Peran Penyuluh Pertanian dalam Mendorong Pemberdayaan Kelompok Tani (Studi Kasus : Desa Bekiung, Kecamatan Kuala, Kabupaten Langkat, Sumatera Utara)

Abstract

Yulia Septiana Br. Sembiring (200304038). The Role of Agricultural Extension Agents in Promoting Farmer Group Empowerment (Case Study: Bekiung Village, Kecamatan Kuala, Kabupaten Langkat, Provinsi North Sumatra) (under the supervision of Bapak M. Jufri, as an Academic Advisor, and Bapak Rulianda Purnomo Wibowo as an Examiner) The development of the agricultural sector is one of the primary strategies to promote sustainable development and reduce poverty, especially in rural areas. This study aims to analyze the role of agricultural extension agents as educators, motivators, facilitators, and communicators in promoting the empowerment of farmer groups in Bekiung Village, Kuala Subdistrict, Langkat Regency, North Sumatra. The research employed a quantitative approach with a census technique, using Likert-scale questionnaires distributed to members of the Metro Farmer Group. Data were analyzed through validity and reliability tests, scoring, and Spearman's rank correlation to measure the relationship and level of extension agents' roles in supporting farmer group empowerment. The results show that the role of extension agents in promoting the empowerment of the Metro Farmer Group in Bekiung Village is categorized as high, with a round th score 73.39%. Among the roles examined, the motivator, facilitator, and communicator roles significantly influence the empowerment of the Metro Farmer Group. These roles have a substantial impact on the empowerment process in the village. The findings recommend increasing the involvement of extension agents in technical training and information access to gt a strong the sustainability of farmer groups through participatory and empowerment approaches. This study is expected to serve as a reference for the development of future agricultural and extension policies.