Tunachism Farmers Become a Real Portrait of Land Loss Due to Structural Poverty and Urgent Economic Pressure in Mowila district, South Konawe

Muhammad Arsyad (Universitas Halu Oleo)
Peribadi (Universitas Halu Oleo)
La Patuju (Universitas Halu Oleo)

Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani (MUDIMA)
Vol. 5 No. 8 (2025): August 2025

This study examines the phenomenon of tunachism farmers in Mowila District, South Konawe, as a real portrait of land loss due to structural poverty and urgent economic pressure. With a qualitative approach and case study strategy, this study found that land loss is not only due to market mechanisms but is triggered by unequal power relations between the state, corporations, immigrant elites, and weak local institutional protections. Using access theory (Ribot & Peluso, 2003) and Paulo Freire's (1970) critical education approach, this study uncovers how farmers' access to land is restricted, while structural awareness and collective resistance have not been able to keep up with external dominance. The theoretical contribution of this research lies in the integration between access theory and critical education in explaining agrarian marginalization. In practical terms, the study emphasizes the importance of strengthening local institutions, peasant solidarity, and transformative agrarian policies to achieve agrarian justice and village socio-ecological resilience