SOCIO-ECONOMIC STUDY OF SEAWEED FARMERS (Chlorophyta) IN SEJOLI VILLAGE, MOUTONG DISTRICT, PARIGI MOUTONG REGENCY

Abstract

Seaweed cultivation is a fisheries subsector with high economic value and plays an important role in improving the welfare of coastal communities. Sejoli Village, Moutong District, Parigi Moutong Regency has great potential in developing Chlorophyta seaweed, but faces obstacles such as limited capital, simple cultivation technology, and weak communication between farmers. This study aims to determine seaweed farmers' social and economic conditions in Sejoli Village. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with 25 respondents, selected based on the criteria of active farmers. Data were obtained through observation, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation, then analyzed descriptively. The results show that socially, the majority of farmers are of productive age (21–50 years), predominantly male (92%), have basic education, and have strong social interactions through cooperation activities and farmer groups. Economically, business capital ranges from IDR 4,000,000 to IDR 20,000,000 per planting season, total production costs IDR 101,160,000, total revenue IDR 197,405,000, and net income IDR 96,245,000 per cycle.