Abstract:
Cocoa farmers face various obstacles and problems in an effort to increase production and farm
income. Therefore, it is necessary to do empowerment related to the adoption of knowledge and
skills so that farmers are able to solve the problems encountered in their farming. Adoption of
science and skills is more effective if done through an extension program through the Farmer
Group. The research aims to determine the level of farmer income, the role of agricultural
extension and strengthening the institutional capacity of farmer groups in empowering farmers as
competent agricultural development actors so as to be able to develop agricultural businesses that
are resilient, better farming, better business and live better lives (better living). This research is a
descriptive study using a questionnaire. The results showed that farmers 'income was not optimal
due to limitations in the aspects of production, capital, farmers' level of knowledge and skills.
The role of agricultural extension is still limited to the production aspect and has not yet touched
on access to farm financing sources and efforts to increase the added value of cocoa products in
efforts to develop rural industries. The performance of farmer groups is not optimal in the
development of cocoa farming, especially in production efficiency, competitiveness and product
added value. Most farmers continue to depend their lives on farming economy (on farm) which is
actually an economic activity that has little added value. While activities that have the greatest
added value, namely in the processing of yields and trade in their products (off-farm), are left to
those who are not farmers. |
