Article
PERAN PENYULUH PERTANIAN LAPANGAN (PPL) DALAM KEGIATAN USAHATANI JAGUNG DI DESA WATUMEETO KECAMATAN LAINEA KABUPATEN KONAWE SELATAN
Jurnal Ilmiah Penyuluhan dan Pengembangan Masyarakat, Vol. 6 No. 2 (2026), hlm. 171–179
Abstrak
The strategic role of Field Agricultural Extension Workers (FAEWs) in enhancing farmers' knowledge, skills, and adoption of innovations is paramount to the development of sustainable corn farming. This is particularly crucial in Watumeeto Village, where corn plays a pivotal role in national food security, yet faces significant technical and human resource challenges. The objective of this study is to ascertain the role of field agricultural extension workers in corn farming activities in Watumeeto Village. The research population consists of all corn farmers in Watumeeto Village, with a total sample size of 300 individuals. The sample size was determined using the Slovin formula with a margin of error of 10%, resulting in a sample size of 75 people. The sampling technique employed was simple random sampling. The data collection techniques employed in this study included surveys, interviews, literature reviews, and documentation. The research variable was the role of Field Agricultural Extension Workers in corn farming activities. The data were analyzed descriptively. The results indicated that the role of Field Agricultural Extension Workers (PPL) in corn farming activities in Watumeeto Village, Lainea District, South Konawe Regency was classified as high-impact and deemed effective by the majority of farmers surveyed. Extension workers have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in their roles as motivators, facilitators, communicators, and innovators. Their role as motivators is reflected in their ability to boost farmers' enthusiasm and confidence, while their role as facilitators is demonstrated through their efforts to help farmers access information, production facilities, and agricultural support programs. As communicators, extension workers are able to convey information clearly, participatively, and in an easily understandable manner. Moreover, as innovators, they play an important role in introducing and encouraging the adoption of agricultural technology innovations.