Tingkat Keberdayaan Sosial Ekonomi Kelompok Tani Desa Konservasi Sebagai Penyangga Kawasan Taman Nasional Gunung Merapi

Abstract

ABSTRACT The community living around forest area is the party which directly has relation with forest. The dependence of the community around Mount Merapi National Park (TNGM) in utilizing natural resources is still high so that it requires alternative businesses to improve their economy through community empowerment program. Community power is the element that enables people to survive and can develop themselves in achieving progress and wealth. The aims of this research were to recognize the social and economic power level of the farmer group Ngudi Makmur residing in the buffer zone of TNGM and the roles of relevant stakeholders in empowering the community. To obtain primary data, a survey was conducted to 27 respondents which were the members of the farmer group. Then, descriptive analysis and crosstab were conducted. The power level of the farmer group members of Ngudi Makmur in Turgo sub-village was still categorized into powerless, both from economic and non economic aspects. It can be seen from low technology access, business decision, and lobbying skill. The stakeholders that assist the people’s business mostly came from government and Non Government Organizations with the score 7 (enough). Therefore, an empowerment strategy is required to increase the community’s power so that improved welfare can be realized. Keywords: empowerment, welfare, farmer group, national park