Socio-Economic Factors Shaping the Livelihoods of Maize Smallholders in Central Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Maize is strategically essential in Indonesia’s agricultural sector, supporting food security and farmers’ livelihoods. However, maize farmers in Central Java continue to face challenges in achieving stable productivity and income due to socio-economic constraints. This study aims to evaluate the financial feasibility of maize farming and analyze the socio-economic factors that affect farmers’ income in Batang District, Central Java. A survey method was applied to 250 maize farmers selected purposively from three central producing districts: Tersono, Pecalungan, and Bandar. Data were analyzed using farm business analysis (R/C ratio) and the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) multiple regression. The results indicate that maize farming in Batang District is financially viable, with an average R/C ratio of 1.62. Regression analysis reveals that land size, farming experience, land ownership, and participation in agricultural extension services significantly increase farmers’ income, while high labor costs exert an adverse effect. Other socio-economic variables, such as education, age, and farmer group membership, were found to be statistically insignificant. The findings suggest that strategies to improve maize farmers’ income should focus on expanding land access, enhancing the quality of extension services, improving labor efficiency, and strengthening farmers’ technical capacity. This study contributes to the existing literature by combining financial feasibility and socio-economic determinants in a single framework, providing empirical evidence and policy insights to support sustainable maize farming in Indonesia.