Analysis of Vegetable Farmers’Behavior in the Application of Pesticides in Leafy Vegetable Cultivation (Case in Subdistrict East Sepatan, Tangerang Regency)

This study aims to describe the characteristics of leafy vegetable farmers and determine the dominant factors that influence farmer behavior in the use of pesticides in vegetable farming. The study was conducted in Sepatan District, Tangerang Regency, Banten with 85 randomly selected vegetable farmers as respondents. Data collection through questionnaires and interviews and direct observation at the research location. The results showed that most (85.7%) respondents had low to moderate levels of behavior, and 14.3% of respondents had high levels of behavior. Access to information for each respondent had a Loading Factor of 0.56 and 0.48 or 56% and 48%. While market support was dominated by market networks and prevailing prices with Loading Factors of 0.76 and 0.75, respectively. Farmer behavior in the use of pesticides was influenced by respondent characteristics and market support with an R value of 0.58 or 58% while the rest was influenced by other factors. Farmer behavior in the use of pesticides was determined by the level of knowledge, attitude and skills, with each factor value of 0.60; 0.52 and 0.62.