<![CDATA[Farmers' knowledge is a crucial factor influencing the successful implementation of patchouli cultivation practices, as it determines their ability to make appropriate decisions throughout the farming process. Limited technical knowledge may lead to suboptimal cultivation practices, thereby reducing productivity and the quality of patchouli essential oil. In Warambe Village, Parigi District, Muna Regency, patchouli has become the primary agricultural commodity; however, cultivation practices remain largely based on inherited farming experience rather than technical recommendations. This study aimed to analyze farmers' knowledge of patchouli cultivation using the cognitive dimensions proposed by Anderson and Krathwohl, namely remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, and evaluating. A descriptive qualitative approach was employed, and the study was conducted from January to March 2026 in Warambe Village, Parigi District, Muna Regency. Informants were selected using the snowball sampling technique, involving patchouli farmers, agricultural extension officers, and farmer group leaders. Data were collected through field observations, in-depth interviews, and documentation, and were analyzed using the interactive analysis model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña, which includes data condensation, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings revealed that farmers' knowledge had developed across all stages of patchouli cultivation, including land preparation, seedling propagation, planting, fertilization, crop maintenance, harvesting, and post-harvest handling. Farmers demonstrated strong competencies in remembering, understanding, and applying cultivation practices, primarily supported by long-standing farming experience and intergenerational knowledge transfer. However, their abilities to analyze and evaluate cultivation practices remained relatively limited because farming decisions were predominantly based on empirical experience, local traditions, and peer learning rather than technical recommendations or scientific evidence. Consequently, the adoption of improved cultivation innovations, particularly in land management, propagation, fertilization, harvesting, and post-harvest management, has not yet been fully optimized. The study concludes that strengthening farmers' capacity through agricultural extension programs emphasizing analytical and evaluative thinking is essential to enhance the adoption of cultivation innovations, improve patchouli productivity and essential oil quality, and promote the sustainability of patchouli farming systems.]]>
Copyrights © 2026
