THE ROLE OF FARMER GROUP MEMBERSHIP IN LINKING SOCIAL CAPITAL TO SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION: EVIDENCE FROM COFFEE GROWERS IN LAMPUNG, INDONESIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18623/rvd.v23.6165Keywords:
Sustainable Coffee Production, Membership Group, Coffee FarmersAbstract
This study examines how farmer group membership (POKTAN) moderates the relationship between multidimensional social capital and the adoption of sustainable practices among coffee growers in Lampung, Indonesia. Using a cross-sectional survey of 210 smallholder farmers (105 members and 105 non-members) in Tanjung Raja and SEM analysis with SmartPLS, social networks, trust, and norms were evaluated. Results show that membership transforms rather than uniformly strengthens social capital: social networks are the strongest driver for members (path=0.576, p<0.001) versus non-members (0.278); social norms act universally, with slightly stronger effects for non-members (0.402 vs. 0.358); trust significantly influences only non-members (0.263, p<0.01), being non-significant and negative for members (-0.145), suggesting a shift toward institutional dependency. Discriminant validity issues (HTMT>1.0) indicate dimensional overlap among members. In conclusion, POKTAN membership converts informal networks into structured resources, highlighting the need for improved group governance and inclusive extension strategies to maximize social capital's impact on sustainable coffee production.
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