PERAN PENYULUH PERTANIAN DALAM PENGEMBANGAN GABUNGAN KELOMPOK TANI (GAPOKTAN) DI KECAMATAN NGASEM, KABUPATEN BOJONEGORO: The Role of Agricultural Extension Workers in The Development of Farmers Groups (Gapoktan) in Ngasem District, Bojonegoro Regency - Riswanda, M. Mukhti Rizal; Susilo, Achmadi; Wanto, Hary Sastrya (Study Program of Agribusiness, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Wijaya Kusuma Surabaya, 2025)
Pengembangan pertanian merupakan kunci bagi ketahanan pangan dan kesejahteraan petani di Indonesia. Strategi utama pemerintah adalah memperkuat kelembagaan petani melalui Gapoktan. Namun, pengembangan Gapoktan di Kecamatan Ngasem, Bojonegoro, menghadapi tantangan seperti akses modal dan teknologi terbatas, SDM lemah, serta koordinasi dan pasar yang belum optimal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk: 1) Menganalisis peran penyuluh pertanian, 2) Menguji pengaruh setiap peran spesifik mereka, 3) Mengidentifikasi faktor pendukung, 4) Mengidentifikasi hambatan, dan 5) Merumuskan upaya strategis. Metode campuran digunakan dengan 60 responden yang dipilih secara purposive dan acak sederhana. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji asumsi klasik dan regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa: 1) Penyuluh berperan sebagai inovator, fasilitator, motivator, penggerak, dan edukator, 2) Peran sebagai inovator, fasilitator, motivator, dan edukator berpengaruh signifikan terhadap keberhasilan Gapoktan, 3) Faktor pendukung utama adalah dukungan pemerintah daerah dan ketersediaan fasilitas penyuluhan, 4) Hambatan utama meliputi infrastruktur tidak memadai dan motivasi anggota yang rendah, 5) Rekomendasi strategis mencakup pengembangan kompetensi berkelanjutan dan penguatan koordinasi antar pemangku kepentingan. Kata kunci: Peran Penyuluh Pertanian; Pengembangan Gapoktan; Kecamatan Ngasem Kabupaten Bojonegoro. Agricultural development is key to food security and farmer welfare in Indonesia. The government's primary strategy is to strengthen farmer institutions through farmer groups (Gapoktan). However, the development of Gapoktan in Ngasem District, Bojonegoro, faces challenges such as limited access to capital and technology, weak human resources, and suboptimal coordination and markets. This study aims to: 1) Analyze the role of agricultural extension workers, 2) Test the influence of each of their specific roles, 3) Identify supporting factors, 4) Identify barriers, and 5) Formulate strategic efforts. A mixed method was used with 60 respondents selected purposively and randomly. Data were analyzed using classical assumption tests and multiple linear regression. The results of the study show that: 1) Extension workers act as innovators, facilitators, motivators, movers, and educators, 2) The role as innovators, facilitators, motivators, and educators has a significant influence on the success of Gapoktan, 3) The main supporting factors are local government support and the availability of extension facilities, 4) The main obstacles include inadequate infrastructure and low member motivation, 5) Strategic recommendations include the development of sustainable competencies and strengthening coordination between stakeholders. Keywords: Role of Agricultural Extension Workers, Gapoktan Development, Ngasem District Bojonegoro Regency.