Agricultural Extension Workers Research Articles

FAKTOR-FAKTOR INTERNAL DAN EKTERNAL YANG MEMPENGARUHI KINERJA PENYULUH PERTANIAN DI KABUPATEN SUMEDANG (Suatu kasus di Kabupaten Sumedang)

ABSTRACTThis research was conducted in Sumedang Regency. This study aims to determine the internal and external factors that affect the performance of agricultural extension agents in Sumedang Regency.The method used in this research is the survey method (quantitative) with a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches. Sampling was carried out by means of probability simple random sampling and there were 88 agricultural extension workers. The collected data were analyzed using SEM (Structural Equation Models) analysis. The results showed that:1). Simultaneously, internal and external factors have an effect on the performance of agricultural extension workers. It can be seen from the structural model (t-values) that internal factors (X1) are 2.45 and external factors (X2) are 2.59 which means X1 and X2 is greater than t-table 1.96.2). Internally, internal factors have no effect on the performance of agricultural instructors, seen from the t-hiting is smaller than t-table (1.01 1.96)3). Varially, external factors have an influence on the performance of agricultural extension workers, seen from the t-count is greater than the t-table (3.37 1.96).

MOTIVATION OF FARMERS IN CULTIVATION OF PLANTS (Pogostemon cablin Benth) IN TIWORO VILLAGE, TIWORO DISTRICT, WEST MUNA DISTRICT

This studied aimed to determine: (1) the motivation of farmers in cultivating patchouli; and (2) factors that motivate farmers with the motivation of farmers in cultivating patchouli; and (3) the relationship between the factors that motivate farmers and the motivation of farmers in cultivating patchouli in Tiworo Village, Tiworo Islands District, West Muna Regency. This research was conducted in Tiworo Village, Tiworo Islands District, Muna Regency. The research respondents were 32 who were determined by census, namely taking the entire population, namely farmers who cultivate patchouli plants. The analysis in this research is by using Spearman Rank Correlation Analysis. The results showed that: (1) the motivation of farmers in cultivating patchouli was categorized as high; and (2) the factors that were significantly related to the motivation of farmers were capital, the availability of production facilities, the availability of technological facilities, the recommendation of agricultural extension workers and the market, while the factors that were not significantly related to the motivation of farmers in cultivating patchouli plants were the recommendations of friends or neighbors.

Capacity Building and Empowerment of Communities Through Development of Irrigation Schemes in Kenya

The goal of this study was to explore the effect of Irrigations Schemes Development (as rooted in; Vision 2030, Kenya Big Four Agenda, ASTGS and National Irrigation Authority Strategic Plan 2019-2023) on capacity building and empowerment of communities. Specifically, the study sought to access the effect of irrigation scheme development on; Education and Training, Clean Water and Sanitation, Youth Access to Funds, Housing Type, Food Security, Job Diversity, Access to Health Care Services, Changing Demand, Irrigation Orientation and Water Harvest. Descriptive design was used as a road map of the study. A sample size of 395 respondents was drawn from a target population of 35,041 households living around the irrigation scheme in Mara Region, Tharaka-Nithi County-Kenya, subjected to a 95% confidence level. Convenience sampling was adopted to drum up participants. Primary data was collected using interview method. A semi-structured interview guide with Likert scale rating was used as a checklist. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the data. Study results indicated that Development of Irrigation Schemes contributed to capacity building and empowerment of Kenyan communities by; facilitating access to clean water and sanitation within homesteads (77%) enabling sufficient food and balanced diet throughout the year (197; 56%). Statistically, the study showed that infrastructure was significantly associated with capacity building (ρ=0.03). In addition, the irrigation scheme improved the lifestyle of the locals through access to health care services and comfortable housing. From the income earned from farming, out of 395, only 105 (30%) and 47 (12%) could afford to educate their families to secondary and tertiary level respectively. According to the study, an acre of irrigated land employees an average of eight people on a full-time basis. The study highlighted challenges in water storage and maintenance which can be addressed by involving Kenyan government agencies, County government agencies, the private sector and other stakeholders in the development and provision of sufficient water storage facilities. From the results finding there is need for comprehensive research within the irrigation scheme through agricultural research and development to address the concerns of the future effects of chemical use on the health of the locals. The study recommends that local authorities renew the engagement of agricultural extension workers. Additionally, to counter the bargaining power of middlemen, farmer welfare organizational structures should be operationalized.

