An integrated socio-economic and environmental assessment of seaweed cultivation in Bone Regency, Indonesia

Abstract

Seaweed cultivation is one of the leading coastal economic activities in Indonesia, particularly in Bone Regency in South Sulawesi. This study aims to (1) analyze the socio-economic characteristics of seaweed farmers in Bone Regency, (2) measure the productivity of seaweed farming enterprises across various classifications of aquatic environments (river estuaries, around mangroves, midwaters, and open sea), and (3) formulate a seaweed farming management model that is suited to the socio-economic conditions of the community and local aquatic characteristics. The research was conducted in three key seaweed production sub-districts: Awangpone, Sibulue, and Tanete Riattang Timur. Data collection was carried out through a socioeconomic survey involving 204 farmer respondents and field observations over a cultivation cycle of 45 days (August–October 2025). Data analysis included quantitative descriptive analysis, productivity analysis (absolute growth and specific growth rate [SGR]), multiple linear regression analysis, and strengths·weaknesses·opportunities·threats (SWOT) analysis combined with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method to determine the strategic priorities. The results indicate that most seaweed farmers in Bone Regency are of productive age but have relatively low levels of education, limited financial capital, and weak or underdeveloped farmer-group institutions. Education significantly and positively affected productivity, whereas age, farming experience, number of dependents, extension counseling, and cultivation location were not statistically significant. In terms of productivity, offshore locations yielded the highest absolute growth and SGR, while estuaries and mangrove areas were relatively lower. NO3− and PO4³− contents had a significant positive effect, while CO2 had a negative effect on productivity. The SWOT analysis places Bone Regency in quadrant I (aggressive), with the strengths–opportunities (SO) strategy as the top priority. The AHP analysis confirmed that the SO strategy had the highest weight (0.34), followed by weaknesses–opportunities (WO; 0.28), strengths–threats (ST; 0.22), and weaknesses–threats (WT; 0.16). The recommended management model is an integrative model based on the SO strategy, which combines socio-economic factors (education, capital, institutions, and human resources) with aquatic biophysical factors (nutrients and location quality).

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