Research on World Agricultural Economy

Effectiveness of Farmer Groups: Roles of Farmer Contact Resources and Field Agriculture Extension in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia

Satria Putra Utama

Department of Agricultural Socio-economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu. Bengkulu City 38371, Indonesia

Ketut Sukiyono

Department of Agricultural Socio-economics, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu. Bengkulu City 38371, Indonesia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36956/rwae.v6i3.2068

Received: 28 April 2025 | Revised: 25 May 2025 | Accepted: 27 May 2025 | Published Online: 25 July 2025

---

Abstract

Limited field agricultural extension services hinder productivity. Farmers struggle to achieve optimal yields without sufficient technical support, threatening national food security. This study aimed to develop a model for evaluating the effectiveness of farmer groups in Bengkulu Province, Indonesia. This study involved a population of 220 individuals from eight farmer groups located in the South Seluma Sub-district, Seluma Regency. A survey was conducted with 142 members of farmer groups in Seluma District, selected using simple random sampling. The validity test used had two parts: factor validity and discriminant validity. Structural Equation Model (SEM) was applied to the collected data to develop models that identified the relationships among factors related to agricultural extension performance, farmer contact resources, and the effectiveness of farmer groups. The results indicate that the effectiveness of farmer groups was positively related to the farmer contact resources. However, this was negatively influenced by the performance of agricultural extension services, which faced issues such as limited access, low managerial competency, and fewer business opportunities. The model showed that farmers in the study area were more open to Farmer Contact Resources than to Field Agricultural Extension. Furthermore, enhancing the quality of human capital in agricultural extension services is essential to improving the effectiveness of farmer groups. This can be accomplished by enhancing managerial skills, providing market-oriented training for agricultural extension, and increasing the ratio of agricultural extension to farmers.

Keywords: Field Agricultural Extension; Farmer Contact Resources; Farmer Groups; Effectiveness; Structural Equation Model; Rice Farmers

---

References

[1] Law No. 16/2006. 2006. Law No. 16/2006 on Agricultural, Fishery and Forestry Extension System. 15 November 2006. Indonesia.

[2] Place, F., Kariuki, G., Wangila, J., et al., 2004. Assessing the factors underlying differences in achievements of farmer groups: Methodological issues and empirical findings from the highlands of Central Kenya. Agricultural Systems. 82(3), 257–272. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2004.07.001

[3] Bernard, T., Collion, M.H., De Janvry, A., et al., 2008. Do Village Organizations Make a Difference in African Rural Development? A Study for Senegal and Burkina Faso. World Development. 36(11), 2188–2204.

[4] Mignouna, D.B., Mutabazi, K.D.S., Senkondo, E.M., et al., 2010. Adoption of a New Maize and Production Efficiency in Western Kenya. Proceedings of the 2010 AAAE Third Conference/AEASA 48th Conference; 19–23 September 2010; Cape Town, South Africa. pp. 1–25. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.96160

[5] Ochieng, J., Knerr, B., Owuor, G., et al., 2018. Strengthening collective action to improve marketing performance: evidence from farmer groups in Central Africa. The journal of agricultural education and extension. 24(2), 169–189. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2018.1432493

[6] Salam, I., Salahuddin, Saputra, I., 2017. The Role of Farmer Groups in Improving the Social Status of Rice Farmers in Meraka Village, Lambuya District, Konawe Regency [in Indonesia]. Buletin Sosial Ekonomi. 19(36), 139–147.

[7] Ikbal, M., 2014. The Role of Farmer’s Groups on the Increasing in Farmers Rice Field Revenue in Margamulya, West Bungku Sub-District, Morowali Regency [in Indonesian]. Agrotekbis. 2(5), 505–509.

[8] Nasution, I.R., 2019. Empowerment of Farmer Groups in Increasing the Productivity of Paddy (Oryzae sativa) (Case Study: Lubuk Pakam District, Sekip Village, Deli Serdang [in Indonesian]. Wahana Inovasi. 8(1), 165–173.

[9] Yekinni, O.T, Afolabi, C.O., 2019. Farmers’ assessment of the effectiveness of extension communication methods used in Ogbomoso Agricultural Zone of Oyo-State, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension. 23(3), 126–134. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jae.v23i3.11

[10] Fadoyin, A.S., Erhabor, F.B.G.M.M., YD, T.S., 2015. Evaluation of Socio-Economic Factors Influencing Information Accessibility among Farmers in Oyo State, Nigeria. Evaluation. 5(9), 43–47.

