Digital Literacy Among Agricultural Extension Agents in North Maluku, Indonesia

Chris Sugihono

Department of Extension and Communication Development, Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia and Indonesian Agency for Agricultural Instrument Standardization, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia.

Sunarru Samsi Hariadi *

Department of Extension and Communication Development, Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

Sri Peni Wastutiningsih

Department of Extension and Communication Development, Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.


Abstract

This study assesses the digital literacy of agricultural extension agents in North Maluku Province, Indonesia, and its implications for service delivery. A survey of 252 extension agents, conducted from November 2022 to February 2023, employed a validated questionnaire based on five key indicators: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) usage, digital data and information literacy, digital communication and collaboration, digital learning and extension skills, and digital identity and security literacy. Descriptive statistical analysis revealed an overall digital literacy level of 54.3% (SD = 10.8), indicating moderate proficiency. While ICT skills proficiency was high (61%), proficiency in other areas was lower, ranging from 50.8% to 55%. Younger agents and those with higher educational levels demonstrated higher digital literacy. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions by government and academic institutions to bolster the digital capabilities of agricultural extension agents, thereby enhancing their capacity to leverage digital technologies for effective service provision in North Maluku's agricultural sector.

Keywords: Digital literacy, agricultural extension, Indonesia, capacity building


How to Cite

Sugihono, Chris, Sunarru Samsi Hariadi, and Sri Peni Wastutiningsih. 2024. “Digital Literacy Among Agricultural Extension Agents in North Maluku, Indonesia”. Asian Journal of Agricultural Extension, Economics & Sociology 42 (6):417-29. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajaees/2024/v42i62504.