<![CDATA[The role of agricultural extension workers is an important aspect of supporting the capacity development of farmer group members, particularly through the provision of information, mentoring, innovation facilitation, motivation, and learning tailored to farmers’ needs. In horticultural farming, capacity development is essential because the success of farm management is determined not only by the availability of resources but also by farmers’ ability to apply technology, manage their farming enterprises, and establish cooperation within farmer groups. This study aimed to analyze the role of agricultural extension workers, assess the capacity of horticultural farmer group members, and examine the relationship between the role of agricultural extension workers and the capacity of horticultural farmer group members in Liabalano Village, Kontunaga District, Muna Regency. The study employed a quantitative approach with a descriptive-correlational design. The study involved 15 members of a horticultural farmer group as respondents, selected using a census method. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, documentation, and a literature review. The role of agricultural extension workers was assessed across four dimensions: facilitator, innovator, motivator, and educator, while farmer group members’ capacity was assessed in terms of technical, managerial, and social capacity. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation with the assistance of SPSS. The results showed that the role of agricultural extension workers was categorized as highly effective, with 73% of respondents rating their role within this category. The capacity of farmer group members was categorized as good, with 73% of respondents falling into this category. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis revealed a positive and significant relationship between the role of agricultural extension workers and the capacity of horticultural farmer group members, with a correlation coefficient of 0.727 and a significance value of 0.002. These findings indicate that better implementation of the role of agricultural extension workers is associated with higher levels of farmer group members’ technical, managerial, and social capacity. Optimizing the roles of extension workers as facilitators, innovators, motivators, and educators through continuous mentoring, practice-based learning, and strengthened group participation is therefore important for supporting the capacity development of horticultural farmers.]]>
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