Tobacco Farmers and Local Economic Development

Abstract

Rural development should not be longer following the old approach model, because the era of disruption provides an opportunity for spatial and trade arrangements that can provide direct access to a wider market. Padarek Village is one of tobacco producer that is well accepted by leading cigarette companies in Indonesia. The quality of tobacco produced not provided yet to increase the welfare of rural communities, because the marketing is still traditionally. Tobacco products have the opportunity to grow into a wider market, especially by utilizing technologies and communications. This study will examine Padarek Village's (as a case study in Indonesia) agricultural product development opportunities, especially tobacco in utilizing business opportunities in this disruption era. This study used LQ, shift-share, projection, surplus deficit, land suitability, and Analytical Hierarchy Process. To get information about the perceptions and aspirations of farmers, this study used the questionnaires and interviews. The result is a model of rural development in Padarek Village to improve the welfare of tobacco farmers and their rural communities.