Undergraduate students from the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics (Sosek) at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Class of 2022, successfully completed a Social and Economic Agricultural Assessment Practicum (PSEP) in Karangrejek Village, Wonosari Sub-district, Gunung Kidul Regency, from November 1-4, 2024. This practicum is part of a required course designed to deepen students’ understanding of rural farmers’ socio-economic conditions and identify issues within rural communities, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills for their future careers.
The practicum was led by course coordinator Mr. Muh Amat Natsir, S.P., M.Sc., alongside a team of practicum assistants led by Fuad Nurrahman, a 2021 student. Several other faculty members, including Prof. Dr. Ir. Irham, M.Sc., Ms. Any Suryantini, M.M., Ph.D., and Mr. Anung Pranyoto, S.P., M.P., visited the students at their host families’ homes in the village. Their presence provided students with valuable academic guidance, moral support, and ensured the practicum proceeded smoothly.
PSEP offers students an essential hands-on experience in data collection through interviews with farmers and local authorities, as well as observations of the village’s physical and socio-economic conditions. During the practicum, students conducted field surveys, gathering data on agricultural activities, social-economic structures, and specific challenges faced by the community. The practicum also serves as an introductory research exercise that helps students prepare for their undergraduate thesis.
Staying with local farming families during the practicum allowed students to foster close relationships with community members. This daily interaction provided students with not only academic skills but also the social skills necessary to communicate effectively and adapt to rural community settings. The practicum aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, which emphasize the importance of knowledge, skill development, and sustainable community interaction.
The smooth and successful implementation of this practicum reflects the commitment of the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics at UGM to providing students with relevant practical experience and developing graduates capable of understanding, responding to, and addressing socio-economic challenges in the agricultural sector.
Author: Adhika Hafizh Prasada, S.P.
Admin of the Website for the Department of Agricultural Socio-Economics, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM