Relationship Of Extension Role As Facilitator, Formal Education Level, Role Of Farmers Group Chair, And Member Participation In Making Plans With Institutional Capacity Of Farmers In The National Food Estate Strategic Program (Case Study: Ria-Ria Village, Pollung District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency, North Sumatra Province)

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The Role of Extension Workers and Other Factors in Increasing the Institutional Capacity of Farmers in the Food Estate Program: A Case Study of Ria-Ria Village, Humbang Hasundutan

Introduction

The Food Estate program, a strategic initiative aimed at increasing food production in an integrated manner across various sectors, relies heavily on the active participation of farmer groups. One crucial factor in the success of this program is the institutional capacity of farmers. This study examines the relationship between the role of extension workers as facilitators, formal education levels, the role of the head of the farmer group, and members' participation in making plans with institutional capacity of farmers in Ria-Ria Village, Pollung District, Humbang Hasundutan Regency, North Sumatra Province.

Background

The Food Estate program is a comprehensive initiative that seeks to increase food production and improve the livelihoods of farmers. However, the success of this program depends on the active role of farmer groups, which requires a high level of institutional capacity. Institutional capacity refers to the ability of farmers to manage their organizations, make decisions, and access resources and information needed to increase production and manage farm businesses effectively.

Methodology

This study involved 171 members of seven farmer groups in Ria-Ria Village. A purposive sampling method was used to determine the sample of 63 members of the farmer group. The data were collected through a survey and analyzed using non-parametric statistical tests, including the Spearman Rank test.

Results

The results of the analysis showed that the role of the instructor as a facilitator and the level of formal education had a significant relationship with the institutional capacity of farmers in the Food Estate program. However, the role of the Chairman of the Farmers Group and Member Participation in making a plan did not show a significant relationship with the institutional capacity of farmers.

Discussion

The finding of this study highlights the importance of the active role of extension workers in facilitating farmer groups and the level of formal education of members in building farmers' institutional capacity. Extension workers can help farmers in accessing information, technology, and resources needed to increase production and manage farm businesses effectively. The level of formal education also plays a role in increasing the understanding and ability of farmer group members in managing the organization and making decisions.

The Role of Extension Workers as Facilitators

Extension workers play a crucial role in facilitating farmer groups by providing them with access to information, technology, and resources needed to increase production and manage farm businesses effectively. They can help farmers in accessing markets, improving their skills and knowledge, and accessing credit and other financial services. The active role of extension workers in facilitating farmer groups can help to build their institutional capacity and improve their ability to manage their organizations and make decisions.

The Importance of Formal Education

The level of formal education of farmer group members also plays a significant role in building their institutional capacity. Members with higher levels of formal education are more likely to have a better understanding of the organization and its operations, and are more likely to be able to make informed decisions. They are also more likely to have access to information and resources needed to increase production and manage farm businesses effectively.

The Role of the Chairman of the Farmers Group and Member Participation

The role of the Chairman of the Farmers Group and Member Participation in making a plan did not show a significant relationship with the institutional capacity of farmers. This may be caused by other factors that are not examined in this study, such as the leadership of the Head of Farmers Group, Internal Communication group, or access to resources.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable information about the factors that affect farmers' institutional capacity in the Food Estate program. The results can be used to improve strategies and programs designed to increase the role of farmer groups and strengthen their institutional capacity. By increasing farmers' institutional capacity, it is hoped that the Food Estate program can run more effectively and achieve its goals to increase national food security.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

  • The government and other stakeholders should provide support to extension workers to enable them to play a more active role in facilitating farmer groups.
  • The government and other stakeholders should provide opportunities for farmer group members to access formal education and training.
  • The government and other stakeholders should provide support to farmer groups to enable them to access resources and information needed to increase production and manage farm businesses effectively.
  • The government and other stakeholders should conduct further research to identify other factors that affect farmers' institutional capacity and to develop strategies to improve their institutional capacity.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations. The sample size was relatively small, and the study was conducted in only one village. The study also did not examine other factors that may affect farmers' institutional capacity, such as the leadership of the Head of Farmers Group, Internal Communication group, or access to resources.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on identifying other factors that affect farmers' institutional capacity and developing strategies to improve their institutional capacity. The study should also be replicated in other villages and regions to increase the generalizability of the findings.

References

  • [List of references cited in the study]

Appendix

  • [Appendix containing additional information, such as the survey instrument and the data analysis plan]
    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Role of Extension Workers and Other Factors in Increasing the Institutional Capacity of Farmers in the Food Estate Program

Q: What is the Food Estate program?

A: The Food Estate program is a strategic initiative aimed at increasing food production in an integrated manner across various sectors. It relies heavily on the active participation of farmer groups and requires a high level of institutional capacity among farmers.

Q: What is institutional capacity?

A: Institutional capacity refers to the ability of farmers to manage their organizations, make decisions, and access resources and information needed to increase production and manage farm businesses effectively.

Q: What is the role of extension workers in the Food Estate program?

A: Extension workers play a crucial role in facilitating farmer groups by providing them with access to information, technology, and resources needed to increase production and manage farm businesses effectively.

Q: What is the importance of formal education in building farmers' institutional capacity?

A: The level of formal education of farmer group members plays a significant role in building their institutional capacity. Members with higher levels of formal education are more likely to have a better understanding of the organization and its operations, and are more likely to be able to make informed decisions.

Q: What is the relationship between the role of the Chairman of the Farmers Group and Member Participation in making a plan and farmers' institutional capacity?

A: The study found that the role of the Chairman of the Farmers Group and Member Participation in making a plan did not show a significant relationship with the institutional capacity of farmers. This may be caused by other factors that are not examined in this study, such as the leadership of the Head of Farmers Group, Internal Communication group, or access to resources.

Q: What are the implications of the study's findings for the Food Estate program?

A: The study's findings suggest that the active role of extension workers in facilitating farmer groups and the level of formal education of members are important factors in building farmers' institutional capacity. The study's findings can be used to improve strategies and programs designed to increase the role of farmer groups and strengthen their institutional capacity.

Q: What are the limitations of the study?

A: The study has several limitations, including a relatively small sample size and the fact that it was conducted in only one village. The study also did not examine other factors that may affect farmers' institutional capacity, such as the leadership of the Head of Farmers Group, Internal Communication group, or access to resources.

Q: What are the future research directions?

A: Future research should focus on identifying other factors that affect farmers' institutional capacity and developing strategies to improve their institutional capacity. The study should also be replicated in other villages and regions to increase the generalizability of the findings.

Q: What are the recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders?

A: Based on the study's findings, the following recommendations are made:

  • Provide support to extension workers to enable them to play a more active role in facilitating farmer groups.
  • Provide opportunities for farmer group members to access formal education and training.
  • Provide support to farmer groups to enable them to access resources and information needed to increase production and manage farm businesses effectively.
  • Conduct further research to identify other factors that affect farmers' institutional capacity and to develop strategies to improve their institutional capacity.

Q: What are the benefits of increasing farmers' institutional capacity?

A: Increasing farmers' institutional capacity can lead to improved food security, increased productivity, and better livelihoods for farmers. It can also contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector and the economy.

Q: How can farmers and farmer groups improve their institutional capacity?

A: Farmers and farmer groups can improve their institutional capacity by:

  • Accessing formal education and training
  • Participating in extension services and training programs
  • Building strong relationships with extension workers and other stakeholders
  • Developing effective leadership and management skills
  • Accessing resources and information needed to increase production and manage farm businesses effectively.