Abstract

This paper aims at analyzing current situation in Entikong as a border region of Indonesia-Malaysia. Economically, this region is dominated by agricultural sectors and mostly harvested valuable commodities were traded in border by farmers from Entikong. This study employed a phenomenological qualitative approach for describing problems faced by farmers and the efforts related to farmers’ household empowerment for improving their quality of life. The data were collected through observation, interview, and documentation, and it was analyzed by using the steps of verification and triangulation, data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings revealed that main problems are related to the insufficiency of socio-economic infrastructures for improving value added for agricultural products, such as the limitation of roads infrastructure and far distance of market make farmers unwilling to sell their harvested products because of high distribution expenses. Farmers empowerment done by government and NGO were directed to improve their knowledge and skills related to plantation and agricultural activities. Moreover, it needs socio-economic institutional strengthening and participation from farmers’ community as well.

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