A study of farmers' attitudes towards the introduction of selected soil conservation practices in five villages, Khon Kaen Province, Thailand

Abstract

This research study was conducted in five selected villages which are located in three districts of Khon Kaen Province, Northeast Thailand. The chief objective of this study was to identify the attitudes of farmers toward soil conservation practices and selected variables likely to be of significant impact on the attitudes and adoption behaviour of 75 respondents. Three village.groups were recombined in order to be suitable for comparative study relying on topographical patterns and location. The specific soil conservation practices selected for study consisted of maintenance of soil fertility, cover cropping, crop rotation, stubble mulching, contour cultivation, contour banking and strip cropping. These practices have been commonly seen and encouraged by the Thai government. Results of findings were separated into five parts. (1) General background of sample respondents involving selected variables such as age, education, social participation, income, place of birth and so on, were examined in terms of frequency distributions. (2) Investigations were conducted on a comparative basis between village groups using socio-economic and psychological variables as discriminating factors. Social participation, land tenure and geographical patterns were found to be significant variables in distinguishing between these village groups. (3) Factors affecting adoption behaviour were education, exposure to mass media, exposure to channels of information, incomes and attitudes of farmers towards soil conservation practices. (4) The level of living, social participation and adoption behaviour were directly related to farmers' attitudes towards soil conservation practices, and the latter was inversely related to age. Formal education and exposure to mass media were not found to be vital factors in this study affecting farmers' attitudes toward soil conservation practices. (5) Farmers in the study group consistently adopted soil conservation practices in a definite and logical sequence. This knowledge is discussed in the context of a predictive tool available to extension workers to assist in adoption of these practices. The practical significance of adoption behaviour and knowledge of farmers' attitudes towards soil conservation practices is discussed.