ICT-based agricultural extension literacy and the needs for agriculture development and sustainability: a case study of rice farmer in Aceh

Abstract

In the current era of technological development, agricultural extension considers as one of the determinant factors for the smoothness and success of agriculture development and sustainability. This study aims to determine the literacy and the needs of lowland rice farmers towards agricultural extension using social media and its contributing factors. The study employs a questionnaire survey using simple random sampling of 48 farmers located in Kecamatan Delima, Pidie –one of the central paddy fields in the region. Data analysis used a descriptive approach and binary logistic regression analysis. The study finds that almost half of respondents had a high literacy, while 29.5 percent were moderate, and only 12.5 percent were low. Related to needs, about two-thirds of respondents stated the urgency of interest and need of using ICT-based media as a means for outreach as a medium of information, training, and satisfaction. Statistically, access to information and farmer age affect the need for information and satisfaction, while educational attributes influence the need for training. The employment of the current and latest technological media as a learning tool and diffusion of innovation is necessary for estimable and admirable alternative changing behavior in agricultural development.