With a qualitative approach, this study intends to describe in depth the socio-cultural background and challenges of agriculture in Southwest Sumba Regency (SBD) which cause the problem of high levels of poverty in the area despite having a wealth of great agricultural potential. This research found that the world of SBD agriculture faces challenges in the form of a high level of agricultural vulnerability and not optimal management of agricultural potential. These two challenges are difficult to overcome due to the lack of farming capital caused by debt bondage due to high-cost customary practices and the characteristics of subsistence farmers. On the other hand, the trade-oriented model of commercial farming of SBD while not leaving cultural values and local knowledge has been proven to be able to overcome the challenges of agricultural vulnerability and not optimal management of SBD agricultural potential.

Employing a qualitative approach, this study attempts a critical investigation into the Kebijakan Revolusi Pertanian, ie. The Revolutionary Agricultural Policy, as it was developed by the Regional Government of South-western Sumba. During the years 2014-2019 it aimed to raise the agricultural economy, and thereby overcome the problem of poverty. The data for this research was procured through personal observation and deep interviews with sources such as key informants within the regional environment. These were reinforced with a number of planning documents and executive programs which comprise a secondary resource. The analysis of the Policy is done taking into account the relevant political, economic, technological and social aspects (PETS  analysis), as well the innovations occurring during the course of  this Policy. This study will demonstrate that the Policy has been, at least till now, incapable of having a significant impact on the agricultural economy, or the efforts to overcome poverty. The causes of this failure is the antagonism between the characteristics of the subsistence society found there and the weak institutional application of the policies employed.