Strengthening Farmer Group Institutions in Data, Information, and Administration

Abstract

The main problem faced by farmer groups in South Dumai District is the weak management of data, information, and group administration, which affects the effectiveness of agricultural development planning and evaluation. This community service activity aims to strengthen farmer group institutions by improving their capacity in data and administrative management. The method employed was a community organizing approach through participatory extension activities, group discussions, and initial mentoring involving 33 participants consisting of farmer group administrators and members. The results indicate an increase in farmers’ understanding and awareness of the importance of data and orderly administration as a basis for planning, decision-making, and evaluation of agricultural development programs. In addition, early social changes emerged in the form of collective awareness and the initiative of group leaders to actively strengthen institutional functions. Strengthening farmer group institutions through proper data and administrative management is expected to support sustainable agricultural development and improve farmers’ welfare.