[11] Kondylis, F., Mueller, V., Zhu, J., 2017. Seeing is believing? Evidence from an extension network experiment. Journal of Development Economics. 125, 1–20. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdeveco.2016.10.004

[12] Hanan, A., Pulungan, I., Lumintang, R.W., 2005. Some Factors Related To Someone’s Recognition As An Opinion Leader And Their Benefits For Extension Activities. Jurnal Penyuluhan. 1(1), 7–12. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25015/penyuluhan.v1i1.2090

[13] Jones, E.O., Tham-Agyekum, E.K., Ankuyi, F., et al., 2023. Mobile agricultural extension delivery and climate-smart agricultural practices in a time of a pandemic: Evidence from southern Ghana. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators. 19, 100274. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2023.100274

[14] Dewi, L.J.E., Wijaya, I.N.S.W., Seputra, K.A., 2021. Web-based Buleleng regency agriculture product information system development. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 1810(1), 012029. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1810/1/012029

[15] Yami, M., Sime, M., Hirpa, A., et al., 2024. Effects of extension service on the uptake of climate-smart sorghum production practices: Insights from drylands of Ethiopia. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators. 24, 100477. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2024.100477

[16] Drexler, K., 2021. Climate-smart adaptations and government extension partnerships for sustainable milpa farming systems in Mayan communities of southern Belize. Sustainability. 13(6), 3040. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063040

[17] Mahata, C., Mhagama, P., 2023. Factors affecting adoption of mobile phone applications among farmers in Lilongwe, Malawi: The case of Mchikumbe 212. International Conference on Multidisciplinary Research. 2022, 358–373. DOI: https://doi.org/10.26803/MyRes.2022.28

[18] Malik, S., Khan, A., 2020. Gap Analysis of Farmers’ Capacity Building by Public and Private Agriculture Extension Sectors in Central Plain Valley of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture. 36(3), 992–1000. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.sja/2020/36.3.992.1000

[19] Sukiyono, K., 2018. Survey Research and Sampling Techniques [in Indonesian]. Badan Penerbitan Fakultas Pertanian UNIB: Bengkulu, Indonesia.

[20] Altheide, D.L., Johnson, J.M., 1994. Criteria for assessing interpretive validity in qualitative research. In: Denzin N.K., Lincoln, Y.S. (eds.). Handbook of qualitative research. Sage Publications, Inc: Thousand Oaks, California, USA. pp. 485–499.

[21] Kimberlin, C.L., Winterstein, A.G., 2008. Validity and Reliability of Measurement Instruments Used in Research. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 65(23), 2276–2284. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2146/ajhp070364

[22] Yamin, S., 2009. Structural Equation Modeling [in Indonesian]. Salemba Infotek: Jakarta, Indonesia.

[23] Hair, J., Black, W.C., Babin, B.J., et al., 2006. Multivariate Data Analysis, 6th ed. Upper Saddle River: New Jersey, USA.

[24] Ghozali, I., 2008. Structural Equation Model Concept and Application with AMOS16.0 Program. Diponegoro University Publishing Agency: Semarang, Indonesia.

[25] Silva, A.G., Canavari, M., Sidali, K.L., 2017. A Technology Acceptance Model of common bean growers’ intention to adopt Integrated Production in the Brazilian Central Region. Die Bodenkultur: Journal of Land Management, Food and Environment. 68(3), 131–143. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/boku-2017-0012

[26] Bollen, K.A., 1989. Structural Equations With Latent Variables. A Wiley Interscience Publication: New York, USA.

[27] Rigdon, E.E., Ferguson, C.E., 1991. The Performance of the Polychoric Correlation Coefficient and Selected Fitting Functions in Confirmatory Factor Analysis with Ordinal Data. Journal of Marketing Research. 28(4), 491–497. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2307/3172790

[28] Rogers, W.A., Mitzner, T.L., Boot, W.R., et al., 2017. Understanding Individual And Age-Related Differences In Technology Adoption. Innovation in Aging. 1(Suppl 1), 1026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igx004.3733

[29] Utama, S.P., Cahyadinata, I., Junaria, R., 2007. Factors Associated with Farmers’ Adoption Rate on Rice Cultivation Technology Legowo System in Dusun Besar Village, Gading Cempaka District, Bengkulu City [in Indonesian]. Jurnal AGRISEP: Kajian Masalah Sosial Ekonomi Pertanian dan Agribisnis. 6(1), 1–16. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31186/jagrisep.6.1.1-16

[30] Rahmawati, D.R., Widjayanthi, L., Raharto, S., 2010. Level of Technology Adoption of Prima Tani Program and Institutional Strengthening with PT. Tri Sari Usahatani. JSEP (Journal of Social and Agricultural Economics). 4(1), 1–14.

