Farmer Behavior Is Key to Adopting Integrated Cattle and Corn Farming Technology in Muna

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FORMOSA NEWS

An agricultural extension agent's technical expertise does not automatically guarantee that farmers will adopt integrated agricultural technology. A study published in July 2026 reveals that an extension agent's job performance and changes in farmer behavior are the most decisive factors in successfully adopting integrated beef cattle and corn farming technology. This research was conducted by La Ode Muh. Ikhsanuddin, Prof. Hartina Batoa, and Prof. Weka Widayati from Halu Oleo University to evaluate the effectiveness of agricultural extension services in Kabangka District, Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi.

Background: Optimizing Corn Waste Potential Through Integrated Systems

Yellow corn is a key agricultural commodity in Southeast Sulawesi, with harvest areas continuing to expand. However, local corn productivity remains below the national average. At the same time, corn farming generates abundant biomass waste, such as stalks, leaves, and cobs.

This crop waste holds great potential as feed for beef cattle when processed using fermentation or silage technology. Implementing a crop-livestock integration system improves land efficiency, enhances nutrient cycling, and strengthens the economic resilience of farming households. Nevertheless, most farmers in Muna Regency still rely on natural forage and have not fully utilized crop waste processing technologies due to various barriers in innovation adoption.

Research Methodology: Structural Model Evaluation on Farmer Groups

This quantitative study was conducted in Kabangka District, Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, from March to May 2026. The study population comprised 102 farmers who cultivate yellow corn and raise beef cattle while participating in guided farmer groups. Using a purposive sampling technique, a sample of 81 farmers was selected, supported by 8 field agricultural extension officers (PPL) as supporting respondents.

Primary data were collected through structured interviews and closed questionnaires using a 1–5 Likert scale. Data analysis was performed using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) to test direct, indirect, and simultaneous relationships among research variables.

Main Findings: Farmer Behavior Mediates Extension Performance and Competence

Data analysis revealed several key insights regarding the diffusion process of technological innovation among farmers:

• Extension Performance Has a Direct Positive Impact: The job performance of extension agents in preparation, implementation, evaluation, and reporting directly increases the rate of technology adoption among farmers (p-value = 0.000).
• Extension Competence Lacks Direct Impact: Technical expertise and knowledge levels of extension agents alone do not directly drive a farmer's decision to adopt new technology (p-value = 0.579). Farmers do not implement technology simply because an extension agent is highly skilled.
• Farmer Behavior Acts as a Vital Bridge (Mediator): Farmer behavior—encompassing knowledge, attitudes, and concrete actions—serves as a crucial mediating variable. An extension agent's competence and performance yield optimal results only when they successfully shift farmer perspectives and behaviors to become more open to innovation.
• High Simultaneous Contribution: The combination of extension performance and competence, mediated by shifts in farmer behavior, accounts for 99.6% ($R^2 = 0.996$) of the variance in integrated technology adoption.

Research Implications for Regional Agricultural Policy

The findings offer strategic recommendations for developing local agricultural and livestock sectors:

• Focusing on Behavioral Change Approaches: Agricultural extension activities must go beyond theoretical lectures and technical presentations. Extension agents should prioritize field demonstration plots, hands-on training, and intensive mentoring aimed at transforming farmer attitudes and practices.
• Upgrading Facilities and Extension Support: Local governments and relevant agencies are advised to strengthen the operational capacity of extension agents and provide supporting infrastructure for consistent field guidance.
• Active Participation in Farmer Groups: Farmers are encouraged to actively engage in training programs focused on processing corn waste into animal feed and organic fertilizer to enhance farm productivity and income.

Author Profiles

• La Ode Muh. Ikhsanuddin, S.P., M.P.: Lead researcher and academic at Halu Oleo University, specializing in agricultural extension, development communication, and rural technology adoption.
• Prof. Dr. Ir. Hartina Batoa, M.Si.: Professor at Halu Oleo University with expertise in agricultural sociology, farmer institutions, and agricultural extension services.
• Prof. Dr. Ir. Weka Widayati, M.S.: Professor at Halu Oleo University specializing in agribusiness community development and agricultural policy evaluation.

Research Source

Journal Article Title: The Effect of Extension Agent’s Performance and Competition on the Adoption 0f Integrated Cattle and Corn Farming Technology in Kabangka Subdistrict Muna Regency
Journal Name: Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani (MUDIMA)
Publication Year: 2026 (Vol. 6, No. 7, pp. 1041–1050)
Official DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/mudima.v6i7.106

URL : https://journalmudima.my.id/index.php/mudima