Strengthening group leadership and farmer independence through optimizing the role of information communication technology (ICT)

The harvest area and rice production have been reduced due to flooding, drought, and pest and disease attacks. This condition has been found to impact the welfare of farmers negatively. Farmer empowerment has been linked to the strategic role of farmer group leadership. The strengthening of group leadership and farmer independence must be supported through the optimization of Information Communication Technology (ICT) use. The objectives of this study were to analyze the influence of ICT roles on group leadership roles, the impact of ICT roles on farmers' independence, and the influence of group leadership roles on farmers' independence. A quantitative method was employed in this study. Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires, while qualitative data were gathered using interview guidelines. The research was conducted in Riau Province at four locations: Dumai City, Bengkalis Regency, Kuantan Singingi Regency, and Indragiri Hilir Regency. The locations were deliberately selected as rice cultivation areas. Respondents were chosen using a stratified random sampling technique, resulting in a sample of 301 individuals. The research period spanned from April to July 2024. The findings revealed that the role of ICT significantly influenced group leadership roles and positively contributed to the level of farmers' independence. Additionally, the critical role of leadership in farmer groups was shown to significantly enhance farmer independence. This study introduces that ICT not only provides access to information but also transforms leadership dynamics within farming communities. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing new empirical evidence on the interconnected roles of ICT, leadership, and farmer independence, particularly in the context of rice farming in Indonesia. The findings suggest that policymakers and agricultural stakeholders should promote ICT-driven leadership development programs as a strategic approach to fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing farmer resilience.