The synergy of agricultural extension and farmer group leadership in promoting farmers’ independence in the digital era

Will be presented at Thursday, 22 May 2025, 11.25 (GMT +7)

Abstract

Enhancing agricultural productivity and promoting farmer autonomy remain critical challenges in Indonesia’s sustainable rural development. Agricultural extension services and farmer group leadership serve as key institutional innovations, empowering farmers to make informed decisions and address farming challenges independently. This study examines the influence of agricultural extension support on farmer group leadership and its subsequent effects on farmers’ independence. Employing a quantitative approach complemented by qualitative insights, data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 301 farmers in Riau Province, Indonesia—specifically in four locations: Dumai City, and the regencies of Bengkalis, Kuantan Singingi, and Indragiri Hilir. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics methods, with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) conducted using SmartPLS software to explore the structural relationships among variables. The results indicate that agricultural extension support significantly enhances both farmer group leadership and farmers’ independence. Moreover, effective leadership within farmer groups substantially contributes to farmers' autonomy and decision-making capacity. These findings highlight the synergistic role of extension support and leadership in driving socio-economic transformation within the agricultural sector. The study offers policy-relevant insights for promoting sustainable innovation and community empowerment in tropical bioresource management, particularly in the digital era.