The Role of Agricultural Extension Workers in Strengthening the Sustainability of Sustainable Food Agricultural Areas in Abung Timur District, North Lampung Regency

Agricultural land conversion and the low implementation of sustainable farming practices remain major challenges in maintaining food security and rural development in Indonesia. In the context of Sustainable Food Agricultural Areas (KP2B), agricultural extension workers play an important role in guiding farmers’ behavior, improving farming skills, and encouraging the use of technology according to farmers’ needs. This study aims to analyze the role of agricultural extension workers in supporting KP2B sustainability in Abung Timur District, North Lampung Regency. This research used a quantitative descriptive survey approach. The study was conducted in Sidomukti Village and Bumi Jaya Village from September to October 2025. The study selected 75 rice farmers as respondents using simple random sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and field observations, then analyzed using descriptive statistics with a Likert scale. The results showed that the role of agricultural extension workers was categorized as moderate, as reported by 64.00% of respondents. KP2B sustainability was generally categorized as moderately sustainable, including the socio-cultural aspect at 49.33%, economic aspect at 89.33%, ecological aspect at 50.67%, and technological aspect at 92.00%. However, the institutional and legal aspect was categorized as less sustainable, with 65.33% of respondents in this category. These findings indicate that agricultural extension workers improve farmers’ knowledge, encourage technology adoption, and strengthen farmers’ awareness of maintaining paddy fields. Therefore, stronger extension services, policy socialization, and institutional support are needed to strengthen KP2B protection and sustainable food security. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 2 (Zero Hunger – Sustainable food production systems and resilient agricultural practicesSDG 6: Clean Water and SanitationSDG 11: Sustainable Cities and CommunitiesSDG 15: Life on LandSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals