The Role of Agricultural Extension Workers in the Development of Farmer Groups in Ino Jaya Village, South Wasile District, East Halmahera Regency

Abstract

The agricultural sector plays an important role in the economy, so institutional strengthening of farmer groups is the main factor in increasing the capacity of farmers. This study aims to analyze the role of agricultural extension workers and identify supporting and inhibiting factors in the development of farmer groups in Ino Jaya Village, South Wasile District, East Halmahera Regency. The study used a qualitative descriptive method involving 41 respondents from four active farmer groups. Data was collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, then analyzed using NVivo 12 software. The results of the study show that extension workers have carried out their roles as facilitators, motivators, educators, innovators, and dynamizers. The most dominant role was education on farm business management (18%) and cultivation techniques (16.5%), supported by the intensity of routine assistance (13.1%). This role contributes to increasing member participation and strengthening the function of farmer groups as learning classes, cooperation vehicles, and production units. However, the effectiveness of assistance is still constrained by the limited number of extension workers, the area of the assisted area, the lack of infrastructure, as well as climatic factors and price fluctuations. Therefore, it is necessary to add extension workers, strengthen the capacity of farmers, and increase government support to realize an independent farmer group institution.