Farmer Group Institutional Strengthening Strategies In Rice Farming (Case Study Of Farmer Group Lalang Tinting I Paenre Lompoe Village, Gantarang Sub-District Bulukumba District)

Farmer Institutions are organizations established and developed by farmers to strengthen and advocate for their interests. However, farmer groups are often less effective as learning platforms for farming activities, necessitating institutional strengthening. This study aims to identify internal and external factors and formulate strategies to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Lalang Tinting I Farmer Group in Paenre Lompoe Village, Gantarang District, Bulukumba Regency. This research adopts a qualitative approach with descriptive data analysis and purposive informant selection. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, involving 10 informants. The results indicate that internal factors consist of 7 strengths and 4 weaknesses, with a total score of 3.54, while external factors include 3 opportunities and 2 threats, with a total score of 3.28. Based on the IE matrix analysis, the Lalang Tinting I Farmer Group falls in quadrant I (Grow and Build strategies). The SWOT analysis produced four alternative strategies: SO, WO, ST, and WT. This study highlights the importance of institutional strengthening through optimizing strengths and opportunities, addressing weaknesses, and mitigating threats. Strengthening strategies are expected to enhance the capacity of farmer groups, foster collaboration, and support sustainable agriculture in the region