Successful reintroduction of landrace orange maize in rural Malawi is not related to the nutritional knowledge of women in farming families

Vitamin A deficiency is a global health challenge, particularly in the developing world. Diet based approaches, using locally available foods, are recommended for providing long term, sustainable solutions. The ProFarmer project, initiated in Malawi, encouraged local farmers to re-adopt landrace crop varieties. Orange maize was used as a case study. Over time, reintroducing this carotenoid-rich crop is predicted to increase provitamin A content in the Malawian diet. Furthermore, it is considered a relatively simple, cost-effective approach that has the potential to reduce dependence on food fortification. This study was aimed at evaluating the impact of the reintroduction of landrace orange maize on nutrition knowledge, attitudes and behaviours (KAB) in women of farming families that currently cultivate the crop. Women were selected, as they are largely responsible for food preparation and providing healthy foods for their families. Additionally, the overall diet adequacy in women living in rural Malawi was assessed. A total of 336 females took part in the cross-sectional study. Before the study, the participating farming families underwent a training program run by local Agriculture Extension workers prior to receiving seeds for cultivation. The training included an explanation of the rationale behind reintroducing landrace maize and nutrition education regarding the health aspects of providing provitamin A through locally grown foods. Families that had recently joined the project and families that had already harvested the crop in previous years were included in the study sample. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to determine KAB regarding orange maize. Diet quality was also assessed using the FAO Minimum Dietary Diversity questionnaire (MDD-W) designed for women. Independent t-tests and Chi-square tests were performed where appropriate. Positive attitudes towards growing and consuming landrace orange maize were recorded. However, only 32% of the women understood the nutritional benefits. Dietary Diversity scores, a proxy for nutrient adequacy, were low with only 34% of women consuming a sufficiently diverse diet. Despite low levels of nutritional knowledge, landrace orange maize was well accepted by families in rural Malawi and presents an affordable, sustainable option for increasing dietary sources of provitamin A. Nutrition education emphasizing the advantages of eating orange maize and expanding diet diversity is recommended in Malawi. Key words: landrace orange maize, Vitamin A, nutrition knowledge, Malawi, carotenoids, diet diversity, women, sustainability

Hopes and challenges: Globalization for sustainable development of communication technology and innovation dimensions in Batu City

“Realizing the future we want for all” is a report on the PPB conference as part of the post-2015 development agenda or known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This means that the SDGs targets concerning human, welfare, peace and partnership as well as earth aspects we must make it real. Then the question is what about Indonesia? This development will affect, who? Inayatullah is a development expert, whose concept is popular as sustainable development that is environmentally friendly and insightful. The world and Indonesia are currently in the era of industry 4.0 all forms of activity are relating to new media, development communication and communication technology; this is where they can meet. This research is a descriptive analysis using Globalization theory, which has a constructivist worldview, highlighting sustainable development, human-centered, has a long-term vision; it involves the role of the Government and the participation of the people of Batu City, East Java in the digital era. The author in collecting data using observation and in-depth interviews. The researcher conducted in-depth interviews toward agents of change ranging from managers of economic resources engaged in agriculture with the mandate of millennial farmers(millennial farmers ambassadors), professional non-government agricultural extension workers, Community Information Group/Kelompok Informasi Masyarakat (KIM) to the religious institutions Islamic boarding schools in Batu City. The Public Communication Information/Informasi Komunikasi Publik (IKP) Batu City Government as a development agency. The results obtained from this study are human-centered development, believing that every member of the community is able to contribute to the progress of the nation as human nature who has the ability to think, be passionate and be creative. Technology, as the result of human innovation, is capable of determining the development of civilization in society. The role of the Government in encouraging the acceleration of development that is convergent, complementary, and coherent in planning policies to address inequality. The conclusion of this study is the government's efforts to re-construct development in order to mobilize the noble ideals of development and the spirit of mutual cooperation from the community as agents of change.

