<![CDATA[ABSTRACT The utilization of dryland areas in Nagekeo Regency is challenged by variations in biophysical conditions as well as differences in farmers’ adaptive capacities. This study examines land potential, suitable food crop options, farming feasibility, and development directions using a mixed methods approach with a sequential explanatory design. Data were collected through land surveys, farmer questionnaires, in-depth interviews, observations, and secondary data on climate, soil, production, and land utilization. The research areas were selected using purposive sampling, while farmer respondents were determined through proportional stratified random sampling; the number of respondents was not specified in the available research source. The analysis combined land suitability evaluation, R/C ratio, and SWOT analysis to examine the relationship between land capacity, farm profitability, and development needs. Sorghum and pigeon pea demonstrated strong adaptive potential in areas experiencing drought stress. Economically, maize recorded an R/C ratio of 1.42, sorghum 1.85, and legumes 1.30. These findings point toward a development strategy that integrates soil and water conservation, commodity diversification, increased post-harvest value addition, and strengthened farmer institutions. This approach offers opportunities to optimize dryland utilization while strengthening food security and the economic sustainability of Nagekeo farmers amid water constraints and production pressures on dryland areas. ABSTRAK Pemanfaatan lahan kering di Kabupaten Nagekeo menghadapi keragaman kondisi biofisik sekaligus perbedaan kemampuan petani dalam beradaptasi. Penelitian ini menelaah potensi lahan, pilihan komoditas pangan yang sesuai, kelayakan usaha tani, dan arah pengembangannya melalui pendekatan mixed methods dengan desain sequential explanatory. Data dikumpulkan melalui survei lahan, kuesioner petani, wawancara mendalam, observasi, dan data sekunder tentang iklim, tanah, produksi, serta pemanfaatan lahan. Wilayah penelitian dipilih secara purposive, sedangkan petani responden ditentukan dengan proportional stratified random sampling; jumlah responden tidak tercantum dalam sumber penelitian yang tersedia. Analisis memadukan evaluasi kesesuaian lahan, R/C ratio, dan SWOT untuk membaca keterkaitan antara kapasitas lahan, keuntungan usaha, dan kebutuhan pengembangan. Sorgum dan kacang gude memperlihatkan prospek adaptasi yang kuat pada wilayah yang mengalami cekaman kekeringan. Dari sisi ekonomi, jagung mencatat R/C ratio 1,42, sorgum 1,85, dan kacang-kacangan 1,30. Temuan tersebut mengarah pada strategi yang menempatkan konservasi tanah dan air, diversifikasi komoditas, peningkatan nilai tambah pascapanen, serta penguatan kelembagaan petani sebagai satu kesatuan. Pendekatan ini membuka peluang optimalisasi lahan kering sekaligus memperkuat ketahanan pangan dan keberlanjutan ekonomi petani Nagekeo dalam menghadapi keterbatasan air dan tekanan produksi pada lahan kering.]]>
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