Rural Community Empowerment through the Utilization of Straw as Compost

Abstract

There was a prolonged decline in soil quality due to the excessive use of chemical fertilizers and the lack of empowerment of farmers about these hazards. Meanwhile, the potential to restore soil fertility was very open, one of which is rice straw compost. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of farmer characteristics and government support on the empowerment of rural community through the utilization of straw as compost in lowland rice plants. The research activity was carried out for three months (April - July 2020). This study was a survey research with a quantitative assessment approach supported by qualitative data and information. A total of 80 respondents selected from 256 were determined by the Slovin formula. Data were collected through direct interview using a closed-ended questionnaire, which had been tested for its validity and reliability. Data were analyzed in two ways, namely: with descriptive statistics to explain the performance of the research variables, and linear regression analysis to determine the factors that influence community empowerment. The result of the study showed that the farmer characteristic and government support had a significant effect on the empowerment. Factors that affect the empowerment of farmers were the characteristics of farmers including; age, education, and farming experience; and government supporting factors consisting of; the role of extension workers, the availability of facilities and infrastructure, as well as the availability of information sources. Therefore, a strategy that can be implemented to optimize community empowerment in the utilization of rice straw for compost is to increase external support to foster farmers either through counseling or other activities.