KINERJA PENYULUH PERTANIAN DALAM MENDUKUNG PERTANIAN RAMAH LINGKUNGAN DI DESA BONTOMANAI KECAMATAN BANGKALA KABUPATEN JENEPOTO

This study aims to determine the performance of extension workers in supporting environmentally friendly agriculture in Bontomanai Village, Bangkala District, Jeneponto Regency. This research was conducted in June- August 2022. The sampling technique was chosen at random simple random sampling, namely a sample taken of 10% or as many as 20 farmers. The data analysis used in this study was a likert scale analysis. The results showed that the performance of agricultural extension workers in supporting environmentally friendly agriculture was: a) the preparation of the main activities of environmentally friendly agricultural extension workers 83.67% with excellent descriptions, b) Compiling periodic meeting schedules in environmentally friendly agriculture 71.33% with good descriptions, c) Develop the establishment of natural agricultural institutions at the farmer level 76% with good descriptions and d) Facilitate the development of farmer information media related to environmentally friendly agriculture to disseminate agricultural extension information 80.33% with excellent descriptions so that the average used in measuring the performance of agricultural extension workers in supporting environmentally friendly agriculture in Bontomanai Village, Bangkala District, Jeneponto Regency is 77.83 with good descriptions.

Effectiveness of Agricultural Extension Communication of Spinach Farming

This study aimed to analyze Agricultural Extension Communications' effectiveness in Spinach Farming in Kasturi Farmer Groups in Pulo Jantan Village, Na IX-X District. This study was conducted on a Kasturi farmer group in Pulo Jantan Village, NA IX-X District, Labuhanbatu Utara Regency. The research location was determined intentionally (purposively), considering that the farmer group was classified as active in extension activities. The method used to collect data is using interview techniques using prepared questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using descriptive analysis to get a clearer picture and detail about a situation based on the information obtained, collected, classified, and interpreted to get the information necessary to analyze the existing problems. The result is that communication of agricultural extension workers in spinach farming in the Kasturi farmer group in Pulo Jantan Village, Na IX-X District, is categorized as effective. This is seen from the percentage of 3 aspects, namely cognitive, affective and conative, in the effective category. The most practical aspect of counseling communication is the cognitive aspect, with the highest percentage of effective categories. It is better if agricultural extension workers can adapt the material presented according to the problems farmers face.

Despite the Insufficiency of Extension Workers, Farmer Satisfaction with Extension Worker Performance Remains High

Insufficient agricultural extension workers emerge in Indonesia to meet the demand for agricultural extension workers in the field. The COVID-19 outbreak has worsened the situation because extension workers lack proper guidance. This study aimed to determine how satisfied farmers are with the performance of agricultural extension workers. The case study was carried out at the Purwadadi District Agricultural Extension Center in the Ciamis Regency of West Java, Indonesia. The performance of extension workers was assessed using Importance Performance Analysis (IPA) and the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI). According to the findings of the study, the relevance of the characteristics tangible, reliability, alertness, assurance, and empathy falls under the category of extremely vital. In terms of tangible, responsiveness, and assurance, as well as empathy and reliability, the farmers reported that the performance of agricultural workers remained outstanding. Additionally, the farmers were satisfied with the overall performance of the agricultural extension workers. The extension workers' abilities to guide the farmers' learning process with precision and clarity, as well as their understanding of field challenges, must be improved.

PERFORMANCE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION IN ACEH BESAR DISTRICT, ACEH PROVINCE, INDONESIA

This study’s objective is to ascertain how big the level of performance of agricultural instructors, and what are the factors that influence their performance. This research was conducted in Aceh Besar District. The number of samples is 28 people. The method used is descriptive qualitative method and multinomial logistic regression. The results showed that the level of performance of agricultural extension workers at a very perfect level was proven by several activities from the preparation of agricultural extension, extension workers who were in the medium category tended to be high in carrying out extension activities, evaluating and compiling reports on the results of extension activities. By using nine variables (x) in the simultaneous test, the value of the intercept only final variable sig value is 0.000, which means that the independent variable statistically significantly affects the dependent variable because the P-value <α(0.00 < 0.05). For the independent variables that affect the dependent variable, namely Xi1 Age, Xi4 Distance of residence, Xi5 Ownership of communication media, Xii1 Training, Xii2 Affordability of work area, Xii3 Availability of facilities and infrastructure, Xii4 Level of active participation of farmers. The seven independent variables have a significant influence on the independent variables.

