ANALISIS PARTISIPASI KONTAK TANI DALAM PENYUSUNAN PROGRAMA PENYULUHAN PERTANIAN DI BALAI PENYULUHAN PERTANIAN (BPP) KECAMATAN POASIA KOTA KENDARI

Abstrak

The participation of farmer contact persons in the formulation of agricultural extension programs is a crucial aspect of developing extension plans that are responsive to farmers’ needs and local conditions. As representatives of farmer groups, farmer contact persons facilitate a participatory planning process, enabling agricultural extension programs to become more effective, responsive, and oriented toward addressing farming-related problems. This study aimed to analyze the participation of farmer contact persons in the formulation of agricultural extension programs at the Agricultural Extension Center (BPP) of Poasia District, Kendari City, Indonesia. The study employed a quantitative approach using a descriptive research design. All 26 farmer contact persons in Poasia District were included as respondents through a census method. Data were analyzed descriptively using frequency distributions, percentages, and category classifications based on class intervals. The findings revealed that the characteristics of farmer contact persons generally supported the formulation of agricultural extension programs, as reflected in their relatively good educational attainment, adequate experience as farmer contact persons, high intensity of participation in extension activities, relatively high levels of cosmopoliteness, and intensive group communication. Overall participation in the formulation of agricultural extension programs was classified as moderate, indicating that farmer contact persons had been involved in the planning process, although the quality of their participation had not yet reached an optimal level. Based on the participation indicators, attendance frequency and the ability to provide suggestions were classified as high, whereas the acceptance of suggestions remained at a moderate level. These findings indicate that farmer contact persons have performed their roles as partners of agricultural extension agents in the planning process. Nevertheless, further efforts are required to strengthen communication quality, broaden opportunities for expressing farmers’ aspirations, and enhance the involvement of farmer contact persons in decision-making processes. Strengthening their participation is expected to promote more participatory, adaptive, and needs-based agricultural extension programs while improving the effectiveness of agricultural extension services at the district level.

Kata kunci

• Agricultural Communication
• Decision Making
• Farmer Groups
• Participatory Planning