Determinants of Cayenne Pepper Production, Farm Income, and Extension Service Effectiveness in Mimika Regency

Purpose: This study analyzes production factors, farmer income, and the effect of agricultural extension services on cayenne pepper cultivation in Muare Village, Mimika Regency, where local production potential remains constrained by dependence on external supplies. Research Methodology: A census method was applied to 48 cayenne pepper farmers in Muare Village. Three analytical approaches were used, including Cobb–Douglas production function with robust standard errors, farm income analysis (TR−TC), and simple linear regression to assess agricultural extension effects on farmer interest. Classical assumption tests included normality and multicollinearity assessments. Results: The Cobb–Douglas model was significant (F=20.11; p=0.000; R²=0.6569). Seeds (β=1.1927; p=0.037) and capital (β=2.0968; p=0.004) positively affected production, while fertilizer showed a negative significant effect (β=−0.8136; p=0.025). Other production factors were insignificant. The Return to Scale value of 3.50 indicated increasing returns. Farmers achieved average revenue of IDR 103 million, costs of IDR 41.1 million, and net income of IDR 63.5 million per season. Agricultural extension services significantly influenced farmer interest (β=1.0191; p=0.000; R²=0.8233). Conclusions: Cayenne pepper farming is economically viable and can be expanded through optimized input management and strengthened extension services. Seeds, capital, and extension programs are key drivers of productivity and farmer participation. Limitations: The study was limited to one village, used cross-sectional data, and did not examine marketing and post-harvest aspects. Contributions: This study provides integrated evidence from Cobb–Douglas analysis, income assessment, and extension evaluation to support horticultural development policies in Mimika Regency.