THE ROLE OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION WORKERS IN EMPOWERING HORTICULTURAL FARMER GROUPS IN BORDER AREAS INDONESIAN – TIMOR LESTE

Agricultural extension workers have a strategic role in empowering and increasing farmer productivity. The purpose of this study is to find out the role of extension workers in empowering horticultural farmers in border areas. The method used is a mix method with purposive sampling techniques in determining location and survey methods in determining respondents so that a total of 50 respondents are present. The results of the study show that the role of agricultural extension workers is very important and has a positive effect that can have a positive effect on the role of extension workers as an accelerator of change: extension workers can facilitate farmers in the horticultural farming process (significance of 0.924). Extension workers as motivators: providing encouragement and direction to farmers (significance 0.934). Extension workers as facilitators: helping farmers obtain agricultural technology assistance, preparing assistance proposals (significance of 0.733). The role of extension workers as educators: providing technical guidance and training farmers in the process of running farming (significance of 0.947). Extension as a promoter: strengthening farmer institutions, as well as increasing partnerships (specification of 0.724). Extension Workers as Counselors: directing farmers to work together (significance of 0.724).