HUBUNGAN MODAL SOSIAL PENYULUH PERTANIAN DENGAN KAPASITAS PETANI DALAM BERUSAHTANI SAYURAN DI KECAMATAN WUA-WUA KOTA KENDARI

This research is motivated by weakened social capital which has an impact on farmer capacity due to the pandemic which has caused a lack of relations between extension agents and farmers. This research aims to determine the social capital of extension workers and to determine the capacity of vegetable farmers. The location determination was deliberately made because this sub-district has areas with various vegetable commodities and there are quite active agricultural extension workers. The population in this study were 219 farmers and a sample of 14% so that the sample in this study was 31 respondents. This type of research is descriptive quantitative. Data analysis used class intervals and routine scales (value scales). The results showed that the extensionist's social capital, namely trust, norms and networks, was in the high category and the farmer's capacity in vegetable farming as indicated by knowledge, attitudes and skills was in the high category. Keywords: Social Capital, Farmer Capacity, Vegetable Farming

Digitalisasi Penyuluhan Pertanian di Era New Normal

The agricultural sector was the least affected sector during the COVID-19 pandemic. While other sectors experienced negative growth, only the agricultural sector had positive growth. The COVID-19 pandemic is the driving force behind the digitalization of agricultural extension and a solution when conventional extension services cannot be implemented. In addition, other factors are the development of information and communication technology, the industrial revolution 4.0, the importance of connectivity and the decreasing number of agricultural extension workers. The purpose of this study is to determine the factors that accelerate the digitization of agricultural extension and identify steps to realize the implementation of digitalization of agricultural extension in the new normal era. This research was conducted in Kudus Regency using qualitative methods. The approach used in this research is descriptive. The condition of agricultural extension before and after the COVID-19 pandemic is that there are fewer young farmers, there are still few farmers who have information and communication technology devices and farmers' access to digital technology is still small. Therefore, the efforts that need to be made towards digitizing agricultural extension in the new normal era are: (1) developing the competence of agricultural extension workers in digitizing extension, (2) increasing the capacity of farmers, especially farmer group administrators and Gapoktan to information technology, (3) increasing farmer access towards mass media and information and communication technology, (4) creating mechanisms and systems that allow the digital transformation process from agricultural extension to poktan/gapoktan administrators and farmers to take place properly and (5) increasing the role of farmer organizations.

Tingkat Kepuasan Petani Jagung Terhadap Kinerja Penyuluh Pertanian Di Desa Marobea Kecamatan Saweriga Di Kabupaten Muna Barat

This studied aim to determined the performance of agricultural instructors and the level of farmer satisfaction with the performance of agricultural extension workers in Marobea Village, Sawerigadi District, West Muna Regency. The location selection was done purposively by considering that Marobea Village is one of the corn center villages in West Muna. Data analysis in this study used quantitative analysis. The time of the research was carried out in June-July 2022 with a total of 27 respondents. The results showed that the performance of the instructor was categorized as quite good and the level of farmer satisfaction with the performance of the extension worker was categorized as satisfactory.

