Perception and innovativeness level of farmers on the integration system of rice and cattle farming

Abstract

Farmers’ perceptions of the disseminated technology influence the speed and rate of its adoption. The integration system of rice and cattle farming, named SITT, was developed to increase rice and beef production based on a zero-waste concept. Information on farmers’ perceptions of the SITT technology’s characteristics is needed to improve the technology. This study analyzed farmers’ perceptions of the SITT technology’s characteristics, social characteristics, economic capabilities, and innovativeness level. This research was carried out in October 2018 in Serdang Bedagai District, North Sumatra. Data were collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire to 40 farmers who applied the SITT technology and selected purposively. Data were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative descriptive methods. The result proved that, in general, the farmers’ perceptions of the SITT technology have a greater relative advantage, compatibility, trialability, observability, and less complexity. Most of the farmers are not involved in the farmer group’s management (94.9%). Farmers stated that the financing source for farming activities was their capital (55.0%). The level of farmers’ innovativeness concluded that 43.6% of farmers were in the late majority group. The acceleration of SITT technology needs to be carried out continuously with methods following the specifics of the location and the farmers’ level of innovation. This dissemination activity will provide assurance and trust to farmers in SITT technology to be applied in their farming activities to increase production, productivity, and profits.