FARMER BEHAVIOR TRANSFORMATION ON TOMATO FARMING BUSINESS IN MEGA MENDUNG SUBDISTRICT BOGOR, WEST JAVA

Abstract

The tomato farmer behavior transformation from subsystem to commercial is expected to obtain a culture technique that can finally improve the farmer livelihood and welfare. Thereby, this study was aimed to: (1) describe the behavior transformation happened on tomato farming business in Mega Mendung Subdistrict, (2) analyze the factors that influenced the farmer behavior transformation in tomato farming business, and (3) formulate a model or strategy to accelerate the tomato farmer behavior transformation. The survey study involved 100 respondents from 150 vegetable farmers using a simple sampling technique (Simple Random Sampling). Data collection was performed through direct interview using a closed-questionnaire which has been tested its validity and reliability before used as data collection instrument. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistical and path analysis. The result showed that: (1) farmer behavior in the tomato farming application was included in a moderate category, therefore necessary to be improved, (2) factors influencing the behavior transformation such as: (a) business climate (X 3), farmer perception on extension (X 4), and innovation characteristics (X 5), directly and significantly influenced (p< 0.05) the farmer behavior transformation, while the internal characteristics (X 2) and communication behavior (X 2) influenced insignificantly (p> 0.05).