Geographic Information System for Mapping Agricultural Technology Dissemination

Abstract

Indonesia, with its wealth of natural resources and strategic position, is still lagging behind in several areas. Differences in topography, such as high and low plains, slopes and mountains, as well as geographic locations between seas, islands and mountains, trigger difficulties in accessing information for farmers. Other factors such as culture, level of education, culture, economy, low quality of human resources, and limited facilities and infrastructure also play a role in the low level of adoption of agricultural technology. This shows the need for changes in development and dissemination approaches that are adapted to the characteristics of the local community and region. The relatively low socio-economic conditions of farmers spread throughout the archipelago and their diverse cultures also influence their accessibility to agricultural technology information. The Ministry of Agriculture's centralized and uniform programs, with the same dissemination patterns for all regions, have proven to be ineffective. This results in the loss of introduced technology after the program ends and farmers return to old ways. A special approach is needed so that agricultural technology information can be accepted and applied in everyday life. This approach must take into account the uniqueness and diversity of culture, social, political, work ethic and economy in each region. The development of a communication method for disseminating agricultural cultivation technology based on user mapping is a solution to overcome this problem. This method can function as initial information and guidance in carrying out socialization and dissemination in the future. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can be used as a tool in user mapping methods. GIS enables the collection, storage, and analysis of geographic information related to agricultural technology users. This can help in seeing the development of users over time, increasing their understanding, attitudes, skills and behavior regarding cultivation technology disseminated by extension workers/researchers. By using dissemination communication methods based on user mapping and utilizing GIS, it is hoped that agricultural technology information can be conveyed effectively and on target, so as to increase technology adoption and encourage progress in the agricultural sector in Indonesia. The approach used in working on this system is Predictive Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), this is based on the assumption that human resources, costs and flexibility are sufficient. Using a predictive SDLC approach can also save costs and time in returning to the previous phase.