<![CDATA[This study aims to analyze the economic development impact pathway and economic mechanism of the Food Brigade Program in strengthening the farmer household economy in Pinrang Regency and formulate policy implications to strengthen the program's contribution to the farmer household economy. The research uses a qualitative approach with Impact Pathway Analysis and Process Tracing. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews, observations, and documentation studies of 15 informants consisting of program recipient farmers, non-recipient farmers as qualitative comparators, program managers, and agricultural extension workers. The data was analyzed in a descriptive qualitative manner by tracing the stages of change from program interventions, changes in farming practices, adjustments in household economic decisions, to strengthening the farmer household economy. The results of the study show that the Food Brigade Program contributes to strengthening the household economy through agricultural mechanization, group organization, and technical assistance that encourages changes in farming practices. The most consistent impact can be seen on the efficiency of farming businesses, especially time savings and reduction of labor needs in certain activities. These changes further affect labor allocation, cost structure, income strategies, and household risk management. Economic strengthening can also be seen from the ability to meet daily needs and some households have the ability to save, while income stability is still relative because it is influenced by seasonality, productivity, pests, production costs, and grain prices. Policy implications show the need to strengthen the mechanization ecosystem, group institutions, technical and economic assistance, as well as market access and integrated risk management so that the benefits of the program can be more sustainable at the farmer household level.]]>
