Market Proximity Agrarian Solidarity and Forest Fringe Institutions Shaping Household Resilience in Rural Poverty Contexts

While poverty is often measured economically, its spatial dimension how location dictates survival strategies remains under-explored. This study analyzes how spatial context influences social interaction patterns among economically vulnerable households in Dampit Village, Malang Regency. A qualitative case study was conducted from June 1–28, 2024 , across five distinct neighborhood zones (Wards). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 purposively selected participants (5 key informants from vulnerable households and 5 village stakeholders) , participatory observation, and spatial mapping. Analysis utilized an inductive thematic approach triangulated with spatial data. Findings reveal that interaction patterns are spatially determined: (1) In market-proximate zones (West Dampit), interactions are transactional and driven by trade reciprocity; (2) In agrarian zones (Sumber Kembar), interactions rely on "harvest solidarity" and labor sharing; and (3) In forest-fringe areas (Ngelak), interactions are institutionalized through Forest Village Institutions (LDH) for land management. This study extends poverty research by demonstrating that "survival" is a place-based phenomenon. These findings serve as a vital place-based inquiry resource for geography education, specifically to teach concepts of spatial inequality and community resilience using local contextual examples.