HAMBATAN KOMUNIKASI PENYULUH PERTANIAN DALAM PROSES PENYULUHAN KELOMPOK TANI PADI SAWAH: STUDI KUALITATIF DI DESA AWULITI KABUPATEN KONAWE

Abstract

Communication is a fundamental component of agricultural extension, as it determines the effectiveness of information dissemination, innovation transfer, and technology adoption among farmers. However, communication processes in agricultural extension activities remain susceptible to various barriers that may reduce the effectiveness of extension services. This study aimed to analyze the communication barriers encountered by agricultural extension workers during rice farmer group extension activities in Awuliti Village, Konawe Regency, Indonesia. A qualitative approach with a descriptive research design was employed. Informants were selected using purposive sampling, which was subsequently expanded through snowball sampling until data saturation was achieved. The study involved six informants, comprising one agricultural extension worker, one head of the farmers' association (Gapoktan), two farmer group leaders, and two farmer group members. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation, and were analyzed using an interactive qualitative analysis process consisting of data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The analysis focused on five dimensions of communication barriers: technical, semantic, psychological, organizational, and socio-cultural barriers. The findings revealed that communication barriers experienced by agricultural extension workers were generally low. The primary barriers identified were technical in nature, including environmental noise, inadequate voice clarity during extension sessions, limited use of communication media, and interruptions during information delivery. Semantic barriers were relatively minimal because extension workers adapted their language to farmers' characteristics, simplified technical terminology, and provided clarification whenever necessary. In contrast, psychological, organizational, and socio-cultural barriers were not found to be significant due to open communication, harmonious interpersonal relationships, effective farmer group coordination, and the mutual ability of extension workers and farmers to build trust and adapt to local socio-cultural conditions. The findings suggest that improving the effectiveness of agricultural extension should prioritize strengthening the technical aspects of information delivery through adequate communication facilities and the creation of a conducive learning environment while maintaining high-quality interactions between agricultural extension workers and farmers.