Development of Digital Learning Application to Support Smallholder Dairy Farmers in Indonesia

Abstract

The Indonesian government has facilitated farmers through the role of agricultural extensionists (AE). One of the agricultural businesses that have a high interaction with AE is dairy farmers. AE have the responsibility to connect regularly with dairy farmers. However, since the Covid-19 pandemic, AE have limitations in coordinating with farmers directly. Therefore, a strategy is needed to overcome so farmers can continue to receive counselling and AE can still carry out their duties. In addition, several routine training activities carried out to improve the ability of farmers in practical management have also been delayed. The study aimed to develop an online application in collaboration with the triple helix concept through the interaction of multiple sectors from government, education, and business. The study used the collaboration between farmers and cooperatives as partners who cooperate with government agencies through agricultural extensionists and knowledge institutions to share information related to livestock business development. The application was built using the Extreeme Programming (XP) methodology. The research was held by conducting independent interviews with relevant stakeholders such as dairy farmers, cooperative boards, AE, the Ministry of Agriculture, and academicians. The study facilitated dairy farmers and AE to interact online with specific features and discussions about dairy farming. Moreover, educators such as livestock teachers, lecturers, and trainers can also take advantage of this digital application, especially the updated information related to livestock farming practices.