PARTICIPATORY COMMUNICATION VARIATION, ITS IMPACT AND DEVELOPMENT THRESHOLD: Dealing with Geographical Disparities at Three Agricultural Technology Parks, Indonesia

Abstract

Although participatory development communication (PDC) is still young, its variations in some countries have been emerging to a dynamic field nurtured by many disciplines. At the same time, PDC practices for sustaining the agricultural sector in different geographics require development thresholds as psychological and sociological necessity. Consequently, the implementation of agricultural innovations in Indonesia often leads to variations in the participation practice in several Agricultural Technology Parks (ATP) that need specific treatment. This study aims to analyse the comparison of variables in each location of ATP Bogor, Lamongan, and Garut. To determine relevant strategies to achieve optimal results or goal(s). This research design was a cross-sectional survey, the data collected through a questionnaire involving 218 relevant respondents. The method used in this research is the T-test method, Kruskal-Wallis Test then continued with the Dunn (Post Hoc) Test. This study results in a P-Value shows each variable <0.05. This indicates there are distinction of each quantity. Hence, it can be stated that there is a significant difference in the concentration of the three ATPs: Bogor, Lamongan, and Garut. As a result, different communication strategies are needed in handling variations in participation. Thus, different locations (geographical side) affect the difference in the level of PDC as well as affect the level of social entrepreneurship spirit that has an impact on the level of welfare of ATP farmers.