Author : Saloko Mohammad Syawal

Summary : The study sought to determine some socioeconomic characteristics of the farmer-cooperators and their households; to find out if extension contact complements the effect of formal schooling in increasing rice production efficiency, net farm earnings, and total income; and estimate the marginal contribution of formal schooling and extension participation of farm households to rice production, net farm earnings, and total income functions. The data for this study were collected through personal interviews with 83 rice farmers cooperators of the BIMAS program (mass guidance for rice production in Indonesia) in four desas in kabupaten Maros and Pangkep, South Sulawesi province, Indonesia. Findings revealed that the farmers had an average age of 41 years, farming experience of 22 years, and average schooling of 6 years. The cultivated land averaged 1.09 hectares. The average number of household members was 5, household schooling and extension (weighhted) was 6.38 years, and the weighted mean for household extension contact was 2.58 times per year. The marginal land and capital distributions indicated positive significant effects in increasing rice production. The dummy variable wet season in the production, net farm earnings and total income functions exhibited a positive effect. The dummy variable for the kabupaten location in the production, net farm earning, and total income functions showed decreased production, earnings, and total income in Maros. Land size and fixed capital were significantly and positively related to increased rice production and income. The schooling of households and extension contacts had a positive effect on total income. The operators' age was positively related to increased net farm earnings but not to the total income. The marginal contribution of extension increased the total income, but schooling only partially contributed to increased total income. Schooling and extension only partially complemented each other in increasing rice production, net farm earnings.