Abstract

Cyber extension is a communication method of agricultural innovation by using new communication media that integrate information and communication technologies (ICTs) in agricultural development. The research was conducted in West Java (the accessibility of cyber extension independently) and East Java (the accessibility of cyber extension dependently), Indonesia, on July 2010 to January 2011. Data used in this study were derived from the 200 respondents that using information technology to support their farming. Quantitative data were analyzed statistically using structural equation modelling. The results indicated that ICT application in cyber extension greatly improve farmers’ accessibility especially to market information. Training and ICT facilities, compatibility and comparative advantage of cyber extension, and the level of farmer’s cosmopolitan were the dominant factors influencing the utilization of cyber extension. Whereas the factors affecting the vegetable farmer empowerment were the level of information technology accessibility, information technology utilization, and information management based on information technology. Two-step-flow communication was the best strategy for cyber extension utilization. 

Key words: Cyber extension, communication networking media, farmer empowerment.