ANALISIS PERAN PENYULUH PERTANIAN TERHADAP KEPUASAN PETANI PADA KEGIATAN OPTIMALISASI LAHAN RAWA MEWUJUDKAN SWASEMBADA PANGAN DI KELURAHAN SORKAM, TAPANULI UTARA

Abstract

Agricultural extension plays a crucial role in supporting the success of agricultural programs, including swamp land optimization activities for food self-sufficiency. The success of extension is measured, in part, by the level of farmer satisfaction as service users. This study aims to analyze and measure the extent to which the role of agricultural extension workers in swamp land optimization activities influences farmer satisfaction in Sorkam Village, North Tapanuli. The role of the extension worker is measured through four dimensions: Educator, Organizer, Motivator, and Facilitator. The research method used is descriptive quantitative with a survey approach, utilizing Multiple Linear Regression analysis to test the influence of the extension worker's role on farmer satisfaction. The results show that the roles of extension workers simultaneously influence farmer satisfaction significantly. Partially, the roles as Motivator and Facilitator have a positive and significant influence on farmer satisfaction. Meanwhile, the roles of Educator and Organizer show a positive but not significant influence. The highest farmer satisfaction is demonstrated by the extension worker's ability to provide solutions and encouragement. It is concluded that in the context of swamp land optimization, strengthening the extension worker's role as a resource facilitator and motivator of farmer morale is the main key to increasing satisfaction and program success.