Enhanching Farmer Group Management through Organizational Formation and Matrix Preparation in Rahabite Village, Toari District

Abstract

Farmers in Rahabite, Toari District, have historically operated individually, thereby encountering typical agricultural constraints, particularly diminished bargaining power in product marketing and limited access to information. The primary objective of this Community Service (PkM) activity was to facilitate the establishment of a functional and independent Farmers' Business Group (Kelompok Usaha Tani or KUT). The implementation method employed a structured participatory approach, aligned with a pre-designed activity matrix. The PkM stages comprised: (1) Preparation, involving observation, interviews, and coordination with village officials; (2) Implementation, encompassing socialization regarding the importance of collective action, facilitation of deliberations for KUT formation, board election, and the drafting of Articles of Association/Bylaws (AD/ART); and (3) Post-Implementation, consisting of initial mentoring and evaluation. The results demonstrated a 100% success rate based on established indicators: the establishment of KUT "Tani Mekar Jaya and Wanita Tani Naga," the election of a core management structure (Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer), and the ratification of the AD/ART as the operational foundation. Farmer participation in the deliberations reached 85%, exceeding the target of 70%. Theoretical analysis utilizing the Institutional Theory framework indicates that this PkM successfully triggered three isomorphism mechanisms: (1) Mimetic Isomorphism through the socialization of case studies; (2) Normative Isomorphism via the professional guidance of the PkM team; and (3) Coercive Isomorphism through the adoption of binding AD/ART. Conclusively, this activity successfully transformed a collection of individual farmers into a formal institutional entity prepared for operation.