International Journal of Engineering Business
and Social Science
Vol. 1 No. 03, January-February 2023, pages: 220-231
e-ISSN: 2980-4108, p-ISSN: 2980-4272
https://ijebss.ph/index.php/ijebss
220
The Role of Communication in Farmer Learning: The Case of
Farmer Institution-Based Cocoa Replanting in East Kolaka District,
Indonesia
Putu Arimbawa
1
, Hartina Batoa
2
, Dasmin Sidu
3
1,2,3
Department of Agricultural Extension, Faculty of Agriculture, Halu Oleo Kendiri University Kendari, Southeast
Sulawesi, Indonesia
Email: ariembawa_kd[email protected]
Submitted: 09-02-2023. Revised: 13-02-2023 Publication: 20-02-2023
Keywords
Abstract
The Role of
Communication; Farmer
Learning; Institutions;
Cocoa Replanting
The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of communication in the learning
process of farmers in replanting cocoa and the factors that influence it. This research
is a survey research with research locations in East Kolaka District, Southeast
Sulawesi Province in 12 villages. The location was chosen because it is a village
where the majority of the population cultivates cocoa as the main source of income
and a cocoa farmer institution has been formed. The research was conducted for
three months, from October to December 2020. The total sample was 192 cocoa
farmers from 542 populations that were randomly selected (proportional random
sampling) from each farmer institution. Methods of data collection by interview
using a questionnaire that has been prepared. Data analysis used descriptive analysis
and SEM-GSCA (Structural Equation Modeling-Generalized Structure Component
Analysis) analysis. The results showed that communication played a significant role
in the learning process of farmers in the farmer institutional-based cocoa replanting
program. Farmer characteristics, institutional characteristics, and the support of the
three supporting factors influence the role of communication in the farmer's learning
process in cocoa replanting.
1. Introduction
The Indonesian government's policy on cocoa development is carried out using a group approach. The
cocoa development program launched by the government is cocoa replanting which aims to increase farmers'
cocoa production. Currently, cocoa productivity in East Kolaka Regency is 0.3 tons/ha (East Kolaka Regency
Plantation Office, 2020) far from its ideal potential, which has the potential to reach 1-2 tons per hectare. The
low productivity of cocoa is caused by farmers' cocoa trees being old (> 20 years old) so they need to be
replanted. However, the cocoa replanting program cannot be easily accepted by farmers, because it is related to
economic, technical and social factors. Farmers need income, if replanting is done, the farmers' cocoa plants
will be cut down and the farmers will no longer receive income. Likewise from a technical point of view, the
existence of a cocoa replanting program for farmers requires new skills so socially it will affect the level of
acceptance. Various problems faced by farmers in the cocoa replanting program are related to the institutional
role of farmers which is still low and does not meet farmers' expectations (Listyati, Wahyudi, & Hasibuan,
2014;Prawiranegara, 2016). The low role of farmer institutions is because farmer institutions are only used as
program administration activities and not as a forum for social learning processes (Syahyuti, 2003). Farmer
institutions play more of a role as a technology transfer than as a social learning process.
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IJEBSS Vol. 1 No.03, January-February 2023, pages: 220-231
The weak institutional role of farmers is believed to be related to the pattern of communication that occurs
within farmer institutions. The pattern of communication in cocoa development is still one-way so that it is less
capable as a medium for channeling the aspirations of farmers. Sadono,(2009) argues that there has been a shift
in the pattern of communication in agricultural development from a linear nature (from the government to
farmers) towards a participatory and dialogic communication pattern so that it can fulfill the aspirations of
farmers. In the case of the black rice development program, it was found that communication patterns tended to
use personal network communication patterns (Zulfiningrum, Sumardjo, Saleh, & Agusta, 2019). The
communication factor becomes an important factor in institutional management in information processing.
Information processing can occur well if communication is lateral in nature which allows all parties, including
farmers, farmer institutions, extension workers and the government, to exchange information in a shared
learning forum. The results of the deliberations become the government's basis for policy making in cocoa
development. The occurrence of interactive communication between farmers, farmer institutions and the
government is more effective in increasing farmer participation in an activity/program (Koesoemowardani,
2008). Therefore, this study focuses on the communication factor as a factor that supports the learning process
among farmers in replanting cocoa plants.
