Moral Economics and Survival Strategies of the Upland Rice Farmers

his study aimed at exploring the socio�economic condition of upland rice farmers in two locations,
namely Waeperang and Miskoko villages of Buru Regency,
Maluku, describing their work as well as the supporting of
the local culture of the community towards the
sustainability of their daily life. This study employed
qualitative approach using the phenomenology design
which is described descriptively based on Miles
&Huberman’s model. The results show that the condition
of rice farmers continued to survive due to the support of
their traditions which led to having lower production costs
compared with other plant species. The strategy used by
farmers to meet their shortage of life needs is to do other
jobs around the environment such as the fishermen and as
the eucalyptus oil workers. Economic morals become
safeguards and balances in every agricultural activity.
Generally, the cultural characteristics of these two
locations are the same but different in some conditions that
are on the issue of the belief that dominates the actions of
each community group. The implications of the study can
be a reference policy for the local and central government
in increasing the production of upland rice and food
security efforts to improve the livelihood of the upland rice
farmers.