Abstract
The integrated farmer field school program was implemented to empowered farmers with scientific knowledge, skills, positive attitudes and suitable technology. However, the impact of this program on farmer’s productivity has not been comprehensively investigated. Thus, this research examines the farmers’ participation in the learning process, technology transfer, adoption of new technology and productivity. This study was conducted in Kabupaten Maros, South Sulawesi, and the total sample size was 168 farmers who have participated in this program. A survey research questionnaire was distributed randomly to the participants from four selected villages after the program. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses were carried out on the data. The results showed that the integrated farmer field school program improved the farmers’ knowledge and that extension services were effective in transferring technological expertise. The empirical evidence showed that farmers who participate in the program have significantly increased in paddy productivity. This implies that program is useful to fill gaps in local knowledge with the dissemination and adoption of new agriculture technology. To further improve the farmer field school program, appropriate technological innovations should be identified and issues relating to farm quality and the availability of credits to enable farmers to purchase agricultural equipment and supplies should be addressed. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n4s3p126
Highlights
The World Bank (2008), estimates that more than 60 percent of rural households in Indonesia engaged in the agricultural sector
The agricultural sector was considered as a major supplier for an industrial raw materials, foods and engine for growth of other economic sectors (Sembiring & Abdulrahman 2008a; Tahlim & Wayan 2006)
The farmer field school was started at Indonesia in the 1980s as an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program (Mariyono 2007; Braun et al, 2004; Röling & Van de Fliert 1994)
Summary
The World Bank (2008), estimates that more than 60 percent of rural households in Indonesia engaged in the agricultural sector. The agricultural sector is become the core to food production, especially rice. The shortage of domestic rice supply caused prices surged (Ministry of Agriculture 2013a, World Bank 2015). Indonesia's rice production highly depends on 55.3% of small-scale farmers (average 0.89 hectare) (BPS 2013). The agricultural sector should be strengthened to improve the domestic food supply of and reducing rural poverty (Bappenas, 2010; FAO, 2015a; Harianto 2007; Harniati 2007; Southgate et al 2001). Rice productivity still can be improved (Adimiharja 2009) such as with optimizing the abilities of farmers and their families, natural resources, technology and socio-cultural environment (Mubyarto 2002; Darajati & Wahyuningsih 2008: FAO, 2015a). The ultimate goal of the adult learning process, especially among farmers is to free them from the shackles of poverty through improving their cognitive abilities and practical practices as well (FAO, 2015b; Freire 1989, 1994; Chambers 1996; Habermas 1971)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