Unraveling heterogeneity in farmer's adoption of mobile phone technologies: A systematic review

Adoption and usage of mobile phones enable information and knowledge flows among value chain players, including farmers, and therefore contribute to improved efficiency. To ensure the successful implementation of MPTs in agriculture, farmers should embrace them. We present a systematic review of determinants, constraints, methods, indicators, and measures of MPT adoption among farmers and a methodological quality assessment of the included studies. Findings from 53 studies showed significant heterogeneity in research. Most studies targeted developing regions in Africa and Asia and only a few in developed countries. Although studies mainly focused on MPT adoption, they varied significantly in the outcome indicators assessed and their measurement. This heterogeneity in the conceptualization and measurement of adoption indicators underscores the need for standardized approaches in future studies. There is also sub-optimal use of established psychological-behavioral theories to underpin MPT adoption.Cross-sectional designs and quantitative approaches dominate the research landscape. Concerning farmers' MPT adoption, key drivers were education, age, gender, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, perceived cost, performance and effort expectancy, attitude, skills, and knowledge. Factors such as mobile phone cost, inadequate infrastructure, and language barrier constitute major hurdles constraining farmers' adoption of MPT in developing countries. The generally low quality of the reviewed studies suggests that future studies should invest in transparently providing their study objectives, methods, and interpretation of the findings. This systematic review contributes to a better understanding of farmers' MPT adoption drivers and suggests areas for future research. It provides relevant information to policy-makers, public and private sector agencies, mobile phone companies and app developers, researchers, agricultural extension workers, academicians, and other stakeholders when designing and implementing policies for MPT adoption in agriculture.

RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM INFORMASI KEPUASAN PETANI TERHADAP KINERJA PENYULUH PERTANIAN BERBASIS WEBSITE DI BALAI PENYULUHAN PERTANIAN SITUBONDO

Agricultural extension plays a very important role in agricultural development. The availability of extension workers in a village does not guarantee that they can provide the same results because it depends on how the extension workers can provide satisfaction to farmers with the resulting performance. The purpose of this research is to produce an information system of farmer satisfaction on the performance of agricultural extension workers based on the website. The research was conducted at the Agricultural Extension Center - Department of Agriculture and Food Security, Situbondo. The research method used in this study was the Research and Development method. Data were collected by means of interviews to determine the aspects that will be raised in the questionnaire in the farmer satisfaction system. The data is then made a system design which is then implemented into a programming language to express the results of the system design. To check that the requirements are appropriate and running as desired, the system testing process is carried out. Based on the results of testing the system already includes the need for evaluation of agricultural extension workers

Effectiveness of use methods and media on agricultural extensive in Lubuk Raja District of Ogan Komering Ulu Regency


 
 
 
 This study aims to analyze what methods and media are effective in delivering agricultural extension materials and how farmers respond to the use of media used by agricultural extension workers in Lubuk Raja District, OKU Regency. This research was conducted in Lubuk Raja District, Ogan Komering Ulu Regency. This research was carried out for 3 months, namely from January to March 2022. The location of the research was determined deliberately considering that in Lubuk Raja Subdistrict using methods and media for Agricultural Extension facilities. The method used in the research is the survey method. The sampling method used is a simple random method. The sampling process uses the Slovin formula where a population of 2150 people is taken as many as 215 people as samples. The results showed that agricultural extension with the discussion method got the best response from rubber farmers in Lubuk Raja sub-district with the highest number of agreeable responses, namely 215 respondents and 0 respondents who disagreed, while for the demonstration method there were 202 respondents who said yes and 13 respondents. who stated that they did not agree, on the widyawisata method as many as 139 respondents said yes they agreed and 76 respondents said they did not agree. The existence of results with very different amounts is due to several factors such as; natural or financial factors. The discussion method is stated to be more efficient because it does not use a lot of costs, while the widyawisata method gets the answer yes to agree at least from the respondents because this method requires greater costs than the discussion method and demonstration method, such as transportation and accommodation costs.
 
