The Food Accessibility of Fishermen's Households in Small and Outermost Islands with Social Network Analysis

Abstract

This study analyzes how social networks can connect and interact to strengthen food accessibility for poor households on Mapur Island, one of the small and outermost islands in Indonesia. Data collection used interviews with eighteen recipient households of the Family Hope Program (PKH) and Focus Group Discussions with eighteen key informants. Data were analyzed using R analysis and social network analysis. This study found that the level of access to food for PKH households and their social networks was very low and short. His dependence on rice assistance from the government and being in debt to ‘Patron’ became very strong. Of all identified communities, the same pattern was found, and a strong mutual relationship was with ‘Patron.’ The role of ‘Patron’ in the food access network is an intermediary and central role that connects many entities and activities to meet community needs. The interaction between the Regional Logistics Agency stopped at the liaison between the ‘Patron’ and the village government that distributed the assistance. The village food access network is very dependent on the network owned by ‘Patron.’ Government intervention through policies and strengthening food institutions can play a key role in helping to facilitate access to food needs on the island.