Farmer Satisfaction with Agricultural Extension Services in Mandailing Natal Rated Good, Study Finds

FORMOSA NEWS

The performance of agricultural extension workers in Simpanggambir Village, Mandailing Natal Regency, North Sumatra, has been rated as satisfactory by farmers. This finding comes from a study conducted by Muksin, Anugrah Sri Widiasyih, and Deasy Arryannur Siregar from Universitas Graha Nusantara Padangsidimpuan in 2025 and published in the International Journal of Advanced Technology and Social Sciences (IJATSS) in 2026. The study highlights the critical role of extension services in improving agricultural productivity and farmer welfare. The agricultural sector remains a backbone of rural economies in Indonesia, including Mandailing Natal. Agricultural extension workers act as a bridge between technological innovation and farming practices in the field. However, challenges such as limited infrastructure, low farmer participation, and constraints in human resource quality continue to affect the effectiveness of extension services. This study focuses on measuring farmer satisfaction with extension performance in Simpanggambir Village, where most residents rely on farming commodities such as rice, corn, oil palm, and rubber. The effectiveness of extension services in this area serves as an important indicator of agricultural development success.

Simple and Measurable Research Method

The research used a descriptive quantitative approach. A total of 31 farmers were selected as respondents from 108 farmer group members using the Slovin formula. Data were collected through interviews, field observations, and structured questionnaires. Farmer satisfaction was measured using a Likert scale across five key service quality dimensions:
·         Reliability
·         Responsiveness
·         Empathy
·         Assurance
·         Tangibles
Key Findings: Responsiveness as the Strongest Factor
The study found that overall farmer satisfaction falls into the “good” category. Among the five dimensions, responsiveness emerged as the strongest aspect of extension performance.
Key findings include:
·  Responsiveness: score 4.23 (very satisfactory)
    Extension workers are quick and effective in addressing farmers’ problems.
·  Reliability: score 3.83 (satisfactory)
    Extension workers are generally trusted, especially in building partnerships.
· Assurance: score 3.77 (satisfactory)
    Farmers trust the competence of extension workers in providing solutions.
·  Tangibles: score 3.77 (satisfactory)
    Extension presence is visible, although facilities remain limited.
·  Empathy: score 3.66 (satisfactory, lowest score)
    Social interaction and emotional engagement still need improvement.
According to Anugrah Sri Widiasyih from Universitas Graha Nusantara, the high responsiveness score indicates that extension workers effectively act as problem solvers. However, strengthening social interaction is necessary to build closer relationships with farmers.
Ongoing Challenges in the Field
Despite positive results, the study identifies several issues that need attention:
·         Inconsistent presence of extension workers in farmer activities
·         Limited social involvement with farmer groups
·         Lack of teaching aids and extension media
·         Suboptimal communication in delivering materials
These findings suggest that service quality depends not only on technical expertise but also on social engagement and infrastructure support.
Implications for Agriculture and Public Policy
Farmer satisfaction significantly influences the adoption of agricultural innovations. The more satisfied farmers are, the more likely they are to apply new technologies, leading to increased productivity and income.
The study underscores that improving extension quality can:
·         Accelerate agricultural modernization
·         Enhance farmer welfare
·         Strengthen regional food security
It also provides valuable insights for policymakers, particularly local governments and the Ministry of Agriculture, to improve extension systems through better training, communication skills, and adequate facilities.

Author Profiles

·         Muksin – Researcher in agricultural socio-economics, Universitas Graha Nusantara Padangsidimpuan
Anugrah Sri Widiasyih, S.P., M.Si. – Academic and researcher specializing in agricultural extension and farmer empowerment
Deasy Arryannur Siregar, S.P., M.Si. – Lecturer and researcher in agribusiness and agricultural development

Source

Muksin, Widiasyih, A. S., & Siregar, D. A. (2026). Analysis of Farmer Satisfaction with the Performance of Agricultural Extension in Simpanggambir Village, Linggabayu District, Mandailing Natal Regency. International Journal of Advanced Technology and Social Sciences (IJATSS), Vol. 4 No. 3, pp. 343–352.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijatss.v4i3.205

https://aprmultitechpublisher.my.id/index.php/ijatss