Agroforestry and Forestry in Sulawesi series: Impact of agricultural-extension booklets on community livelihoods in South and Southeast Sulawesi

Abstract

This working paper reports the findings of a survey conducted to identify the impact of extension publications (booklets, in particular) produced by the Agroforestry and Forestry in Sulawesi: Linking Knowledge to Action project (2011–2017). The survey was conducted in South and Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, two of three provinces in which the project operated. The sites included in the survey were Makassar City, and Bantaeng, Bulukumba, Jeneponto and Gowa districts, South Sulawesi; and Kolaka Timur, Konawe, Kota Kendari and Konawe Selatan districts, Southeast Sulawesi. The survey was conducted through semi-structured interviews with 191 respondents (35% female). Respondents had varying education levels, ethnicities, daily activities and incomes. These variables influenced their use of the project’s advisory publications, leading to varied results and impact. Data collected during the survey covered sources of publications, types preferred and for what reasons, barriers to understanding and using them and the impact of the publications. It was found that respondents preferred extension booklets over other types of publications. The booklets motivated farmers to test new technology and share it with relatives and neighbours. Respondents report that adopting the technologies lead to improved management and yields