Evaluasi Programa Penyuluhan Usahatani Hortikultura di Wilayah Kerja Balai Penyuluhan Pertanian Kota Tarakan

Abstract

Agricultural extension plays a strategic role in improving the performance of horticultural farming, especially in urban areas that have limited land but high potential for vegetable commodities. This study aims to evaluate the implementation and the level of effectiveness of the horticultural farming extension program in the working area of the Agricultural Extension Center of Tarakan City, as well as to identify supporting and inhibiting factors. The study uses a descriptive evaluative design with a mixed methods approach. Quantitative respondents were selected purposively, consisting of 27 active horticultural farmer group leaders. Qualitative data were obtained through snowball interviews with 3 key informants, observation, and document review. Analysis was conducted descriptively based on input, process, output, outcome indicators, and six program effectiveness indicators.The results indicate that program planning has referred to farmers' needs, but the needs analysis has not been systematic and participation is still consultative. Extension activities are conducted 1–2 times per month, predominantly face-to-face, and have not fully followed the planting calendar. In terms of effectiveness, the relevance of the program objectives is considered high (82% of respondents rated it as meeting needs), while timeliness and targeting are in the medium category (68% on time; 72% of targets generally accurate). Farmer participation is in the medium range (74% attended more than 50% of activities; 55% actively participated in discussions). Capacity change is in the medium category (60% increased knowledge; 45% adopted new practices). Production improvements are relatively high, with yield increases of 15–22%, while socio-economic impacts are in the medium category (income increased 12–20% for adopters and social capital improved). Constraining factors include limited number of extension workers, facilities, funding, as well as farmers’ capital and market access.