Motivasi dan Persepsi Pedagang Tahu Bulat sebagai Sumber Pendapatan

Abstract

Tofu ball business is a form of micro-scale downstream agribusiness that has grown rapidly in urban areas and serves as an alternative livelihood for the community. This study aims to describe the motivation and perception of tofu ball traders toward their business as a source of income. The research was conducted in an urban area with 12 respondents selected using a saturated sampling technique. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations, and then analyzed using descriptive quantitative analysis with a five-point Likert scale. The results show that the characteristics of the traders were: most were aged 30-40 years, with a high school education level, and had been trading for >3 years.   The traders’ motivation was in the very high category, with social motivation as the dominant factor, especially related to not requiring higher education, flexible working hours, and the influence of family or the environment. The perception of traders was in the high category, especially on the aspect of sustainability with the belief that they could still survive and continue to run in the long term, even though traders were aware of business risks such as competition. Overall, the tofu ball business is perceived as a feasible and sustainable downstream agribusiness activity and an important livelihood option for urban micro-entrepreneurs.