[31] Tampubolon, J., Sugihen, B., Slamet, M., et al., 2006. Community Empowerment Through Group Approach (Case Study of Poor Communities Through KUBE Approach) [in Indonesian]. Jurnal Penyuluhan. 2(2), 10–22. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25015/penyuluhan.v2i2.2122

[32] Pertiwi, P.R., Heryadi, H., 2012. The Role of Farmer Contact Leadership in the Diffusion Process of Technology Innovation for Integrated Plant Management and Rice Resources [in Indonesian]. Jurnal Matematika, Sains, dan Teknologi. 13(1), 51–63.

[33] Miller, B.S., Bergman, J., 2008. Developing Leadership on Boards of Directors. Journal of Nonprofit Management. 12(1), 2–12.

[34] Gemo, H., Stevens, J., Chilonda, P., 2013. The role of a pluralistic extension system in enhancing agriculture productivity in Mozambique. South African Journal of Agricultural Extension. 41(1), 59–75.

[35] Tanjung, H.B., Wahyuni, S., Ifdal, 2020. The Role Of Agricultural Extentions In Salibu Technology In Tanah Datar District, West Sumatera Province. Jurnal Agrisep. 19(2), 229–240. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31186/jagrisep.19.2.229-240

[36] Tiraieyari, N., Idris, K., Hamzah, A., et al., 2010. Importance of Program Development Competencies for Agricultural Extension Agents’ Performance in Process of Technology Transfer. American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences. 5(3), 376–379. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajabssp.2010.376.379

[37] Terblanche, S., 2013. Agricultural extension training needs of the non-government advising sector in South Africa. South African Journal of Agricultural Extension. 41(1), 94–106.

[38] Sugiarta, P., Ambarawati, I.G., Putra, I.G.S.A., 2017. Influence of Agricultural Extension Performance to Farmer’s Behavior on ICM Technology Application and Rice Productivity in Buleleng Regency [in Indonesian]. Journal Of Agribusiness Management [in Indonesian]. 5(2), 34–43. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24843/jma.2017.v05.i02.p06

[39] Harahap, N.S., Rosnita, R., Yulida, R., 2017. Analysis of Competency Factors on the Performance of Civil Servant Agricultural Extension in Riau Province (Case Study in Dumai City and Siak Regency) [in Indonesian]. Sorot. 12(2), 83–94. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31258/sorot.12.2.4699

[40] Ajayi, M., Fapojuwo, O., 2014. Capacity Building of Extension Agents for Sustainable Dissemination of Agricultural Information and Technologies in Developing Countries. International Journal of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. 8(7), 2297–2299.

[41] Haq, A.Z.M., 2016. Agricultural Extension Contact and Farmer’s Income in Bangladesh. Turkish Journal of Agriculture-Food Science and Technology. 4(9), 787–792.

[42] Ior, A.J., Sheshi, U.I., Saka, O.R., et al., 2019. Farmers’ Perceived Effects of Communal Conflicts on the Delivery of Agricultural Extension Services in North-Central, Nigeria. Journal of Agricultural Extension. 23(4), 39–47.

[43] ALHealyi, A.H.M.E.D., Aljarjary, D., 2020. The Role of Agricultural Extension Centers in Rural Development in Iraq. Mesopotamia Journal of Agriculture. 48(4), 60–72. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33899/magrj.2020.127573.1055

[44] Agriculture Department, 2008. Empowerment of Farmer Groups. Advanced Training and Training for Casual Daily Workers for Agricultural Extension Auxiliaries. Module II [in Indonesian]. Agricultural Human Resources Development Agency, Agricultural Extension College: Bogor, Indonesia. Available from: https://jdih.pertanian.go.id/sources/files/Permentan_03-2025_sdh_TTE.pdf (cited10 Juni 2020 Day Mon).

[45] Kusnadi, D., 2006. Farmer Contact Resources Leadership in Improving the Effectiveness of Farmer Groups (Case of Farmer Groups in Putat Nutug Village, Ciseeng District, Bogor Regency, West Java) [in Indonesian]. Jurnal Penyuluhan Pertanian. 1(1), 48–60. DOI: https://doi.org/10.51852/jpp.v1i1.198

[46] Riadi, E., 2013. Lisrel Application for Path Analysis Research [in Indonesian]. CV ANDI: Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

[47] Achdiyat, D.G., 2018. Relationship between Leadership of the Board with the Effectiveness of Farmers Group. International Journal of Academic Research in Business and Social Sciences. 8(7), 573–582. DOI: https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarbss/v8-i7/4400

[48] Wambura, R.M., Rutatora, D.F., Øygard, R., et al., 2007. The experience of Small Farmer Group (SFG) organisations in promoting agricultural extension in Tanzania. South African Journal of Agricultural Extension. 36(1), 39–52.

