IMPLEMENTASI PENYULUHAN PARTISIPATIF PADA USAHATANI PADI SAWAH: ANALISIS KETERLIBATAN PETANI DALAM SETIAP TAHAP PENYULUHAN DI KELURAHAN RANOMEETO KECAMATAN RANOMEETO KABUPATEN KONAWE SELATAN

Abstract

Participatory agricultural extension is an extension approach that positions farmers as the primary actors in the learning process by encouraging their active involvement throughout every stage of extension activities. The implementation of this approach is essential for supporting the development of lowland rice farming, as it enhances the effectiveness of innovation dissemination, strengthens the learning process, and promotes decision-making that is better aligned with farmers' needs. This study aimed to analyze the implementation of participatory agricultural extension in lowland rice farming based on farmers' involvement at each stage of the extension process in Ranomeeto Village, Ranomeeto District, South Konawe Regency, Indonesia. The study employed a quantitative approach using a descriptive survey method. Respondents were selected through probability sampling using the simple random sampling technique. A total of 51 farmers were selected from a population of 106 members of the Sri Kembang Farmers' Association using the Slovin formula. Data were collected through questionnaires, structured interviews, documentation, and literature review. The research variable focused on the implementation of participatory agricultural extension in lowland rice farming. Data were analyzed using descriptive quantitative analysis with the class interval technique. The findings revealed that the implementation of participatory agricultural extension was categorized as high. Farmers' involvement in decision-making was classified as high, accounting for 96.08%, while participation in extension activities and access to agricultural information each reached 100%. Farmers' participation in the evaluation stage was also categorized as high, with a percentage of 98.04%. These findings indicate that agricultural extension services in Ranomeeto Village have effectively implemented participatory principles through two-way communication, collaborative learning, and active farmer engagement throughout all stages of the extension process. Nevertheless, greater efforts are still required to strengthen farmers' participation in the decision-making and evaluation stages so that farmers can serve not only as participants but also as partners who actively contribute to the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of extension programs. The implementation of participatory agricultural extension therefore constitutes a fundamental basis for improving the quality of agricultural extension services, strengthening farmers' capacities, and supporting sustainable agricultural development.