The role of communication in the learning process of farmers can be realized if all parties are willing to
share information and knowledge. Communication plays a role in facilitating network building, social learning
and negotiation of innovation (Leeuwis, 2013; Amanah, 2010). The communication process can occur in a
farmer's institution as a farmer's organization in communicating various technological innovations among
stakeholders in cocoa development. The existence of farmer institutions can be used as an entry point for efforts
to disseminate technological innovations for farmers(Suradisastra, 2008). Farmers who are grouped in farmer
institutions are social beings who cannot be separated from their social environment. Farmers are not passive
people but can actively design and change their environment according to their knowledge. Farmers will
actively seek information according to their needs by using various information communication media, and if it
is not possible they will do so according to the experience they already have. The learning process in farmer
institutions can be realized if the communication process allows all parties to participate in discussions and
dialogues among farmers, government extension workers and other related parties in a farmer institution
(Muchtar, Purnaningsih, & Susanto, 2014). The cocoa replanting program launched by the government in 2019
around 1,000 ha has only achieved less than half. The obstacle faced is the existence of doubts from farmers
about its success (Interview with Mr. Suwardi, Dangia District extension worker, 2020).
The cocoa replanting program is not being followed by cocoa farmers, because the communication by the
government and farmer institutions is believed to be inappropriate. The government should be able to open
communication with all actors to share information on the cocoa replanting program so that they can find out
what the cocoa farmers want. The role of communication in good farmer institutions allows for a joint learning
process between farmers and related stakeholders. The occurrence of a joint learning process between farmers
through a lateral communication process allows information and knowledge sharing to occur so as to enable
increased knowledge, attitudes and skills of farmers in supporting the cocoa replanting program. The role of
communication in the learning process of farmers can be realized allegedly influenced by several factors such
as characteristics of farmers, characteristics of institutions and support from related parties. The purpose of this
research is to examine the role of communication in the learning process of farmers and the factors that
influence it.
2. Materials and Methods
This research is a survey research. The research location is in East Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi
Province in 12 villages. The 12 villages were chosen because they are villages where the majority of the
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IJEBSS Vol. 1 No.03, January-February 2023, pages: 220-231
population cultivates cocoa as the main source of income and a cocoa farmer institution has been formed under
the name of the Prosperous Community Economic Institution (PCEI). The research was conducted for three
months, from October to December 2020. The total sample was 192 cocoa farmers from 542 populations that
were proportional random sampling from every PCEI. The object of research is cocoa farmers who are
members of PCEI. The variable role of farmer communication is measured by four indicators, namely; access to
information, mediation of information, methods of information communication and the effectiveness of
information communication. The data collection method is by interviewing selected PCEI members using a
prepared questionnaire. Data collection was also carried out by means of in-depth interviews and focused
discussions. The categorization of each research indicator uses a score based on a Likert scale with five
categories namely; score 1 category is very low, score 2 category is low, score is 3 categories is medium, score
is 4 categories is high and score is 5 categories is very high. Data analysis used descriptive analysis and SEM-
GSCA analysis. Descriptive analysis is used to explain social phenomena that are measured based on
percentages and average values. SEM-GSCA analysis was used to determine the effect of each of the latent
variables studied. Questionnaire as a data collection tool, has previously been tested for validity and reliability.
Based on the test results, it showed that there were several variables that were still not reliable and valid, then
improvements were made so that all research variables were declared reliable and valid.
3. Results and Discussions
Characteristics of Farmers
Characteristics of cocoa farmers which include aspects of cultivated land area, cosmopolitanness,
motivation in cocoa farming and the level of activeness of farmers in farmer groups/institutions. The research
results are seen in Table 1.
Table 1
Characteristics of cocoa farmers in East Kolaka Regency
Aspect
Category (%)
Average Score
1
4
5
Garage area
1,5
24,7
5,6
2,35
Cosmopolitan
6,4
24,0
2,6
2,88
Motivation for cocoa farming
9,4
25,5
3,4
2,84
Activeness of farmers in institutions
2,6
22,8
5,2
2,93
Average Total
2,75
Table 1 shows the characteristics of cocoa farmer respondents for the area of arable land which is a
characteristic of farmers that needs to be known in supporting cocoa replanting. The results showed that most of
the farmers (49.1%) had an area of cocoa cultivation between 2-2.9 hectares. Meanwhile, the respondent
farmer's area of cocoa land ranges from 0.5 to 8 ha. If seen from the average area of farmers' cultivated land of
2.35 hectares, it can be categorized as cocoa farmers having a large enough land area, all of which are owned
land. Another characteristic of cocoa farmers is the cosmopolitan level where the majority (39.0%) are in the
medium category. Furthermore, the motivation level of farmers in cocoa farming (32.6 percent) is in the
medium category. If seen from the average total score of farmers' motivation in farming with a value of 2.84, it
indicates that the motivation of farmers in cocoa farming is in the low category. Finally, the activity level of
most farmers in PCEI (35.2 percent) is in the low category. If seen from the average score of farmer activity in
groups/ PCEI of 2.53, it indicates that the level of activity of farmers in LEMS is in the low category. Farmers
are less active in participating in PCEI meetings and activities, less active in expressing opinions or discussing