Capacity Strengthening of Extension Institutional in District Level for Farmer Regeneration In Sukabumi Regency

Abstract

Farmer regeneration has been accelerated through strengthening the institutional capacity of agricultural extension. The research aims to analyze the dynamics of district-level extension institutions as an activity node to attract young farmers, analyze the factors that influence the capacity of district-level extension institutions in supporting farmers regeneration programs and formulate district-level extension institutions in supporting farmers regeneration programs. The study was conducted in Sukabumi Regency, West Java Province. A population of 115 people were taken as respondents. Research variables include institutional characteristics of farmers (X1), institutional support (X2), institutional capacity (Y1) and behavior of young farmers (Y2). This research variable was developed into a research instrument in the form of a questionnaire. The research instrument has passed the stages of validity and reliability with valid and reliable results. Data analysis uses descriptive statistical and path analysis. The results obtained by all aspects that characterize the counseling institution are in the medium category. The institutional characteristics of extension, simultaneous support of extension institutions have a direct influence on institutional capacity of extension and also have a direct influence on changes in behavior of young farmers. The strategies that can be formulated to change the behavior of young farmers are to strengthen the characteristics of extension institutions that are integrated with technical institutions, increase institutional management support through the provision of extension infrastructure and develop operational standard procedures, and create programs that provide added value to young farmers.