Perception of agricultural extension agents about their role in agricultural extension activity in Banten Province

Abstract

The success of agricultural extension one of which determined by the ability of extension workers perform duties and functions. In carrying out its functions, it is important to understand the roles undertaken in an effort to help farmers solve problems and develop farming. By understanding the roles, the agricultural extension agent can make the right decision in giving good service to farmers. The Research was conducted from April to August 2011 in four districts of Banten Province, namely Lebak, Pandeglang, Serang regency, and Tangerang Regency. Data analysis used Spearman rank correlation analysis, to determine the priority development of the role of agricultural extension strategy used SWOT analysis and AHP analysis. Result of research indicated that as a whole extension agents perception about their roles be at the score 2,7, scale 1 till 4 (perceptions: fair). Perception of extension agent about their role owning highest score successively was role in chosening and applying counselling method, role as asssociate, and role as fasilitator with the score each 2,90, 2,83, and 2,81 (perceptions: fair). While three role which perception with the low score successively was role as educator, role as motivator, and role as agriculture technician with the score each 2,48, 2,59, and 2,60. Factors which correlate with the perception were (1) characteristic of extension agent, (2) physical environment, (3) social economics environment, and (4) motivation. . Extension to the area of cognitive behavior or knowledge at an average of 3.0, attitudes extension of rice agricultural in the average is quite good, it is seen with an average score of 3.14 achieved with a scale of 1 to 4 Keywords: perception, role, extension agent . Some indicators of the perception that shows significant correlation with the extension of knowledge is the perception of its role as a communicator, planner, analyzer, evaluation activities and results counseling, an expert in selecting and applying methods of extension services, agricultural engineers, and expert facilitator. Perception indicators that show significant correlation with attitude is the perception of their role as a educator, communicator, consultant, motivator, facilitator, planner, analyzer, an expert in selecting and applying methods of extension services, agricultural engineers, expert analysis of business/entrepreneurship, and facilitators. Priorities of development strategy in enhancing the role the agriculture extension agent in Banten were: (1) improving the quality of human resources of extension agent by education and practice from other institution to get the ability, knowledge, and skill; (2) improving of quality of counselling and cooperation with the relevant institution by the existence of fundamental duty clarity and function; (3) product marketing competitive agriculture by maximizing role of group of farmer; (4) optimalization of agriculture development with the guarantee of invitation regulation; and (5) exploiting technology to support the agriculture extension program.

Persepsi Penyuluh Pertanian Lapang tentang Perannya dalam Penyuluhan Pertanian Padi di Provinsi Banten