Communication Network Structure and Information Flow in Layer Duck Agribusiness: A Social Network Analysis of Farmer Groups in Indonesia

Background The agribusiness sector plays a crucial role in supporting economic development and rural livelihoods in Indonesia. However, the effectiveness of farmer groups, particularly in layer duck agribusiness, is often constrained by limited information flow and weak coordination among members. Methods A quantitative descriptive design was employed, involving all 10 members of the Rambon Sari farmer group in Cirebon Regency through a census method. Data were collected using sociometric questionnaires and analyzed using a Social Network Analysis (SNA) approach with UCINET 6 to measure degree, closeness, betweenness centrality, and network structure. Results The results reveal that the communication network exhibits low connectivity, with an average degree centrality of 1–2, indicating limited direct communication ties among members. High closeness centrality values suggest low efficiency in information access across the network. The leader of the group could be a mediator between the group and sources of information from outside the group to obtain information on cultivation, institutional, and capital. The network is highly centralized, with key actors such as the group leader and administrators dominating information flows. Additionally, members show significant reliance on external sources for critical information, particularly regarding livestock health and marketing. Conclusions These findings indicate that the group has not yet functioned effectively as a coordinated communication system. This condition reflects that the group is not yet functioning optimally as an effective communication system supporting the exchange of agribusiness information.