Mapping Postharvest Skills and Extension Priorities of Hybrid Corn Farmers in Bontula Village

Abstract

This study aims to: (1) assess farmers’ skill levels in hybrid corn post-harvest handling; (2) analyze the implementation of agricultural extension services; and (3) formulate extension intervention priorities based on farmers’ actual needs in Bontula Village, Asparaga Subdistrict, Gorontalo Regency. The study employed a mixed-methods approach with a sequential explanatory design. Data were collected from 30 hybrid corn farmers selected purposively through questionnaires, interviews, observations, and documentation. Quantitative data were analyzed using a skill index and priority matrix, while qualitative data were analyzed descriptively to support the quantitative findings. The results showed that 63.33% of farmers were categorized as skilled, while 36.67% were less skilled in post-harvest handling. The highest skill scores were found in storage and harvesting activities, whereas drying and packaging had the lowest scores. Agricultural extension performance was generally categorized as appropriate, particularly in harvesting, shelling, and storage stages. However, extension activities related to drying and packaging were still considered less appropriate. The priority matrix analysis identified drying and packaging as the main priority stages requiring immediate intervention due to low farmer skill levels and limited extension support. The study also found a positive relationship between extension intensity and farmers’ skill levels, although the correlation remained moderate.