Pengaruh Kinerja Penyuluh Pertanian Terhadap Perilaku Usahatani Petani di Desa Sindulang, Kecamatan Cimanggung, Kabupaten Sumedang

Abstract

Agricultural extension workers are change agents who interact directly with farmers, particularly regarding their behavior in cultivation activities. The success of agricultural extension programs largely depends on the quality of the extension workers' performance in fulfilling their responsibilities. This study aims to identify farmers' perceptions of agricultural extension workers' performance and the impact of this performance on farmers' farming behavior. The research was conducted in Sindulang Village, Cimanggung Subdistrict, Sumedang Regency, West Java Province, involving 71 vegetable farmer respondents. This study uses a quantitative design with a survey technique through questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using simple linear regression analysis. The results show that, according to farmers' perceptions, the performance of agricultural extension workers is categorized as high in terms of responsiveness, responsibility, accountability, and service quality. Based on the hypothesis testing analysis and t-value, it is known that the performance of agricultural extension workers has a significant and positive influence on farmers' farming behavior. Additionally, the coefficient of determination indicates that the independent variable, which is the performance of extension workers, can explain the variation that occurs in the dependent variable, namely farmers' farming behavior. Agricultural extension workers should evaluate the success of their programs and strategies and ensure that each extension activity provides equal benefits to all parties.