In the bustling urban landscape of Yogyakarta City, an innovative agricultural initiative is taking root, quite literally. The Sustainable Urban Farming (P2L) program is transforming urban yards into productive farmlands, and a recent study published in the *Agricultural Socio-Economic Empowerment and Agribusiness Journal* (translated from Indonesian as *Jurnal Penguatan Sosio-Ekonomi Pertanian dan Agribisnis*) sheds light on the crucial role of agricultural extension workers in this green revolution. Led by Yunanto Yunanto from the Agribusiness Department at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, the research offers insights into farmers’ perceptions and the factors influencing their views on the performance of these essential agricultural advisors.
The P2L program, which stands for *Pertanian Perkotaan Lestari* (Sustainable Urban Farming), is not just about growing food; it’s about empowering communities and boosting household incomes. By utilizing urban yard land, the program addresses food security and economic stability, two pressing issues in urban areas. Agricultural extension workers are the backbone of this initiative, guiding farmer groups through every step of the process—from planning and implementation to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
The study involved 11 farmer groups in Yogyakarta, comprising 88 respondents. Farmers’ perceptions were measured using a Likert scale, and the results were analyzed using Spearman’s Rank Correlation. The findings revealed that the P2L program has successfully improved food availability, accessibility, and household income through market-oriented food production. “The program has been a game-changer for many families,” said Yunanto Yunanto. “It’s not just about putting food on the table; it’s about creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering a sense of community.”
Farmers rated the performance of agricultural extension workers as good, with a total score of 260.42. However, the study also identified factors that showed only a very weak correlation with the performance of these workers. Age, non-formal education, farmers’ knowledge, farming experience, and the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) were among the factors analyzed. “While the overall performance is positive, there’s still room for improvement,” Yunanto noted. “Understanding these factors can help tailor extension services to better meet the needs of the farmers.”
The implications of this research extend beyond Yogyakarta. As urbanization continues to rise globally, sustainable urban farming initiatives like P2L could become a model for other cities. The study highlights the importance of agricultural extension workers and the need for continuous improvement in their services. “This research is a stepping stone for future developments in urban agriculture,” Yunanto said. “It’s about creating a sustainable future, one urban yard at a time.”
In the broader context, the findings could influence policy-making and the allocation of resources in the agricultural sector. By understanding farmers’ perceptions and the factors that influence them, policymakers can design more effective programs and support systems. The study also underscores the potential of ICT in enhancing agricultural extension services, a trend that is likely to gain momentum in the coming years.
As the world grapples with the challenges of urbanization and food security, initiatives like P2L offer a beacon of hope. The research by Yunanto Yunanto and his team provides valuable insights into the dynamics of sustainable urban farming and the role of agricultural extension workers. It’s a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives and the potential for innovation in the agricultural sector. As we look to the future, the lessons from Yogyakarta could very well shape the way we think about urban agriculture and sustainable living.