Identity gaps and negotiations among layers of young farmers: Case study in Indonesia

Abstract

One of the fundamental problems at the source of youthful reluctance to join the agricultural sector is the issue of identity. Unrealistic and negative views toward agriculture, increasing levels of education, and the existence stimulating opportunities in non-agricultural sectors have resulted in a situation that makes youths question previous assumptions about succession farming. This article discusses the identity gaps experienced by six young Indonesian farmers in developing and maintaining coherent identities within the framework of the communication theory of identity. This theoretical framework is used to explore the identity gaps among the identity layers of these young farmers in the situations they face and to understand the way they seek validation for their identity through self-verification. With the explanation approach, this article focuses on a discussion of how young farmers overcome the tensions they experience arising out of conflicts between expectations and reality. These conflicts show that there are identity gaps that must be negotiated by the youths while building their self-identity as farmers.

An Agricultural Career through the Lens of Young People

“…Career choice is influenced by economic and social spillover effects. Those who aspire to work in off-farm-related livelihoods are more ambitious, particularly concerning education [45]. It is likely that off-farm-related livelihoods require specific educational qualifications, while agricultural employment is not usually seen as work for which specific training is necessary [46].…”

Farm Owners’ Perception toward Farmland Conversion: An Empirical Study from Indonesian Municipality

“…The declining number of young people in the agricultural sector creates issues in the regeneration and raises concerns about losing valuable skills and knowledge when the older and experienced people leave this sector (Koppert et al, 2015). The children of Indonesia's farming household are reluctant to be involved in agricultural activities (Hariadi & Widhiningsih, 2020;Santoso et al, 2017;Widiyanti et al, 2020). Indeed, the farm owners' children will inherit the farmland, yet it does not guarantee them also to become farm owners.…”

Young Farmers’ Entrepreneurship during the Covid-19 Pandemic

“…This small percentage is due to the shift in youth's interest in non-agricultural work. The low motivation, the youth's disinterest in becoming farmers (Nurlaela, 2021), and the identity crisis of young 2 AGRARIS: Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development Research farmers (Widiyanti, Karsidi, Wijaya, & Utari, 2020) are problems encountered by young farmers in Indonesia. Since the regeneration crisis continues, it obviously hamper agricultural development.…”