Existence of livestock extension in RI-RDTL borderlands

Eksistensi Penyuluhan Peternakan di Perbatasan RI-RDTL

Abstract

Extension has a strategic role in improving the competence of competence of farmers, which in turn contributes to the development of sustainable livestock businesses. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the existence and effectiveness of extension services in supporting the development of livestock businesses in two regencies in Nusa Tenggara Timur Province, namely Timor Tengah Utara and Belu Regencies. The study used a survey method involving 462 randomly selected respondents in the two districts. Data were collected through a questionnaire designed to measure perceptions and the level of success of the extension programme, then analysed using a Likert scale. The data obtained were analysed quantitatively to assess extension effectiveness based on several key indicators, including suitability of materials, frequency of extension, farmer participation, and technical support and field guidance. To identify differences in extension effectiveness between the two regions, statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney test was conducted. The results revealed that there were significant differences in extension presence, especially in the indicator of suitability of extension materials delivered. Timor Tengah Utara Regency showed a higher level of suitability compared to Belu Regency, indicating a need to tailor extension content to the local context of each region. These findings highlight the importance of a more adaptive and contextualised approach to extension, which takes into account the geographical, social and economic conditions of each region to improve extension effectiveness among farmers.