Identifying Factors Causing the Weak Role of Farmer Institutions in the Development of Corn Commodities in Jeneponto Regency

Abstract

Weak institutional support for farmers can greatly impact agriculture practices and results. This research aimed to determine the reasons for the limited involvement of farmer institutions in the development of maize commodities. The Jeneponto District was the research site from July to December 2023. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with institutional specialists in maize farming in the research area, utilizing qualitative approaches. Interpretive Structural Modeling was employed in data analysis. The findings indicated that the poor performance of farmer institutions in developing maize commodities in the Jeneponto District is caused by eleven factors. Since the institution is in the independent quadrant with the greatest driving power score of 11 and the lowest dependence score of 5, the main factor determining its weak role is the absence of farmer participation. According to the study’s findings, initiatives are required to build and enhance farmer institutions by raising farmer’s understanding of the advantages of these organizations and improving their administration and organization. Consequently, this research offers significant perspectives to interested parties seeking to enhance the function of farmer organizations in the development of maize commodities.