Factors Affecting the Development of Maize (Zea mays L.) Farms in South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

The study investigates the factors and conditions that influence the development of maize farming in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. In this study, simple random sampling was used for 120 maize farmers. Observations, interviews, and questionnaires were utilized as data-gathering methods. AMOS 24 software was used for quantitative analysis through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), while Respondent Achievement Level (TCR) criteria were used for statistically descriptive analysis. The results showed that the higher the farmer's education and farming capital, could improve human resources. In contrast, the lower the farmer's farming experience, could reduce the human resource, and the better the human resources could increase the more effective agricultural extension services will be. The factors that influence the development of maize farming in South Sulawesi are farmer education, farming capital, human resources, farmer experience, and the effectiveness of counselling.