Strategy for Implementation of Extension Methods and Agricultural Extension Materials on the New Normal Era in Serang Regency, Banten Province

Urban Farm DB summary

This study examined strategies for implementing agricultural extension methods and materials suited to the "new normal era" during the COVID-19 pandemic in Serang Regency, Banten Province, Indonesia. It used a mixed method combining descriptive-exploratory analysis with the Analytical Hierarchy Process, involving 37 participants in Serang Regency. The analysis found technical aspects to be the top priority criterion, with material indicators ranked as the top priority and extension method indicators second. For the on-farm segment, suitable materials included cultivation techniques for food crops, ornamental plants, fruit plants, biopharmaceuticals, post-harvest handling, fish and livestock rearing, and use of yards and rice fields, with a strategy of continuing face-to-face methods — lectures, discussions, practice, technical guidance, field schools, pilot plots and field trips — under health protocols, alongside distributing learning videos, e-modules and e-leaflets via social media or virtual learning. For the off-farm segment, suitable materials included online product marketing, information technology use, entrepreneurship, farm business analysis, marketing and partnership growth, group planning and health protocol materials, with a strategy centered on virtual extension methods, some combined with face-to-face approaches.