Muchdi Alwi

Strengthening Local Economic Growth Through Community Purchasing of Local Food Products: A Qualitative Study in Barru Regency

Introduction

Strengthening local economic growth through community purchasing of local food products: a qualitative study in barru regency. Boost local economy! This study analyzes how community purchasing of local food products strengthens growth in Barru Regency, exploring consumer behavior and policy for sustainable development.

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the role of community purchasing behavior toward local food products in strengthening local economic growth in Barru Regency. The research adopts a qualitative approach to gain an in-depth understanding of the economic motivations, preferences, and consumption patterns of the community. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation involving local consumers, small-scale producers, and relevant stakeholders. The data were analyzed using NVivo software to identify key themes and patterns related to purchasing behavior and its economic implications. The findings reveal that community purchasing of local food products is influenced by several economic factors, including price affordability, product accessibility, income level, and perceived value. In addition, non-economic factors such as cultural attachment, product trust, and local identity also play a significant role in shaping consumer decisions. The study further indicates that increased consumption of local food products contributes to strengthening local economic circulation, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and creating sustainable income opportunities for local producers. This research highlights the importance of integrating economic and socio-cultural strategies to encourage community participation in supporting local products. Policy recommendations include strengthening local product competitiveness, improving distribution channels, and enhancing public awareness to promote sustainable local economic development in Barru Regency.

Review

This study offers a timely and relevant exploration into the intricate relationship between community purchasing of local food products and local economic growth within Barru Regency. The adoption of a qualitative research design, encompassing in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation with a diverse set of local consumers, small-scale producers, and relevant stakeholders, is particularly well-suited for gaining a nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the motivations, preferences, and consumption patterns at play. The systematic analysis using NVivo software further underscores a rigorous approach to deciphering complex qualitative data, establishing a solid foundation for the study's findings. The research successfully uncovers a multi-faceted array of factors influencing community purchasing behavior toward local food products. It effectively distinguishes between economic determinants, such as price affordability, product accessibility, income level, and perceived value, and equally significant non-economic factors like cultural attachment, product trust, and local identity. Crucially, the study articulates the tangible economic benefits arising from increased local food consumption, specifically highlighting its contribution to strengthening local economic circulation, providing vital support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and fostering sustainable income opportunities for local producers. These findings provide empirical backing for the often-assumed, yet less frequently quantified, positive impacts of local purchasing initiatives. A significant strength of this research lies in its integrated perspective, emphasizing that socio-cultural strategies are as vital as economic ones in encouraging community participation and, ultimately, driving sustainable local economic development. The policy recommendations—focused on enhancing local product competitiveness, improving distribution channels, and boosting public awareness—are practical, actionable, and directly derived from the study's insights. While specific to Barru Regency, the nuanced understanding of both economic and non-economic drivers offers valuable transferable lessons for other regions seeking to leverage community consumption for economic resilience and growth. This study thus presents a robust analysis with clear implications for policymakers and practitioners engaged in regional planning and community development.

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