The Analysis of the Social Sustainability of Integrated Pest Management in Rice Fields in Riau Province

Abstract

The study on the social sustainability of integrated pest management in lowland rice fields in Riau Province was conducted from February to June 2024. The investigation encompassed four regencies: Kampar, Siak, Bengkalis, and Rokan Hilir. The research locations were purposefully chosen in accordance with the National Integrated Pest Management Program's allocation for lowland rice fields in Riau Province. A total of 729 respondents were selected for the study, with a 7% margin of error for the population of farmer households in each regency, using the Slovin formula. The Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS) method was employed to conduct data analysis using the Rapid Appraisal program. The objective of the investigation was to ascertain the sustainability index and status of the social dimension, as well as the attributes that contribute the most to the sustainability of the social dimension in integrated pest management in lowland rice fields in Riau Province. The results indicated that Siak Regency, Bengkalis, and Rokan Hilir were fairly sustainable (>50%), with a social sustainability index and status of 69.12%, 60.13%, and 57.86%, respectively. Kampar Regency achieved a score of 47.14%, which suggests that it was less sustainable (<50%). In general, Riau Province's IPM was classified as fairly sustainable (>50%), with a social sustainability index and status of 58.56%. Attending training, farming experience, farmer motivation in implementing IPM technology, local wisdom in pest control, periodic observations, and farmer education levels were the most influential attributes for sustainability. The correlation (R²) value was 0.94, and the maximal stress value for all regenceis were 0.15.