Lack of awareness of the importance of active roles in farmer groups

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 138 views

The Vital Role of Agricultural Extension Workers in Improving the Quality of Farmer Groups in Barusjahe District

Introduction

The development of farmer groups is a crucial strategy in enhancing the welfare of farmers in Indonesia. In Barusjahe District, Karo Regency, North Sumatra, the role of agricultural extension workers is pivotal in advancing farmer groups. Research conducted by Ray Damen Sitepu, titled "The Role of Agricultural Extension in the Development of Farmers Groups in Barusjahe District," provides an in-depth analysis of the role of instructors, attitudes of farmer group members, and obstacles faced in the development process.

The Importance of Agricultural Extension Workers in Farmer Group Development

Agricultural extension workers play a vital role in the development of farmer groups. They provide guidance, training, and support to farmers, enabling them to improve their knowledge, skills, and productivity. The study involved 13 agricultural extension workers and 9 farmer groups in Barusjahe District, collecting data through observation, interviews, and questionnaires. The results show that the role of agricultural extension workers in the development of farmer groups is categorized as "moderate" with an average score of 114.53.

The Positive Attitude of Farmer Group Members

The positive attitude of farmer group members towards the role of the instructor is a clear indication that the instructor plays a significant role in increasing their knowledge and skills. This positive attitude is a result of the active guidance and training provided by the agricultural extension workers. However, some obstacles still hinder the development of farmer groups in Barusjahe District.

Obstacles Faced in the Development of Farmer Groups

Several obstacles hamper the development of farmer groups in Barusjahe District, including:

Lack of awareness of the importance of active roles in farmer groups: Many farmers are unaware of the significance of their active participation in farmer groups, which hinders the development process.
Low motivation and interest to join and be active in farmer groups: The lack of motivation and interest among farmers to join and participate in farmer groups is a significant obstacle.
Formation of groups based on domicile: The formation of groups based on domicile without considering the similarity of interest and potential can inhibit group efficiency and effectiveness.
Limited number of extension workers: The limited number of extension workers makes it challenging for them to provide optimal assistance to all farmer groups.
Minimal supporting facilities and infrastructure: The availability of minimal counseling tools and facilities is an obstacle in the implementation of counseling activities.
Lack of objective and measurable assessment systems: The absence of objective and measurable assessment systems makes farmer groups less motivated to improve their abilities.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

The results of this study provide a clear picture of the vital role of agricultural extension workers in the development of farmer groups in Barusjahe District. Although the role of the instructor is considered "moderate," there is a great potential to increase their role to be more optimal. The study highlights the need for agricultural extension workers to play a more active and supportive role in the development of farmer groups.

Solutions to Overcome Obstacles

To overcome the obstacles faced, the following solutions can be implemented:

Increasing awareness and motivation: Socialization and training on the importance of active roles in farmer groups need to be done routinely and systematically.
Group formation based on interests and potential: Formation of farmer groups based on interests and potentials can increase group effectiveness and productivity.
Increasing the number of extension workers: The addition of extension workers will allow more intensive and comprehensive assistance to farmer groups.
Improvement of facilities and infrastructure: Purchase of adequate counseling tools and facilities can improve the quality and effectiveness of counseling activities.
Application of objective assessment systems: Objective and measurable assessment system development will motivate farmer groups to continue to develop and improve their abilities.

Conclusion

By overcoming obstacles and maximizing the role of extension workers, farmer groups in Barusjahe District can develop more rapidly and contribute significantly in improving the welfare of farmers and the progress of the agricultural sector in Indonesia. The study highlights the importance of agricultural extension workers in the development of farmer groups and provides solutions to overcome the obstacles faced in the development process.

Recommendations

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

The government and relevant stakeholders should provide more support and resources to agricultural extension workers to enable them to play a more active and supportive role in the development of farmer groups.
Farmer groups should be formed based on interests and potentials to increase group effectiveness and productivity.
The number of extension workers should be increased to provide more intensive and comprehensive assistance to farmer groups.
Facilities and infrastructure should be improved to support the implementation of counseling activities.
Objective and measurable assessment systems should be developed to motivate farmer groups to continue to develop and improve their abilities.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The study was conducted in a single district, which may not be representative of other districts in Indonesia.
The study only involved 13 agricultural extension workers and 9 farmer groups, which may not be representative of the larger population.
The study only collected data through observation, interviews, and questionnaires, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of agricultural extension workers in the development of farmer groups.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Conducting a larger-scale study to gather more comprehensive data on the role of agricultural extension workers in the development of farmer groups.
Investigating the impact of agricultural extension workers on the productivity and income of farmers.
Developing and implementing more effective training programs for agricultural extension workers.
Improving the facilities and infrastructure to support the implementation of counseling activities.

