Corn Farmer Skills and Motivation Linked to Higher Incomes in Tomohon
A new study published in 2026 by researchers from Universitas Kristen Indonesia Tomohon and Universitas Sam Ratulangi Manado found that farmer competence and work motivation significantly increase the income of corn farming businesses in Tomohon City, North Sulawesi. The research highlights how human resource quality—not only farming technology or land size—plays a major role in improving farmer welfare and strengthening agricultural sustainability.
The study, led by Fadly S.J. Rumondor together with Genita Gracia Lumintang, Irvan Trang, and Merinda H. Ch. Pandowo, was published in the Indonesian Journal of Economic & Management Sciences (IJEMS). The researchers concluded that farmers with stronger technical knowledge, practical skills, and higher motivation levels tend to achieve better productivity and significantly higher economic returns from corn farming.
Why Corn Farming Productivity Matters
Corn is one of Indonesia’s most important agricultural commodities. Beyond being a staple food product, corn is also widely used in the livestock feed industry, where demand continues to increase across Southeast Asia. In regions such as Tomohon City, corn farming is a key source of household income for many rural families.
However, many farmers still face unstable earnings due to fluctuating market prices, limited access to technology, inefficient farm management, and climate-related risks. The researchers noted that discussions about agricultural productivity often focus heavily on fertilizers, seeds, irrigation, or machinery while overlooking the role of farmers themselves as the central drivers of farm performance.
The Tomohon study shifts attention toward human capital. It argues that farmers’ competence and motivation are essential factors influencing how efficiently farms are managed and how effectively innovations are adopted.
How the Research Was Conducted
The research used a quantitative explanatory approach involving 100 active corn farmers in Tomohon City, North Sulawesi. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, meaning the researchers focused on farmers with at least two years of experience managing corn farming operations.
Researchers gathered primary data through:
- Structured questionnaires
- Interviews with farmers
- Direct field observations
- Supporting documentation from agricultural agencies and statistical institutions
The study then applied multiple linear regression analysis using statistical software to examine how two main variables—competence and motivation—affected farming income.
Competence in the study included:
- Agricultural knowledge
- Technical farming skills
- Work attitudes and discipline
Motivation included:
- Internal motivation and ambition
- Economic incentives
- Goal orientation
- Commitment and persistence
Key Findings From the Study
The research produced several important findings that may influence agricultural policy and rural development programs in Indonesia.
Competence Has the Strongest Impact
The researchers found that farmer competence had the largest influence on corn farming income.
Farmers with stronger knowledge of cultivation techniques, pest management, land management, and production planning were more likely to achieve higher productivity and better earnings.
Statistical analysis showed that competence had a highly significant positive effect on income, with a regression coefficient of 2.133 and a significance value of 0.000.
According to the study, competent farmers are generally more capable of:
- Managing production costs efficiently
- Adopting new agricultural technologies
- Improving crop quality
- Responding to climate and pest challenges
Motivation Also Improves Income
Work motivation was also found to significantly influence farming income.
Farmers with stronger motivation tended to work more consistently, actively seek information, and remain committed despite agricultural risks such as weather uncertainty and fluctuating prices.
The study recorded a positive regression coefficient of 1.411 for motivation, also with a significance value of 0.000.
Researchers observed that motivated farmers are often more willing to:
- Experiment with better farming methods
- Participate in training programs
- Increase production intensity
- Pursue long-term economic goals
Both Factors Explain 73 Percent of Income Variation
One of the most striking findings in the research was the coefficient of determination result.
The study found that competence and motivation together explained 73 percent of variations in farmers’ income levels.
This means that the majority of differences in corn farming income among respondents could be linked directly to human resource factors rather than external conditions alone.
The remaining 27 percent was associated with other factors such as land size, market prices, access to technology, and environmental conditions.
Implications for Agricultural Policy
The findings carry important implications for governments, agricultural institutions, and development agencies working to improve rural livelihoods.
The researchers argue that increasing agricultural productivity should not rely solely on physical inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, or machinery. Instead, investment in farmer education and motivation may produce equally important economic benefits.
The study recommends several policy actions:
- Expanding farmer training and agricultural extension programs
- Improving access to modern farming knowledge
- Strengthening institutional support for farmers
- Providing incentives that encourage innovation and productivity
- Building stronger market access systems for rural farmers
The research also supports broader global discussions about sustainable agriculture and food security. As climate change and economic pressures continue to challenge food systems worldwide, improving farmer competence could become a critical strategy for maintaining agricultural resilience.
Research Perspective From the Authors
The researchers emphasized that human resource development should become a core component of agricultural modernization.
In the study, the authors explained that competence and motivation “are not merely supporting factors, but major determinants of farm economic performance,” particularly in local farming systems such as Tomohon’s corn agriculture sector.
The research also highlighted that training programs alone may not be enough unless farmers are simultaneously encouraged through supportive policies, market access, and economic incentives.
About the Authors
- Fadly S.J. Rumondor: Researcher affiliated with Universitas Kristen Indonesia Tomohon, specializing in agricultural economics, rural development, and human resource management in farming systems.
- Genita Gracia Lumintang: Academic researcher from Universitas Sam Ratulangi Manado with expertise in management and organizational performance.
- Irvan Trang: Researcher at Universitas Sam Ratulangi Manado focusing on economics, productivity, and business performance analysis.
- Merinda H. Ch. Pandowo: Academic affiliated with Universitas Sam Ratulangi Manado specializing in management studies and human resource development.
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