<![CDATA[The conversion of paddy fields is a critical issue in agricultural development as it directly reduces the availability of land for food production. Rote Ndao Regency, one of the regions with the largest paddy field areas in East Nusa Tenggara Province, has experienced a significant decrease in paddy field area over the past five years with much of the land converted for housing, small businesses, and public facilities. If the conversion of paddy fields for non-agricultural functions is not controlled, it will reduce the area of land available for food production. This study employed a quantitative research method. The research was conducted in Rote Ndao Regency using both primary and secondary data. The data were analyzed using multiple linear regression with the SPSS program to determine the influence of multiple independent variables on the dependent variable. The research findings show that 3,442 hectares of land in Rote Ndao Regency have been converted from paddy fields. These lands are no longer used for rice cultivation, but have been changed for other purposes. The results of the multiple linear regression analysis (T-test) indicate that each independent factor has a significant effect on land conversion. The factors causing the conversion of paddy fields in Rote Ndao Regency are: population growth (X1), growth of household-scale industries (X2), household income (X3), location of paddy fields (X4), and productivity of paddy fields (X5). To support food security programs, the government is recommended to tighten land conversion permits from agricultural to non-agricultural use. Additionally, the government should consider providing agricultural extension services to farmers to encourage the productive and sustainable use of existing agricultural land.]]>
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