The Impact Of Information Communication Technologies (Ict) And Its Usage In Agricultural Extension In The South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia

Abstract

This study analyzed the factors that contributed to extension workers' perceptions of the use of ICT in Agricultural Extension Centers (BPP) and how extension workers' perceptions of ICT use in Agricultural Extension Centers (BPP) in South Sulawesi Province. This research was conducted in three South Sulawesi Province districts, with five District Agricultural Extension Centers (BPP) as research sites. Data was collected through in-depth interviews using a structured questionnaire. Qualitative data is processed descriptively, while quantitative data is processed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis using Linear Structural Relationship (PLS) 3.0. The user's perception of ICT is very positive, marked by an awareness of the importance of using ICT itself. However, it needs to be supported by several factors, including the uneven distribution of funds from the government as well as inadequate infrastructure, which affect motivation and innovation in using ICT tools.