IDENTIFYING LEADING COMMODITIES FOR ACHIEVING RURAL ECONOMIC SUSTAINABILITY IN JANTHO TRANSMIGRATION AREA

Abstract

This study aims to identify and determine potential leading commodities in the Jantho Transmigration Area, Aceh Besar Regency, within the framework of sustainable agriculture, agroindustry, and food security entrepreneurship. The background of this study is the limitations of rice as the leading commodity, including challenges with irrigation infrastructure, low productivity, and the lack of integration of the value chain with the agroindustry sector. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative data from observation, interviews, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), along with quantitative analysis using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP). Research respondents included key stakeholders such as farmers, local governments, technical agencies, and local economic actors to evaluate alternative commodities based on agroecological, economic, and value chain structure. The study found that rice is limited in its ability to support sustainable economic development in the region. In contrast, plantation commodities, specifically candlenut, cocoa, and areca nut, demonstrate greater development potential due to suitable land, adaptability, and value addition opportunities. According to the AHP analysis, candlenut emerged as the priority leading commodity. Its strengths include strong agroclimatic suitability, steady market demand, and robust potential for local value chain development. The study concludes that developing candlenut will likely strengthen the rural economy by fostering agro-industrial processing and promoting local entrepreneurship.