Learning and Technology Adoption Impacts on Farmer’s Productivity

The integrated farmer field school program was implemented to empowered farmers with scientific knowledge, skills, positive attitudes and suitable technology. However, the impact of this program on farmer’s productivity has not been comprehensively investigated. Thus, this research examines the farmers’ participation in the learning process, technology transfer, adoption of new technology and productivity. This study was conducted in Kabupaten Maros, South Sulawesi, and the total sample size was 168 farmers who have participated in this program. A survey research questionnaire was distributed randomly to the participants from four selected villages after the program. Descriptive and multiple regression analyses were carried out on the data. The results showed that the integrated farmer field school program improved the farmers’ knowledge and that extension services were effective in transferring technological expertise. The empirical evidence showed that farmers who participate in the program have significantly increased in paddy productivity. This implies that program is useful to fill gaps in local knowledge with the dissemination and adoption of new agriculture technology. To further improve the farmer field school program, appropriate technological innovations should be identified and issues relating to farm quality and the availability of credits to enable farmers to purchase agricultural equipment and supplies should be addressed. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n4s3p12