Quality of agricultural extension on productivity of farmers: Human capital perspective

Abstract

The relationship between agricultural extension and farmer productivity has been widely discussed; agricultural extension directly or indirectly affects farmer productivity. In this study, the researchers attempted to elaborate on this matter by looking at it from the rural wing based on the human resource and human capital theory. This study uses a quantitative explanatory approach. The analytical tool used is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) as a fundamental data analysis using AMOS software. The population in this study were all agricultural extensions in South Sulawesi and West Sulawesi. The sample was taken using the accidental sampling technique; it included only the completed questionnaire in the data analysis. Until the time limit, only 122 agricultural extension people filled out the questionnaire and were declared complete. Research shows that rural extension has a significant positive effect on soft-skill competence and not substantial on farmer productivity. Furthermore, soft-skill competence significantly affects farmer productivity and is a good mediator in increasing farmer productivity. The results show that it could improve farmers' productivity, not because of direct extension but because the farmers' soft competence increased due to interventions from the quality of agricultural extension workers. Therefore, good quality agricultural extension agents will encourage the rural farmers' ability to solve problems. Make systematic planning and communication skills that will help them build relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, improve ethics, discipline, increase their skills and experience.