[49] Ruhimat, I.S., 2017. Increasing the Institutional Capacity of Farmer Groups in the Development of Agroforestry Farming: Case Study in Cukangkawung Village, Sodonghilir District, Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java Province [in Indonesian]. Jurnal Penelitian Sosial dan Ekonomi Kehutanan. 14(1), 1–17. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20886/jpsek.2017.14.1.1-17

[50] Bahfiarti, T., 2016. Role of ‘Key Farmer’ as 'Opinion Leader’ Through Group Communication in Accepting Farmer’s Innovation in South Sulawesi Cocoa Plantation [in Indonesian]. Pekommas. 1(2), 197–206. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30818/jpkm.2016.2010209

[51] Feder, G., Savastano, S., 2006. The role of opinion leaders in the diffusion of new knowledge: The case of integrated pest management. World Development. 34(7), 1287–1300. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2005.12.004

[52] Rohi, I.R., Saleh, A., Lumintang, R.W.E., 2009. Effectiveness of Communication by Farmer Group Opinion Leaders in Using Rice Farming Technology (Case in Kupang Tengah District, Kupang Regency, NTT) [in Indonesian]. Journal of Development Communication [in Indonesian]. 7(1), 13–25.

[53] Babu, S.C., Joshi, P.K., Glendenning, C.J., et al., 2013. The State of Agricultural Extension Reforms in India: Strategic Priorities and Policy Options. Agricultural Economics Research Review. 26(2), 159–172.

[54] van den Ban, A.W., Hawkins, H.S., 1996. Agricultural Extension, 2nd ed. Blackwell Science: London, UK.

[55] Engel, P.G.H., 1997. The Social Organization of Innovation: A Focus on Stakeholder Interaction. Royal Tropical Institute: Wageningen, The Netherlands.

[56] Azumah, S.B., Donkoh, S.A., Awuni, J.A., 2018. The perceived effectiveness of agricultural technology transfer methods: Evidence from rice farmers in Northern Ghana. Cogent Food & Agriculture. 4(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2018.1503798

[57] Nakano, Y., Tsusaka, T.W., Aida, T., et al., 2018. Is farmer-to-farmer extension effective? The impact of training on technology adoption and rice farming productivity in Tanzania. World Development. 105, 336–351. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2017.12.013

[58] Jamil, M.H., Tika, N., Fudjaja, L., et al., 2023. Effectiveness of Agricultural Extension on Paddy Rice Farmer’s Baubau City, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Sustainability. 15(4), 3773. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043773

[59] de Roo, N., Amede, T., Elias, E., et al., 2023. Diffusion of agricultural knowledge in Southern Ethiopia: finding the real opinion leaders through network analysis. Journal of Agricultural Education and Extension. 29(1), 99–115. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1389224X.2021.1987282

[60] Ssemakula, E., Mutimba, J.K., 2011. Effectiveness Of The Farmer-To-Farmer Extension Model In Increasing Technology Uptake In Masaka And Tororo Districts Of Uganda. South African Journal of Agricultural Extension. 39(2), 30–46.

[61] Hnoosh, L.J.H., 2021. The Level of Farmers' Contact With Agricultural Extension and Its Relationship To Some Variables in Najaf Province. International Journal of Agricultural and Statistical Sciences. 17, 1929–1932.

[62] Dibba, L., Zeller, M., Diagne, A., et al., 2015. How accessibility to seeds affects the potential adoption of an improved rice variety: The case of the new rice for Africa (NERICA) in The Gambia. Quarterly Journal of International Agriculture. 54(1), 33–58.

[63] Salam, M., Arsyad, M., 2023. The Role of Human Capital in Strengthening Horticultural Agribusiness Institutions: Evidence from Structural Equation Modeling. International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning. 18(9), 2839–2846. DOI: https://doi.org/10.18280/ijsdp.180922

[64] Marimuthu, M., Arokiasamy, L., Ismail, M., 2009. Human Capital Development and Its Impact on Firm Performance: Evidence From Developmental Economics. The Journal of International Social Research. 2(8), 265–272.