References

Ray Damen Sitepu. (2023). The Role of Agricultural Extension in the Development of Farmers Groups in Barusjahe District. Unpublished undergraduate thesis, Universitas Sumatera Utara.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Role of Agricultural Extension Workers in the Development of Farmer Groups in Barusjahe District

Q: What is the role of agricultural extension workers in the development of farmer groups?

A: Agricultural extension workers play a vital role in the development of farmer groups by providing guidance, training, and support to farmers, enabling them to improve their knowledge, skills, and productivity.

Q: What are the main obstacles faced by farmer groups in Barusjahe District?

A: The main obstacles faced by farmer groups in Barusjahe District include lack of awareness of the importance of active roles in farmer groups, low motivation and interest to join and be active in farmer groups, formation of groups based on domicile, limited number of extension workers, minimal supporting facilities and infrastructure, and lack of objective and measurable assessment systems.

Q: How can the role of agricultural extension workers be improved?

A: The role of agricultural extension workers can be improved by increasing awareness and motivation among farmers, forming groups based on interests and potentials, increasing the number of extension workers, improving facilities and infrastructure, and developing and implementing objective and measurable assessment systems.

Q: What are the benefits of farmer groups in Barusjahe District?

A: The benefits of farmer groups in Barusjahe District include improved knowledge, skills, and productivity among farmers, increased income and economic growth, and improved food security and nutrition.

Q: How can farmer groups in Barusjahe District be supported?

A: Farmer groups in Barusjahe District can be supported by providing training and capacity building programs for farmers, improving facilities and infrastructure, and providing access to markets and financial services.

Q: What is the impact of agricultural extension workers on the productivity and income of farmers?

A: The impact of agricultural extension workers on the productivity and income of farmers is significant, as they provide guidance, training, and support to farmers, enabling them to improve their knowledge, skills, and productivity.

Q: How can the effectiveness of agricultural extension workers be measured?

A: The effectiveness of agricultural extension workers can be measured by assessing their impact on the productivity and income of farmers, as well as their ability to improve knowledge, skills, and productivity among farmers.

Q: What are the challenges faced by agricultural extension workers in Barusjahe District?

A: The challenges faced by agricultural extension workers in Barusjahe District include limited resources and funding, lack of infrastructure and facilities, and limited access to markets and financial services.

Q: How can the challenges faced by agricultural extension workers be addressed?

A: The challenges faced by agricultural extension workers can be addressed by providing training and capacity building programs, improving facilities and infrastructure, and providing access to markets and financial services.

Q: What is the future of agricultural extension workers in Barusjahe District?

A: The future of agricultural extension workers in Barusjahe District is promising, as they play a vital role in the development of farmer groups and the improvement of knowledge, skills, and productivity among farmers.

Q: How can the role of agricultural extension workers be sustained in the long term?

A: The role of agricultural extension workers can be sustained in the long term by providing ongoing training and capacity building programs, improving facilities and infrastructure, and providing access to markets and financial services.

Q: What is the role of the government in supporting agricultural extension workers in Barusjahe District?

A: The government plays a crucial role in supporting agricultural extension workers in Barusjahe District by providing funding and resources, improving infrastructure and facilities, and providing access to markets and financial services.

Q: How can the effectiveness of agricultural extension workers be improved through technology?

A: The effectiveness of agricultural extension workers can be improved through technology by using digital platforms and tools to provide training and capacity building programs, improve communication and collaboration, and provide access to markets and financial services.

Q: What are the benefits of using technology in agricultural extension services?

A: The benefits of using technology in agricultural extension services include improved efficiency and effectiveness, increased access to information and resources, and improved communication and collaboration among farmers, extension workers, and other stakeholders.

Q: How can the use of technology in agricultural extension services be sustained in the long term?

A: The use of technology in agricultural extension services can be sustained in the long term by providing ongoing training and capacity building programs, improving infrastructure and facilities, and providing access to markets and financial services.