 
 

Managing work stress among agricultural extension workers in some governorates of Egypt

Managing work stress among agricultural extension workers in some governorates of Egypt

Tingkat Adopsi Inovasi Teknologi Combine Harvester di Kelompok Tani Balong 01 Desa Tanjungbaru

Rice is a staple food for Indonesian people, but the loss of crop yields is still relatively high. The loss of crop yields can be reduced by making improvements to the application of technology. Technological innovation in agriculture can increase agricultural productivity. The process of accepting technological innovation is defined as the adoption. Farmer’s adoption of agricultural technology is determined by the characteristic of the innovation, including relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. The study aims to analyze the rate of adoption of combine harvester innovation technology, analyze the characteristics of combine harvester innovation technology, and analyze the correlation between the adoption rate of combine harvester innovation technology with the characteristic of the innovation. This research was conducted in December 2021 until February 2022, located in Balong 01 Farmer Group, Tanjungbaru Village, East Cikarang District. The sampling method used was purposive sampling with the number of respondents as many as 29 members of the farmer group. Used data in the form of primary data and secondary data. Methods of data collection are done by interview, observation, and documentation. The data analysis method used was descriptive quantitative method in the form of Spearman-rank Correlation analysis. The result of the research showed that the level of farmer adoption in combine harvester innovation technology is in the high category. The level of characteristic of combine harvester innovation technology is in the high category. Between characteristics of innovation (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability) and the level of farmer’s adoption showed a significant correlation. Suggestions for the future, for farmer group administrators and agricultural extension workers together carry out counseling or socialization related to comparing the actual results of using combine harvester with machines that were previously used in order to convince farmers of the advantages of combine harvester technology.

Tingkat Adopsi Inovasi Teknologi Combine Harvester di Kelompok Tani Balong 01 Desa Tanjungbaru

Rice is a staple food for Indonesian people, but the loss of crop yields is still relatively high. The loss of crop yields can be reduced by making improvements to the application of technology. Technological innovation in agriculture can increase agricultural productivity. The process of accepting technological innovation is defined as the adoption. Farmer’s adoption of agricultural technology is determined by the characteristic of the innovation, including relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability. The study aims to analyze the rate of adoption of combine harvester innovation technology, analyze the characteristics of combine harvester innovation technology, and analyze the correlation between the adoption rate of combine harvester innovation technology with the characteristic of the innovation. This research was conducted in December 2021 until February 2022, located in Balong 01 Farmer Group, Tanjungbaru Village, East Cikarang District. The sampling method used was purposive sampling with the number of respondents as many as 29 members of the farmer group. Used data in the form of primary data and secondary data. Methods of data collection are done by interview, observation, and documentation. The data analysis method used was descriptive quantitative method in the form of Spearman-rank Correlation analysis. The result of the research showed that the level of farmer adoption in combine harvester innovation technology is in the high category. The level of characteristic of combine harvester innovation technology is in the high category. Between characteristics of innovation (relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability and observability) and the level of farmer’s adoption showed a significant correlation. Suggestions for the future, for farmer group administrators and agricultural extension workers together carry out counseling or socialization related to comparing the actual results of using combine harvester with machines that were previously used in order to convince farmers of the advantages of combine harvester technology.

Analisis Kepuasan Petani Terhadap Kinerja Penyuluh Pertanian Di Masa Pandemi Covid-19 (Studi Kasus di Desa Genteng Kecamatan Sukasari Kabupaten Sumedang)

This This study aims to determine the performance of the instructor (tangibel) and (emphathy) in service to farmers during the pandemic Covid-19 and to determine the level of farmer satisfaction with the performance of the extension during the pandemic worker Covid-19 in Genteng Village, Sukasari District, Sumedang Regency. This research uses a case study method through a quantitative descriptive approach. The results of the IPA analysis show that the performance that is considered by farmers to have the highest interest is the ability of extension workers to use the local language, providing information about 3M policies (using masks, keeping distance, and washing hands), providing assistance to farmer groups, and easy to find or contact. Meanwhile, the performance that is considered by farmers to have the highest level of satisfaction is carrying out assistance to farmer groups, carrying out plotting demonstrations or demonstrations, and the ability of extension workers to use the local language. The results of the CSI analysis on the performance of the instructor were 74.44 percent. This value is in the range between 50 to 75 percent. This figure shows that farmers are satisfied with the performance or role performed by the agricultural extension workers.

Determinants of the Quality of Professional Life for Agricultural Extension Workers in the Governorates of Sharkia and North Sinai

Determinants of the Quality of Professional Life for Agricultural Extension Workers in the Governorates of Sharkia and North Sinai