The Role of Kinship Relations and the Internet in Knowledge Construction

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 113 views

Introduction

Kutambaru Village, Tiganderket District, Karo Regency, is renowned for its high-quality Salak Pondoh agricultural products. The village's salak pondoh farmers possess unique knowledge that continues to evolve with the progress of time and technology. This study aims to explore the construction and variations of knowledge among salak pondoh farmers, as well as the sources of knowledge they utilize.

The Dynamic Nature of Salak Pondoh Farmers' Knowledge

The knowledge possessed by salak pondoh farmers is not static; it develops through the process of transferring knowledge between farmers. The source of information obtained by farmers comes from various channels, such as family, professional friends, fertilizer shops, and personal experiences when farming. This process creates new dynamic knowledge, which continues to experience changes and variations.

The construction of knowledge among salak pondoh farmers is a continuous process that involves the adaptation and integration of new information. This process is facilitated by the farmers' ability to select and adjust the information they obtain from various sources to suit their needs. The trial and error process on their land allows them to refine their knowledge and achieve satisfactory results.

Research Methodology

The research method employed in this study is qualitative, with field data collection techniques used over a period of five months. The data collection techniques include direct observations and interviews, which are then summarized in field notes. Salak pondoh farmers become key informants, grouped based on land ownership and management and planting periods. In addition, community leaders and traders are also involved to explain the process of distribution of salak pondoh and the historical aspects of the village.

The Role of Kinship Relations and the Internet in Knowledge Construction

The results of this study show that kinship relations and the influence of the internet are important factors in the construction process of salak pondoh farmers' knowledge. Some farmers believe in the knowledge gained from relatives, while others rely on information from the internet that is considered more scientifically tested. This source of information is then selected and adjusted to the needs of each farmer, through the trial and error process on their land. Satisfactory results are maintained, while those that are not satisfactory are abandoned.

Diversity of Knowledge among Salak Pondoh Farmers

Interestingly, despite the same farmers, they can apply different techniques and methods on different land, taking into account the topographic conditions, the level of soil fertility, and the agroecological conditions of each land. This leads to the diversity of knowledge that is not only seen among farmers, but also in the practice applied by the same farmers in different land.

The Learning Process and Its Impact on Farmers' Knowledge

The learning process is constantly encouraging farmers to make improvements and adjustments to the knowledge they have. Therefore, the salak pondoh farmers in Kutambaru Village are continued to be demanded to be creative, modify, and adjust their knowledge to be in accordance with the challenges faced in the field.

Conclusion

This research provides a deeper understanding of how the knowledge of Pondoh salak farmers developed and varied. Through the process of collaboration and adaptation, farmers not only maintain tradition, but also integrate new knowledge that can increase their productivity. This is proof that knowledge in agriculture is a process that never stops, continues to grow, and is always relevant to the times.

Implications and Recommendations

By understanding the construction and variation of farmers' knowledge, we can appreciate their contribution to local food security and economy. The knowledge they have is not only beneficial for themselves, but also has a positive impact on the surrounding community and the environment.

Relevant Resources

Relevant resources can refer to scientific articles, books, and documents that discuss agronomy, local knowledge, and innovation in agriculture to enrich further understanding of this topic.

Future Research Directions

Future research can focus on exploring the impact of technology on the knowledge construction process among salak pondoh farmers. Additionally, studies can be conducted to investigate the role of extension services in facilitating the dissemination of new knowledge among farmers.

Limitations of the Study

This study has some limitations, including the small sample size and the limited scope of the research. Future studies can aim to address these limitations by increasing the sample size and exploring a broader range of topics related to salak pondoh farmers' knowledge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the construction and variations of knowledge among salak pondoh farmers in Kutambaru Village, Tiganderket District, Karo Regency. The findings of this study highlight the importance of kinship relations and the internet in the knowledge construction process among farmers. The study also emphasizes the need for farmers to be creative, modify, and adjust their knowledge to be in accordance with the challenges faced in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the significance of Salak Pondoh farmers' knowledge in Kutambaru Village?

A1: The knowledge possessed by Salak Pondoh farmers in Kutambaru Village is crucial for the village's agricultural productivity and local food security. Their unique knowledge and practices have been developed over time through the process of transferring knowledge between farmers.

Q2: How do Salak Pondoh farmers acquire new knowledge?

A2: Salak Pondoh farmers acquire new knowledge through various channels, including family, professional friends, fertilizer shops, and personal experiences when farming. They also rely on information from the internet, which is considered more scientifically tested.

Q3: What is the role of kinship relations in the knowledge construction process among Salak Pondoh farmers?

A3: Kinship relations play a significant role in the knowledge construction process among Salak Pondoh farmers. Some farmers believe in the knowledge gained from relatives, which is often passed down through generations.

Q4: How do Salak Pondoh farmers adapt to new knowledge and technologies?

A4: Salak Pondoh farmers adapt to new knowledge and technologies through the trial and error process on their land. They select and adjust the information they obtain from various sources to suit their needs and refine their knowledge.

Q5: What is the impact of the internet on Salak Pondoh farmers' knowledge?

A5: The internet has a significant impact on Salak Pondoh farmers' knowledge, providing them with access to scientifically tested information and new technologies. However, the farmers must select and adjust this information to suit their needs and local conditions.

Q6: How do Salak Pondoh farmers maintain their knowledge and practices?

A6: Salak Pondoh farmers maintain their knowledge and practices through a continuous learning process, which involves making improvements and adjustments to their knowledge. They are encouraged to be creative, modify, and adjust their knowledge to be in accordance with the challenges faced in the field.

Q7: What are the implications of this study for local food security and economy?

A7: The study highlights the importance of Salak Pondoh farmers' knowledge in maintaining local food security and economy. Their unique knowledge and practices have a positive impact on the surrounding community and the environment.

Q8: What are the future research directions for this study?

A8: Future research can focus on exploring the impact of technology on the knowledge construction process among Salak Pondoh farmers. Additionally, studies can be conducted to investigate the role of extension services in facilitating the dissemination of new knowledge among farmers.

Q9: What are the limitations of this study?

A9: This study has some limitations, including the small sample size and the limited scope of the research. Future studies can aim to address these limitations by increasing the sample size and exploring a broader range of topics related to Salak Pondoh farmers' knowledge.

Q10: What are the conclusions of this study?

A10: This study provides valuable insights into the construction and variations of knowledge among Salak Pondoh farmers in Kutambaru Village, Tiganderket District, Karo Regency. The findings of this study highlight the importance of kinship relations and the internet in the knowledge construction process among farmers.