Impact of Training and Work Environment on Agricultural Extension Workers’ Performance and Rice Productivity in Rajagaluh District, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Agricultural extension plays a central role in helping farmers raise productivity by linking them with new ideas, farming techniques, and relevant technologies. The effectiveness of these services depends greatly on the people who deliver them. In particular, how well extension workers perform their duties is shaped by the kind of training they receive and the situation in which they work. When these two elements are well managed, extension staff are usually more capable of providing timely and practical assistance to farming communities.
Objective: The purpose of this research is to explore how training and the work environment influence the performance of agricultural extension workers and to understand how these factors relate to rice production outcomes in the Rajagaluh District of Indonesia.
Methods: This study applied a quantitative descriptive–verificative approach and involved all 52 agricultural extension officers working in the district. Data were gathered through a structured questionnaire and supported by field observations. Statistical analysis was carried out using multiple regression to test the relationship between variables, the F-test to examine their combined influence, and a paired t-test to compare rice productivity data from 2022 and 2023.
Results: The analysis showed that training and the work environment, when considered together, significantly improved extension worker performance (R² = 0.562, p < 0.05). When the two variables were tested separately, the effect of each was not statistically significant. However, the paired t-test demonstrated a clear and meaningful rise in rice yield between 2022 and 2023, suggesting that better training opportunities and working conditions contributed to improved productivity.
Conclusion: Overall, the study highlights the importance of well-planned training programs and supportive workplaces in strengthening the capacity of agricultural extension officers. When extension staff are well prepared and work in an encouraging environment, they are more effective in guiding farmers, which eventually results in better crop performance and supports the broader goal of sustainable agricultural development.