Aquaculture has a critical role in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals of increasing benefits that low-income and least-developed countries derive from marine resources. Its capacity to deliver these outcomes is challenging, particularly for marginalized groups. This is especially true if the introduction of novel technologies is applied with incomplete understanding of socio-economic and bio-physical contexts. We examined what socio-economic factors affect people’s perceptions of adoption of lobster aquaculture in rural households in Indonesia. We used multiple linear regression with model averaging to test the influence of five capital assets (human, social, natural, physical, and financial), including agency, equity, and household sensitivity, on people’s perceived ability to adopt lobster aquaculture. Agency and sensitivity had the greatest influence on the dependent variable. We then used correlation analysis to develop a heuristic model of potential indirect causal mechanisms affecting people’s perceptions of adoption. Our results point to the existence of a ‘sensitivity trap’, where more sensitive or marginalized households are less likely to engage in new economic opportunities. We emphasize the value of multifaceted programs for improving livelihoods, particularly for poorer, more vulnerable households as one way to support the UN’s commitment to using aquaculture as a pathway to achieving sustainable development.

Sesuai amanah Undang-Undang No.16 Tahun 2006 tentang Sistem Penyuluhan Pertanian, Perikanan dan Kehutanan, implementasi penyuluhan mulai memfokuskan pada aspek keberlanjutan yaitu meningkatkan kesadaran dalam pelestarian fungsi lingkungan hidup. Hortikultura berkelanjutan merupakan salah satu inovasi dalam melaksanakan pertanian tanpa merusak lingkungan. Adopsi hortikultura berkelanjutan belum sepenuhnya dilaksanakan oleh petani hortikultura di Provinsi Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta (DIY) meskipun telah dilaksanakan penyuluhan. Penelitian sebelumnya menyebutkan bahwa salah satu faktor yang mempengaruhi suatu adopsi adalah penyuluhan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis efisiensi implementasi penyuluhan hortikultura berkelanjutan di Provinsi DIY. Survey dilakukan pada 350 petani hortikultura di Kabupaten Sleman, Kulonprogo dan Bantul, Provinsi DIY. Hasil survey menunjukkan bahwa efisiensi implementasi penyuluhan di DIY berada dalam kategori tinggi, yaitu: materi penyuluhan, metode penyuluhan dan kompetensi penyuluh pada kategori tinggi, sedangkan keterlibatan petani pada kategori sedang. Materi penyuluhan perlu diperkuat dalam hal penggunaan mulsa dan pemasaran dengan mempertimbangkan aspek kelayakan lingkungan dan ekonomi. Metode penyuluhan ditingkatkan dengan pelatihan (training) dan sekolah lapang. Penyuluh harus berkompetensi mengajak petani agar mengurangi penggunaan bahan kimia dalam memberantas hama dan gulma. Untuk meningkatkan partisipasi petani penyuluh harus meningkatkan frekuensi pertemuan dengan petani.

Applying sustainable horticulture as an innovation in The Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) Indonesia can be a commendable example in agricultural extension education. Previous research has revealed that understanding farmers' perceptions of innovation is essential for appropriate interventions to change their behavior. In DIY, the surveys were conducted in 2016 with 257 males and 93 females of farmers groups member from 21 villages in Sleman, Bantul, and Kulonprogo Regency. The objective of the survey was to determine the effects of farmer's internal factors on the perception of ecological, social economy, and ethical (ESE) urgency as a component of sustainable horticulture practices. The findings from the ecological, social, and ethical dimensions among the farming community in DIY indicated that, directly and indirectly, the farmers can acknowledge and practice sustainable horticulture. However, this was altering several factors, most notably, motivation and the prospect of increased income. The important thing in extension work was motivation, and a major motivating factor was the possibility of increased agricultural income. This study suggests that extension education of achieving horticultural sustainability in DIY should be based on the motivation of farmers and thoughtfulness of their basic needs especially needs to have higher income.

Most entrepreneurs have witnessed their businesses fail during the Covid-19 pandemic, and young farmers are no exception. This study revealed the challenges encountered by young farmers during the pandemic and their efforts to address them. Production, capital, marketing, and their effects on income have emerged as significant challenges for them. The participants were young farmers who received business capital through the Young Agricultural Entrepreneurial Development Program (Penumbuhan Wirausaha Muda Pertanian or PWMP). The data were gathered by census method, and 71 young farmers completed and returned the questionnaire via electronic forms. Data were analyzed using a quantitative description. The results unveiled that young farmers encountered production, capital, and marketing issues. Young farmers combated production problems by improving creativity, cooperation, and management. Forming partnerships, developing innovative products, and seeking bank loans were all viable options for addressing the capital shortage. Additionally, marketing concerns were addressed through online marketing, building partnerships, and expanding networks. Besides capital, young farmers required opportunities, mentors, and a supportive environment to succeed as entrepreneurs. The government should establish policies supporting the efforts of young farmers during the pandemic. Moreover, young farmers necessitated training and infrastructure assistance in online marketing.