Abstract
Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: (1) Menganalisis dimensi ontologis dalam program pengembangan pertanian lahan kering di Kabupaten Bima, dengan fokus pada usahatani jagung di kawasan hutan, mencakup aspek biofisik, sosial-ekonomi, dan kelembagaan; (2) Mengkaji fenomena alih fungsi kawasan hutan menjadi lahan pertanian jagung beserta faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhinya; (3) Mengevaluasi keberlanjutan praktik penanaman jagung di kawasan hutan; dan (4) Menyusun solusi alternatif berbasis pendekatan sistemik dan partisipatif. Metode yang digunakan adalah kajian pustaka dengan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif dan analisis fenomena ontologis. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dimensi ontologis usahatani jagung di lahan kering melibatkan integrasi aspek ekologis, sosial, budaya, dan ekonomi, yang membentuk sistem pertanian kompleks berbasis lokal. Fenomena perluasan jagung ke kawasan hutan dipicu oleh keterbatasan lahan pertanian, kebijakan perhutanan sosial (HKm), insentif ekonomi jagung, serta lemahnya pemahaman petani terhadap regulasi dan konservasi. Keberlanjutan praktik ini dipengaruhi oleh lima faktor utama, yaitu: tekanan ekonomi, kelemahan tata kelola, perubahan nilai sosial budaya, ketimpangan adopsi teknologi, serta dampak perubahan iklim dan degradasi lahan. Untuk mengatasi dilema antara produksi dan konservasi, solusi yang diusulkan meliputi pengembangan sistem agroforestri, pertanian konservasi, teknologi ramah lingkungan, pendekatan partisipatif, serta diversifikasi mata pencaharian berbasis kearifan lokal. Dengan pendekatan ontologis yang holistik, penelitian ini berkontribusi pada perumusan strategi pengelolaan pertanian lahan kering yang adil secara ekologis, produktif, dan berkelanjutan. A Critical Study of Dryland Agriculture Development Program in Bima Regency from an Ontological Perspective (A Case Study of Maize Farming in Forest Areas) Abstract This study aims to: (1) Analyze the ontological dimensions within the dryland agriculture development program in Bima Regency, with a focus on maize farming in forest areas, covering biophysical, socio-economic, and institutional aspects; (2) Examine the phenomenon of forest land conversion into maize agricultural land and the influencing factors; (3) Evaluate the sustainability of maize cultivation practices in forest areas; and (4) Formulate alternative solutions based on systemic and participatory approaches. The research employed a literature review method combined with descriptive qualitative and ontological phenomenon analysis. Findings indicate that the ontological dimension of maize farming in dryland areas involves the integration of ecological, social, cultural, and economic aspects, forming a complex locally-based agricultural system. The expansion of maize into forest areas is driven by limited arable land, social forestry policies (HKm), maize-related economic incentives, and a lack of farmers’ understanding of regulation and conservation. The sustainability of this practice is influenced by five major factors: economic pressure, weak governance, shifts in socio-cultural values, disparities in technology adoption, and the impacts of climate change and land degradation. To address the dilemma between food production and environmental conservation, proposed solutions include the development of agroforestry systems, conservation agriculture, eco-friendly technologies, participatory approaches, and livelihood diversification rooted in local wisdom. Through a holistic ontological approach, this research contributes to the formulation of ecologically just, productive, and sustainable strategies for managing dryland agriculture.