Haryono Haryono

Assessing the Contribution of Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Infrastructure, and Cooperative Development to Livelihood Improvement in Rural Indonesia

Introduction

Assessing the contribution of sustainable agriculture, rural infrastructure, and cooperative development to livelihood improvement in rural indonesia. This study quantifies sustainable agriculture, rural infrastructure, & cooperative development's impact on livelihoods in rural Indonesia. SEM-PLS reveals significant contributions, strongest from agriculture.

Abstract

This study investigates the contribution of sustainable agriculture, rural infrastructure, and cooperative development to livelihood improvement in rural Indonesia. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 255 rural respondents through a structured questionnaire measured on a five-point Likert scale. The analysis was conducted using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS 3). The descriptive findings indicate that all three constructs scored relatively high, with sustainable agriculture averaging 3.92, rural infrastructure 3.85, cooperative development 3.88, and livelihood improvement 3.95. Measurement model results confirm the reliability and validity of the instruments, with Cronbach’s alpha values exceeding 0.80, composite reliability above 0.85, and average variance extracted (AVE) surpassing the 0.50 threshold. Structural model results reveal that sustainable agriculture (β = 0.34, p < 0.01), rural infrastructure (β = 0.28, p < 0.05), and cooperative development (β = 0.26, p < 0.05) all significantly contribute to livelihood improvement. Among these, sustainable agriculture demonstrates the strongest effect, suggesting its critical role in ensuring food security, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience in rural communities. These findings highlight the importance of integrating sustainable farming practices, infrastructure expansion, and cooperative institutions as a comprehensive policy framework for rural development in Indonesia.

Review

This study addresses a highly relevant and critical issue: the nexus between sustainable agriculture, rural infrastructure, cooperative development, and livelihood improvement in rural Indonesia. The research employs a robust quantitative approach, utilizing Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) on data from 255 respondents, which is well-suited for establishing the hypothesized relationships. A significant strength of this work lies in its clear demonstration of the positive and statistically significant contributions of all three hypothesized factors—sustainable agriculture, rural infrastructure, and cooperative development—to livelihood improvement. The comprehensive reporting of measurement model results (Cronbach’s alpha, composite reliability, and AVE) further instills confidence in the reliability and validity of the instruments used. The findings are particularly insightful, highlighting sustainable agriculture as the strongest contributor, underscoring its pivotal role in multifaceted rural development, encompassing food security, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. The identification of rural infrastructure and cooperative development as significant factors also provides valuable empirical support for integrated policy interventions. The clear presentation of descriptive statistics for each construct further enhances the immediate understanding of the general perceptions or conditions within the surveyed population. This empirical evidence offers a strong foundation for policymakers aiming to formulate comprehensive strategies for sustainable rural development in Indonesia. While the abstract effectively communicates the study's core contributions and robust methodology, a full paper would benefit from elaborating on the specific mechanisms through which each factor exerts its influence on livelihood improvement, perhaps by discussing specific indicators or contextual nuances derived from the structured questionnaire. Furthermore, discussing potential limitations such as the cross-sectional nature of the data and its implications for causality, or exploring regional variations within Indonesia, could enrich the discussion. Nevertheless, this study makes a substantial contribution to the literature on rural development, offering actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners. It effectively advocates for an integrated approach to uplift rural communities, making it a valuable addition to the field.

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