The Role of Actors in Determining Pattern of Communication Network of Eucalyptus Oil Processor Farmers (Case Study in Waisala District, West Seram Regency, Maluku Province)

Abstract

Worldwide demand for the production of eucalyptus oil is very high. The problem is that eucalyptus oil processor farmers still find difficulty in accessing information and technology to improve quantity and quality of their production. Innovation diffusion is an important process which must be introduced in communication network of eucalyptus oil processor farmers because this process provides them with valuable information. The objective of this case study is to explain the role of relevant actors in determining the pattern of communication network where eucalyptus oil processor farmers do information exchange in their social system. Result shows that the pattern of communication network in this study is open or radial. Eucalyptus oil processor farmers do mostly making a relationship with La Nyong and La Icu because these two persons are considered by them as opinion leader, bridge, and gatekeeper, especially during information exchange process about eucalyptus oil. Both persons are giving more contribution than other colleague farmers. However, it signifies a fact that the communication of eucalyptus oil processor farmers is very low which at least information is not distributed evenly through communication network. The current study brings an implication that the communication network of eucalyptus oil processor farmers shall need the presence of actor with role of opinion leader who is skilled in developing a participative and dialogic communication with stakeholders through forms of education, training and extension to ensure that information will be distributed effectively at farmer level where farmers could receive benefits.