HUBUNGAN MODAL SOSIAL PENYULUH DENGAN PENGETAHUAN PETANI JAGUNG DI DESA SARIMULYO KECAMATAN KABANGKA KABUPATEN MUNA

Abstract

The agricultural sector, which is the cornerstone of economic development, is contingent on the efficacy of extension services. The social capital of extension personnel, encompassing their networks, credibility, and norms, is a pivotal factor in enhancing agricultural knowledge. However, this sector is confronted with challenges that impede the enhancement of maize productivity in Sarimulyo Village.  The present study adopts a quantitative approach, utilising a survey methodology. The population of this study comprises all 44 farmers cultivating maize in Sarimulyo village. The process of sample collection was conducted through a census approach. The data was collected through a variety of methods, including surveys, interviews, documentation, and a review of relevant literature. The research variable is comprised of three constituent elements: the social capital of the agricultural extension officer, and the knowledge of the farmer with regard to maize. The analysis of the data was conducted in two stages: firstly, a descriptive analysis was performed, and secondly, an inferential analysis was conducted. The findings of the study indicate that the modal social of agricultural extension services in Sarimulyo Village, Kabangka District, Muna Regency, is satisfactory. This is evidenced by the strength of the trust and norms, although the social network aspect still requires enhancement. The level of expertise in maize cultivation is also considered to be high, particularly with regard to the selection of superior varieties, fertilisation, management of plant diseases, and harvesting. The findings of the analysis indicate the presence of a significant positive relationship between the social capital of the agricultural extension service and the farmers' knowledge, with a robust correlation coefficient. This finding suggests that an increase in the level of social capital possessed by the agricultural extension worker is associated with a corresponding increase in the level of agricultural knowledge among the farmer population. The enhancement of social capital among agricultural counsellors has been identified as a pivotal strategy for the augmentation of both the viability and the productivity of the jagung industry.