Adaptive Strategy and Integration of Income Sources in The Financial Management of Fishermen's Households in Lanrisang Village, Regency Pinrang Faces Season Uncertainty

Abstract

Seasonal uncertainty poses significant challenges to fishing households by disrupting fishing activities and creating instability in household income. In response, fishing communities may rely on local resources and alternative economic activities to maintain their livelihoods. This study aimed to examine the adaptive strategies and financial management practices of fishing households in Sumpang Saddang in responding to seasonal uncertainty. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed. Data were collected through observation, unstructured interviews, literature review, and documentation. The study involved 11 informants, consisting of the Head of the Sumpang Saddang Neighbourhood and 10 heads of fishing households selected based on their ability to represent the conditions of local fishing communities. The findings revealed that fishing households adopted active and flexible adaptive strategies through business diversification and the utilisation of local resources, particularly fishponds, agriculture, and other economic activities. Household financial management involved combining income from fishing activities with earnings from alternative businesses to meet household needs when income from the sea was uncertain. Furthermore, the integration of fisheries and agrarian activities, including fishing, fish farming, agriculture, and other businesses, formed a local resource-based economic buffer system. This study highlights the importance of livelihood diversification and integrated resource utilisation in strengthening the economic resilience of fishing households. These findings provide practical insights for developing community-based livelihood programmes and local policies that support income stability and household resilience amid seasonal uncertainty.