Analysis of Farmer Group Independence Reviewed from the Influence of Alsintan Assistance, Counseling Thought Group Dynamics

Study: Rice Field Farmer Group in Mungkajang District, Palopo City

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of agricultural tools and machinery assistance (alsintan), counseling, and group dynamics on the independence of paddy rice farmer groups in Mungkajang District, Palopo City. The research method used is a quantitative approach with Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis, which is supported by primary data through questionnaires, observations, and interviews with farmer group members. The independent variables in this study consisted of alsintan assistance and counseling, while group dynamics functioned as intervening variables that mediated the influence on group independence. The results of the analysis show that alsintan assistance does not always have a significant impact if it is not supported by good institutions and group management. On the other hand, counseling has been proven to play a significant role in increasing group independence, both directly and through strengthening group dynamics. Group dynamics serve as an important mediating variable that links external interventions to the achievement of independence, especially through leadership factors, cohesion, internal communication, and participatory decision-making. With a statistical T-value greater than the T-table and a P-Value smaller than α (0.05), it can be concluded that counseling and group dynamics have a real and consistent effect on increasing the independence of farmer groups. This research provides practical implications that agricultural development policies should not only focus on providing physical assistance but also strengthen counseling and group institutional capacity as a long-term strategy towards sustainable smallholder independence.