample was determined using a stratified random sampling technique, divided into two strata: farmers who converted their agricultural land and those who did not, with a total of 84 respondents. Data were collected through interviews using questionnaires and field observations. Data analysis employed quantitative descriptive analysis. Social impacts were analyzed using a five-point Likert scale, while economic impacts were examined through mode and percentage calculations. The results indicate that agricultural land conversion produces diverse social and economic effects. Several behavioral indicators, such as diligence and discipline, showed improvement, whereas agriculture-based social interactions tended to decline. From an economic perspective, land conversion led to changes in occupational structure and variations in farmers’ income levels. Overall, agricultural land conversion has selective social and economic implications for farmers.