Length of Time Serving as Extension Agents

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 26 views

The Impact of Socio-Economic Characteristics on Agricultural Extension Success: A Case Study of BPP Tanjung Beringin

Introduction

Agricultural extension plays a vital role in increasing agricultural production, changing the behavior of farmers, and improving their environment. In Indonesia, rice production has been steadily increasing, with an average yield of 6.8 tons/ha to 7.2 tons/ha per year. However, the success of agricultural extension programs depends on various factors, including the socio-economic characteristics of extension workers. This article aims to explore the relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of extension workers and the level of success in implementing the main tasks of agricultural counseling in Tanjung Beringin, Serdang Bedagai District.

The Role of Agricultural Extension Workers

Agricultural extension workers play a crucial role in increasing agricultural production and changing the behavior of farmers. They function not only as information providers but also as agents of change who are committed to increasing farmers' knowledge and skills. The success of counseling is greatly influenced by how effective extension workers are in conveying information and building good relationships with farmers.

Implementation of the Main Tasks of Agricultural Extension Workers

At Tanjung Beringin BPP, research shows that the implementation of the main tasks of agricultural extension workers is going well. This is caused by the compatibility between the extension action and the main tasks that have been set. The success rate of implementing the main tasks of agricultural extension workers at Tanjung Beringin BPP reaches 86.5%, which is included in the high category. This figure shows that the instructor succeeded in achieving the goals set in the extension program.

Analysis of Socio-Economic Characteristics of Extension Workers

The results showed a significant relationship between several socio-economic characteristics of the instructor with the success rate of the implementation of their duties. These include:

Level of Education

Extension workers with higher education levels tend to have a better understanding of the latest agricultural techniques and how to convey it to farmers, which has a positive impact on the success of counseling. This is because higher education provides extension workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively communicate with farmers and provide them with the latest agricultural techniques.

Length of Time Serving as Extension Agents

Experience is the best teacher. Extension workers who have long carried out their duties better understand the challenges faced by farmers and can provide more relevant solutions, thereby increasing the level of success in implementing their duties. This is because experienced extension workers have a deeper understanding of the needs and challenges of farmers and can provide them with more effective solutions.

Working Time Duration

Extension workers who spend more time in extension activities will have more intense interactions with farmers, so that they can build trust and ensure that the message conveyed is well received. This is because more time spent in extension activities allows extension workers to build stronger relationships with farmers and provide them with more effective support.

Number of Family Dependents

However, it is interesting to note that this research does not find a relationship between the age of the instructor and the number of dependents of their family with the successful implementation of the main tasks of the instructor. This might indicate that skills and knowledge are more influential than demographic factors such as family age and responsibility.

Conclusion

Overall, this research shows that the socio-economic characteristics of the instructor play a significant role in determining the success of agricultural extension tasks. By strengthening education and improving the experience of extension workers through sustainable training, it is hoped that agricultural products in the region can continue to increase. Effective agricultural extension will contribute not only to increased production, but also to the welfare of farmers and agricultural sustainability in Indonesia.

Recommendations

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

Strengthen Education: Extension workers with higher education levels tend to have a better understanding of the latest agricultural techniques and how to convey it to farmers. Therefore, it is recommended that extension workers receive regular training and education to improve their knowledge and skills.
Improve Experience: Experienced extension workers better understand the challenges faced by farmers and can provide more relevant solutions. Therefore, it is recommended that extension workers receive more opportunities for experience and training.
Increase Working Time Duration: Extension workers who spend more time in extension activities will have more intense interactions with farmers, so that they can build trust and ensure that the message conveyed is well received. Therefore, it is recommended that extension workers receive more time and resources to spend on extension activities.
Focus on Skills and Knowledge: The research found that skills and knowledge are more influential than demographic factors such as family age and responsibility. Therefore, it is recommended that extension workers focus on developing their skills and knowledge to improve their effectiveness in implementing their duties.

By implementing these recommendations, it is hoped that agricultural extension programs in Indonesia can continue to increase agricultural production, change the behavior of farmers, and improve their environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Relationship between Socio-Economic Characteristics of Extension Workers and the Level of Success in Implementing Agricultural Counseling

Q: What is the role of agricultural extension workers in increasing agricultural production and changing the behavior of farmers?

A: Agricultural extension workers play a crucial role in increasing agricultural production and changing the behavior of farmers. They function not only as information providers but also as agents of change who are committed to increasing farmers' knowledge and skills.

Q: What is the success rate of implementing the main tasks of agricultural extension workers at Tanjung Beringin BPP?

A: The success rate of implementing the main tasks of agricultural extension workers at Tanjung Beringin BPP reaches 86.5%, which is included in the high category.

Q: What are the socio-economic characteristics of extension workers that are related to the success rate of implementing their duties?

A: The results showed a significant relationship between several socio-economic characteristics of the instructor with the success rate of the implementation of their duties. These include:

Level of education
Length of time serving as extension agents
Working time duration
Number of family dependents

Q: Why is the level of education of extension workers important for the success of agricultural counseling?

A: Extension workers with higher education levels tend to have a better understanding of the latest agricultural techniques and how to convey it to farmers, which has a positive impact on the success of counseling.

Q: How does the length of time serving as extension agents affect the success of agricultural counseling?

A: Experience is the best teacher. Extension workers who have long carried out their duties better understand the challenges faced by farmers and can provide more relevant solutions, thereby increasing the level of success in implementing their duties.

Q: What is the relationship between working time duration and the success of agricultural counseling?

A: Extension workers who spend more time in extension activities will have more intense interactions with farmers, so that they can build trust and ensure that the message conveyed is well received.

Q: Why is the number of family dependents not related to the success of agricultural counseling?

A: The research found that skills and knowledge are more influential than demographic factors such as family age and responsibility.

Q: What are the recommendations for improving the success of agricultural counseling based on the findings of this research?

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

Strengthen education
Improve experience
Increase working time duration
Focus on skills and knowledge

Q: How can the success of agricultural counseling be improved in the future?

A: By implementing the recommendations mentioned above, it is hoped that agricultural extension programs in Indonesia can continue to increase agricultural production, change the behavior of farmers, and improve their environment.

Q: What are the implications of this research for agricultural extension programs in Indonesia?

A: This research highlights the importance of socio-economic characteristics of extension workers in determining the success of agricultural extension tasks. It also emphasizes the need for strengthening education, improving experience, increasing working time duration, and focusing on skills and knowledge to improve the success of agricultural counseling.