The Mental Attitude of Farmers and the Lack of Interest of Gen-Z in Food Crop Farming in Beru-Beru Village, Kalukku District, Mamuju, West Sulawesi in 2025

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FORMOSA NEWS

Cultivating the Future: Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Farming and Gen-Z Aspirations in West Sulawesi

New research led by Siti Nur Syam Ismaniza A. and a team from Universitas Muhammadiyah Mamuju reveals a significant generational divide in the agricultural heartland of Beru-Beru Village, West Sulawesi. Conducted in 2025 and published in the International Journal of Contemporary Sciences in early 2026, the study examines why the younger generation, known as Gen-Z, is increasingly hesitant to enter the food crop farming sector despite the positive outlook of veteran farmers. As global food security becomes a mounting concern, understanding these local dynamics is essential for ensuring the sustainability of essential food production.

The Rising Challenge of Farmer Regeneration

Agriculture serves as the backbone of society, yet it faces a quiet crisis: the aging of the workforce. In regions like Beru-Beru Village, the primary labor force in the fields is now dominated by individuals aged 50 and older. This trend suggests a looming shortage of successors for the agricultural sector.

The decline in interest among Gen-Z is driven by more than just a preference for modern lifestyles. There is a growing perception that farming is a low-paying, high-risk profession that lacks the prestige of industrial or office-based roles. With income levels in the agricultural sector often failing to meet basic living needs, many young people are migrating toward sectors that offer higher salaries and more stable career paths.

Research Methodology

To understand this disconnect, Siti Nur Syam Ismaniza A. and her colleagues at Universitas Muhammadiyah Mamuju utilized a qualitative research approach. The team conducted intensive data collection in Beru-Beru Village, Kalukku District, during May 2025.

The researchers gathered primary data through detailed interviews and questionnaires involving five active farmers and five Gen-Z residents. By using inductive analysis, the study aimed to move beyond mere statistics to capture the deep-seated mental attitudes and personal motivations of both generations.

Key Findings: A Tale of Two Generations

The study highlights a stark contrast between the "mental attitude" of established farmers and the pragmatic concerns of the youth.

• Resilient Veterans: Active farmers in Beru-Beru Village maintain a remarkably positive outlook. They view farming as a core part of their cultural identity and take pride in their ability to adapt to climate changes and pest challenges.
• Willing but Hindered Youth: Contrary to the stereotype that Gen-Z simply dislikes hard work, four out of five young respondents expressed a genuine interest in agriculture. They recognize that food will always be a fundamental necessity.
• Structural Barriers: The "lack of interest" is often actually a "lack of means". Gen-Z respondents identified limited capital to buy seeds and fertilizer, lack of access to land, and a shortage of technical training as their primary obstacles.
• Technological Optimism: Both generations showed a strong interest in adopting new agricultural technologies. Gen-Z respondents specifically noted that modern technology could make farming more efficient and less "outdated".

Implications for Policy and Industry

The findings from Universitas Muhammadiyah Mamuju suggest that the "gap" in the agricultural sector is not insurmountable, but it requires strategic intervention. To bridge this divide, the researchers recommend:

1. Modernization: Introducing agricultural technology is vital to attract a generation that values innovation and efficiency.
2. Financial Support: Facilitating access to financing and affordable resources, such as superior seeds, is necessary for young entrepreneurs starting out.
3. Educational Initiatives: Training and guidance tailored to Gen-Z can help them see agriculture as a prospective, high-tech career choice rather than a last resort.

As noted by the research team, creating an attractive agricultural atmosphere is a shared responsibility between the government, educational institutions, and society. Without these steps, the sustainability of national food security and the regeneration of the farming workforce remain at risk.

Expert Insight

According to Siti Nur Syam Ismaniza A. and the research team from Universitas Muhammadiyah Mamuju, the future of the sector depends on shifting perceptions:

"Strategic interventions from various stakeholders are needed to create a more innovative, efficient, and attractive agricultural sector for Gen-Z, in order to ensure the sustainability of agriculture in the future".

Author Profile

Siti Nur Syam Ismaniza A. is a researcher and academic affiliated with Universitas Muhammadiyah Mamuju. Her expertise lies in the intersection of rural sociology and agricultural development, with a specific focus on the mental attitudes of rural communities and the socio-economic factors influencing youth participation in the primary sector.

Source Information

Article Title: The Mental Attitude of Farmers and the Lack of Interest of Gen-Z in Food Crop Farming in Beru-Beru Village, Kalukku District, Mamuju, West Sulawesi in 2025
Journal Name: International Journal of Contemporary Sciences (IJCS)
Publication Year: 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/1twkze96
URL Jurnal: https://journalijcs.my.id/index.php/ijcs